ApologetiX is a Christian parody band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band was founded in 1992, and since then, has played in all 50 states, released 19 studio albums, and built up a fan club that includes over 65,000 people. The band is currently composed of J. Jackson on vocals, Keith Haynie on bass guitar, Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner on drums, Bill Hubauer and Todd Waites on keyboard, and Tom Milnes and Tom Tincha (a.k.a. "TNT"), both on lead guitar.
ApologetiX gets their name from the word "apologetics"--the use of reason to defend a position, often, and in this circumstance, used to denote a defense of the Christian faith. It is based on the Greek word for defense, ἀπολογία (apologia). The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (defense or "apologia") to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV). Their logo, a triquetra, is an ancient symbol which has gained Christian use for the Holy Trinity.
History edit:
ApologetiX has had six official drummers. Jeff Pakula (June 1990-September 1993), Rick Servocky (November 1993-April 1995), Bob Flaherty (May 1995-September 1998), Fred Behanna (February 1999-January 2001), Bill "Moose" Rieger (March 2001-January 2005) and Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner (October 2005-Current).
ApologetiX has had multiple other drummers as well. Their longtime fill-in drummer, Keith Harrold (played on Isn't Wasn't Ain't and Keep The Change), David McKee (played on Jesus Christ Morningstar as well as two concerts in 1998), and Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz (drummer for "Weird Al" Yankovic), who played 7 tracks on Biblical Graffiti. Ron Zanski (two shows in 1993) and Allen Muckle (three shows in 2001) have also played with the band.
According to the band's website, Weird Al himself has told them he thinks they do "fabulous work."
Musical style and lyrical themes edit:
ApologetiX rewrites secular songs with Christian lyrics to create parodies with Christian messages, and, in the song "We're In A Parody Band," ApologetiX refers to itself as a cross between "Weird Al" Yankovic and Billy Graham.
The band's lyrical content is derived solely from Biblical passages and practices, frequently in a tongue-in-cheek manner. It is also noteworthy that lyrics are often embedded with Scripture addresses for further exploration of the song's content.
Some of their parodies include:
Song
Parody Of
Original Artist
"Lazy Brain"
Crazy Train
Ozzy Osbourne
"Don't Be Fooled"
Don't Be Cruel
Elvis Presley
"Hotel Can't Afford Ya"
Hotel California
Eagles (band)
"Christmasnite"
Kryptonite (song)
3 Doors Down
"Enter Samson"
Enter Sandman
Metallica
"The Real Sin Savior"
The Real Slim Shady
Eminem
"Smells Like Thirtysomething Spirit"
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana (band)
"Bethlehemian Rhapsody"
Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen (band)
Band members edit:
Current
J. Jackson - Vocals, lyricist (1992-present),
Keith Haynie - Bass guitar (1995-present),
Bill Hubauer - Keyboardist, producer (1998-present),
Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner - Drums (2005-present),
Tom Milnes - Lead guitarist (2008-present),
Tom Tincha - Lead guitarist (2008-present),
Todd Waites - Keyboardist (2011-present),
Former
Karl Messner - Lead guitarist (1990-2007),
Andy Sparks - Rhythm guitarist, Bass (1991-1995),
Jerry Hayostek - Bass guitar (1992-1993),
B.J. Collins - Keyboardist, producer (1997-1998),
Jeff Pakula - Drums (1990-1993),
Rick Servocky - Drums (1993-1995),
Bob Flaherty - Drums (1995-1998),
Fred Behanna - Drums (1999-2001),
David McKee - Drums (2001),
Bill "Moose" Rieger - Drums (2001-2005),
Session
Steve Kayner - Bass (1993),
Keith Harrold - Drums (1993-2000),
Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz - Drums (1999)
