Long Shot Hero
Long Shot Hero was a band from West Chester, PA. They were known mostly throughout the small town of West Chester and surrounding areas of Eastern Pennsylvania, but did achieve some success that pushed them towards the mainstream punk rock music Scene.
There was somewhat of an anti-mainstream undertone to their live shows, which combined with the comic spotaneity and outspoken opinions of their lead singer, Christopher Irons, had attracted both punk fans and ska elitists alike. They were the subject of some very mild controversy, notably tiny scuffles with emo/screamo/indie bands that had been gaining popularity amongst teenyboppers while on the road. They were known by their unofficial credo/motto, "Be the music, not the scene.", which graced the front of Shaun's amplifier and appears on their merchandise. They were also known for their hard work ethic, and surviving without the assistance of a real label.
They were known for live shows that "crossed the line" occasionally, drawing a heavily opinionated crowd response (both good and bad), drinking, and partying.
They appeared at Ska Weekend 2006, alongside Catch 22 and Big D and the Kids Table.
They played the RiverFusion Festival 2006, alongside Hellogoodbye.
In late July 2006 the band announced their break-up, but planned to play a final show at the Scranton, PA stop of the Warped Tour. On August 1, the show was officially cancelled.
On the 25th of June 2007, Long Shot Hero got one last breath of exposure. All We Want To Be was played on AlterNation on NE1 FM.
Where Are They Now?
Chris Irons joined a new band, Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause, with former members of other Philadelphia area punk/ska acts.
Joel Frederick is attending Full Sail Real World Education in Orlando, FL for Show Production and Touring.
Kaity Jaber graduated with a Bachelors' Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University in May 2007, and now teaching at a Preschool right outside West Chester!
Kate Campbell is starting her senior year at West Chester University as a Liberal Studies major and plays trumpet for New Jersey ska-punk band Legitimate Business.
Brian Chapman is working as a consultant for an IT firm.
Shaun Canard is currently playing bass for Popular'.
Anthony Hurrell is moving to Boston, MA to start a band with former Mighty Apollo bandmate Tom Driskell and pursuing a career in craft beer brewing.
Brian Hecker graduated with a Bachelors' Degree in Environmental Engineering from Pittsburgh University and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA with his girlfriend.
Jesse Schane is teaching taekwon-do, and represented the United States as a member of Team USA in London, England at the 2007 International Taekwon-do Federation World Cup.
Douglas "Doug Life" Moore returned to Western Pennsylvania and is finishing the debut album for his band, Cooper High. He also is returning to ska punk by fronting new band The Quarterback Club.
Ryan Dorn and Matthew Fonda's whereabouts are currently unknown.
Headlining Tours
- "Ska Checks and Broken Necks" 2004 US Tour
- "Our Nation, Urination" / "Regrets No More" 2005 US Tour
- "[...] the Winter" 2005-2006 US Tour
Discography
- Funsized (2003) - Demo
- Old Enough To Know Better (2004) - 5 Song EP
- Regrets No More (2005) - 10 Song LP
Former members
- Jesse Schane - Bass (1999-2003)
- Ryan Dorn - Vocals (1999-2002 as "Without Question")
- Matthew Fonda - Guitar (?-2001)
- Douglas "Doug Life" Moore - Guitar (2003-2005)
- Brian Hecker - Trombone (2000-2003)
- Kate "$hady" Campbell - Trombone/Trumpet (2003-2005)