In the history of Milwaukee bands that broke into the mainstream—albeit briefly—no group leaves a stranger mark than The Frogs. Brothers Jimmy and Dennis Flemion formed the aggressively lo-fi and aggressively subversive alt-rock band in 1980. Years of local shows, years of local acclaim, and years of elaborate winged-and-wigged costumes followed. The Frogs’ proper recording career began in 1988 with a self-titled album, and it wasn’t long after that they caught the attention and adoration of ’90s icons like Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Billy Corgan, and Beck. (The “That was a good drum break” sample in Beck’s “Where It’s At” is The Frogs.) Years of national shows, years of national attention, and more winged-and-wigged costumes followed.
And oh yeah: While the “You couldn’t get away with that today” cliche is pretty tired, The Frogs, who were two straight white guys who wrote goofy and explicit pop songs about race, homosexuality, and other hot-button topics, absolutely couldn’t get away with that today.
Or could they? Find out for yourself on Friday, March 24, when The Frogs’ Jimmy Flemion plays his first hometown show in 17 years at Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade. (Dennis Flemion died in 2012.) The show—presented by Chicago’s Riot Fest—will feature support from local electro duo The Quilz. Tickets are $20 in advance and at the door. And yes, the ticketing page warns that “this performance is recommended for mature audiences.”
The X-Ray gig will be immediately followed by a Chicago show, March 25 at the Cobra Lounge.
Happy 2 announce 2 new shows in March
Returning 2 Milwaukee 4 my 1st show in
17 years & 1st show in 15 years
As always thanx 4 your support aftrr all these years!!!
Love,
Jimmy— Jimmy Flemion (@JimmyFlemion) February 1, 2023
Exclusive articles, podcasts, and more. Support Milwaukee Record on Patreon.
RELATED ARTICLES
• My first (I think) and last (for now) Milwaukee shows