Ben Folds Five

Formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Folds Five (who were actually a trio, despite the name) achieved success in the alternative, indie and pop music scenes during the late 90s.

Featuring a piano-driven sound that excluded guitars completely, the group released their excellent self-titled debut album in July 1995. The album received glowing reviews, and spawned five singles, including Jackson Cannery and Philosophy.

Their biggest hit was the single Brick from their second album, Whatever and Ever Amen (1997).

Following the band’s breakup in 2001, Ben Folds went on to a successful solo career, releasing his debut album Rockin’ the Suburbs in 2001, followed by Songs for Silverman in 2005, Way to Normal in 2008, and Lonely Avenue (in collaboration with novelist Nick Hornby) in 2010.

Folds produced and arranged actor William Shatner’s second album Has Been, co-writing the majority of the songs with Shatner.

Drummer Darren Jessee formed the indie band Hotel Lights in 2004, releasing three studio albums – Hotel Lights (2006), Firecracker People (2008), and Girl Graffiti (2011).

Bassist Robert Sledge played with International Orange until the group disbanded in 2005. He later became the bass player in the three-piece Chapel Hill band Surrender Human, with Matt McMichaels from the Mayflies USA.

The group have reunited sporadically for live work and recording projects.

Ben Folds
Vocals, piano
Robert Sledge
Bass, vocals
Darren Jessee
Drums, vocals