The Casualties are an American punk rock band from New York City, founded by vocalist Jorge Herrera, Hank Fischer (guitar), Colin Wolf (vocals), Mark Yoshitomi (bass) and Yureesh Hooker (drums) in 1990. In July 2017, it was announced on the band's Facebook page that original frontman Jorge Herrera had officially retired from touring. As of 2022, the band consists of members Jake Kolatis (guitarist), Marc Meggers (drums), Doug Wellmon (bass), and David Rodriguez (vocals).

History

Early years (1990–1998)

The Casualties were formed in 1990, with original members Jorge Herrera (vocals), Hank (guitar), Colin Wolf (vocals), Mark Yoshitomi (bass) and Yureesh Hooker (drums). The members aimed to return to what they viewed as the "golden era" of street punk, embodied by bands such as The Exploited and Charged GBH, which they believed had disappeared by 1985. Soon more changes were in the works, with new guitarist Fred heading off to school. C Squat's Scott temporarily filled Fred's shoes until he returned a short time later. During this period, guitarist Hank filled in for a couple of shows, and Steve Distraught also played briefly with the group on second guitar.

The Casualties stabilized long enough to record their first demo in the fall of 1991, and the “40 Oz Casualty” EP in the spring of 1992, and was building up a fan base in their hometown of New York City. At the end of 1992, Mark and Fred left the band and were replaced by Mike Roberts on bass and Jake Kolatis on the guitar, followed by the departure of Yureesh and Colin in 1994, to be replaced on drums by Shawn, while the band went down to a single vocalist. They released their second LP that year, Underground Army, and began a world tour. Jon left the band during the European leg of the tour, to be temporarily replaced by Dave Punk Core.

Later years (1998–2017)

thumb|The Casualties in 2006

After the world tour, Dave would be replaced by Rick Lopez from the band Manix. The line-up was now solidified for the band. The end of the millennium, 1999, saw the band produce a compilation album, Early Years 1990–1995, which included tracks which appeared on earlier EPs, as well as never before released songs, such as the four songs they had recorded on the never released EP Drinking Is Our Way of Life back in 1994. In 2013, The Casualties played at the largest punk rock festival in the world, the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, England, where they shared the stage with The Exploited, Special Duties, Chron Gen and Anti-Establishment, and others. that he would be taking a "-needed break" and starting a new life, without giving further details about his departure from the band. The Casualties' official account, when consulted by Rick, only limited itself to saying that he was no longer a member of the band. Neither party provided details of his departure but they continue to interact on social media.

On December 1, 2025, the band announced their official signing to Hellcat Records, and a new album to be released in 2026. The new album Detonate released on March 27, 2026, their first album is just over 8 years.

Members

Current

  • Jake Kolatis – guitar (1993–present)
  • Marc "Meggers" Eggers – drums (1995–present)
  • David Rodriguez – lead vocals (2017–present)
  • Doug Wellmon - bass (2022-present)

Former

  • Jorge Herrera – lead vocals (1990–2017)
  • Colin Wolf – vocals (1990–1994)
  • Hank Fischer – guitar (1990–1991)
  • Mark Yoshitomi – bass (1990–1993) guest appearance in 2016
  • Yureesh Hooker – drums (1990–1994)
  • Fred Backus – guitar (1991–1993)
  • Mike Roberts – bass (1993–1997)
  • Shawn – drums (1994–1995)
  • Johnny Rosado – bass (1997–1998)
  • Rick Lopez – bass (1998–2022)

Timeline

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Discography

Studio albums

  • 1997: For the Punx
  • 1998: Underground Army
  • 2000: Stay Out of Order
  • 2001: Die Hards
  • 2004: On the Front Line
  • 2005: En la Línea del Frente
  • 2006: Under Attack
  • 2009: We Are All We Have
  • 2012: Resistance
  • 2016: Chaos Sound
  • 2018: Written in Blood
  • 2026: Detonate

Compilation albums

  • 2001: The Early Years: 1990–1995
  • 2010: For the Casualties Army

Live albums

  • 1999: Live at the Fireside Bowl
  • 2003: More at the Fireside Bowl
  • 2007: Made in NYC

Extended plays

  • 1992: 40 Oz. Casualty
  • 1995: A Fuckin' Way of Life
  • 2000: Who's in Control?

Appearances on various artists compilations

  • 1991: Benefit for Beer – "Political Sin"
  • 1994 Pogo Attack LP – "25 Years To Late" – "For The Punx"
  • 1998: Punx Unite – "Punx Unite"
  • 2000: Punx Unite 2 – "Way of Life"
  • 2001 Warped Tour 2001 – "Fight For Your Life"
  • 2002 Warped Tour 2002 – "Nightmare"
  • 2003 The Sound of Rebellion – "Killing Machine" – "Politicians" – "No Rules"
  • 2003: Warped Tour 2003 – "Made in N.Y.C."
  • 2004: AMP Magazine Presents: Street Punk, Vol. 2 – "Sounds From the Streets"
  • 2004: Warped Tour 2004 – "Tomorrow Belongs To Us"
  • 2005: Punx Unite-Leaders of Today – "Rebel"
  • 2006: Warped Tour 2006 – "Under Attack"
  • 2007: Warped Tour 2007 – "In It For Life"
  • 2007: Take Action Tour 2007 – "VIP"
  • 2010: Warped Tour 2010 – "We Are All We Have"

Music videos

  • 1998: Live at NewCastle Riverside
  • 1998: Underground Army World Tour
  • 2000: Nightmare
  • 2001: Get Off My Back
  • 2004: Tomorrow Belongs to Us
  • 2006: Can't Stop Us
  • 2006: On City Streets
  • 2009: War Is Business
  • 2009: We Are All We Have
  • 2013: My Blood. My Life. Always Forward.
  • 2015: Corazones Intoxicados
  • 2016: Chaos Sound
  • 2016: Running Through the Night
  • 2017: Brothers and Sisters
  • 2018: 1312
  • 2019: Ya Basta
  • 2019: Borders
  • 2019: Fucking Hate You
  • 2020: So Much Hate
  • 2021: Demolition

References

  • The Casualties (@thecasualties_official) • Instagram photos and videos
  • Burning Stars Interview with Jake – 2006