Fifteen (band) - History

History

Fifteen formed in 1991 following the demise of Ott's previous band, Crimpshrine. Their early releases were similar in style to Crimpshrine, though with classic rock and pop influences which became more prominent as the band aged. Ott also began to use a more traditional singing voice in addition to the throaty growl for which he'd become known in Crimpshrine.

The band broke up for the first time in 1996, following the release of Extra-Medium Kickball All-Star. Their last show was memorialized on the live record Allegra. Ott claimed that playing in a touring rock band was inconsistent with the hardline environmentalist stance he'd taken in Fifteen's lyrics. He began performing as an acoustic solo artist and released the split album Epithysial Union with Amanda Ketchum.

Fifteen reformed in late 1998 with Ott and several members of the original line-up. In 1999 they released Lucky on Subcity Records and participated in that label's first Take Action Tour. The album featured electric versions of many of the songs on Ott's acoustic album and was a stylistic departure from the rough-edged pop-punk of Fifteen's earlier work. This line-up dissolved following the departure of bassist Scott Pierce.

A new line-up existed briefly, recording the Hush EP and the album Survivor, but this version of Fifteen did not tour. Fifteen broke up again in 2000. Jeff Ott claimed on the skatedork.org website that the anti-commercial DIY ethics of punk rock made it too expensive for him to have a band while raising a family.

Ott returned to his solo career for several years, releasing another record, Will Work for Diapers. In 2007 he abandoned his solo career as well, saying simply that he was busy with school. In December 2011, Fifteen reunited to play two Bay Area benefit shows.