Pepper began when singer/guitarist Kaleo Wassman joined forces with bassist/singer Bret Bollinger began working together in 1996. After going through a number of drummers in the '90s, Pepper decided that Yesod Williams was the best man for the job. With the trio in place, Pepper left Hawaii for Los Angeles and went on to open shows by Burning Spear, Shaggy, and other major reggae artists. Pepper first entered the studio in 1997 & recorded a seven-song demo.
In 1999 after gathering a local following on the Big Island, Pepper gained the interest of an independent, L.A.-based record company, Volcom Entertainment. Volcom produced and distributed the band's first release, Give'n It, which combined dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, and pop genres. With the success of Give'N It, the band landed a spot on the 2001 Warped Tour.
After extensive touring, Pepper took to the studio with Steve Kravac (Less Than Jake, MXPX) to record their second album entitled "Kona Town", released in March of 2002. With Kona Town, Pepper's sound continued to evolve, adding elements of an "island sound". The track "Give It Up" was released as a single.
Pepper continued to tour throughout 2003 and into 2004, including dates with 311 and Snoop Dogg, along with appearances at the annual Bob Marley Birthday celebration, San Diego's Festival "Street Scene", and a U.S. tour with Slightly Stoopid.
In March of 2004 Pepper released "In With The Old", debuting at #35 on the Billboard Heat Seekers and #18 on the independent albums chart. The album was recorded at 311's completely analog Hive studios by legendary board master Ron St. Germain (Bad Brains, Living Colour, 311, Tool, Sonic Youth, Sound Garden), the album showcases a broader range of influences shared by the trio.
Beginning on July 20, 2006, Pepper supported 311 along with The Wailers on their U.S. tour. In August 2006, Jagermeister announced that Pepper & Slightly Stoopid would headline the annual Jagermeister Musictour through December 2006.
The band released their fourth album (and major label debut) entitled "No Shame" on October 3, 2006. It features production from Nick Hexum of 311, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, and Sublime producer/ Butthole Surfers member Paul Leary. A music video was shot for the single "No Control".
On March 20, 2007, Pepper released "To Da Max", their first compilation CD containing rare and B-side tracks.
Pepper appeared on all dates of the 2007 Warped Tour.
Pepper toured with The Expendables and Passafire, on their "That's Where I Wanna Be..." 42 stop tour from October to December of 2007.
Pepper will be releasing a new album in July 2008, entitled Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations on their own label, Law Records.[citation needed]
The band toured across the United States in 2008 from April through May with the Red Eye Empire and Iration. A European tour in support of Flogging Molly followed, including shows in Germany, Sweden, France and more.
Pepper will be touring the US from August 1, 2008 to September 6, 2008 on the Tailgate 2008 Summer Tour. The band is touring with Slightly Stoopid and Sly & Robbie
Band Members
Kaleo Wassman - Guitars, Vocals Bret Bollinger - Bass, Vocals Yesod Williams - Drums
Website
www.pepperlive.com
