Gym Class Heroes

Gym Class Heroes (formed 1997)

Gym Class Heroes are an American hip-hop band that gained in popularity with the release of their album As Cruel As Schoolchildren.

Gym Class Heroes: Formation

Gym Class Heroes chose their name because Matt McGinley (drums) and Travis 'Shleprock' McCoy (MC) became friends during P.E. classes at high school in New York.

The band formed in 1997, playing at birthday parties and clubs. This eventually led to their inclusion on the Vans Warped Tour, in 2003 and 2004. Shortly before their ascent to fame, two of the original band members left Gym Class Heroes. Guitarist Milo Bonacci was replaced with Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and Ryan Geise was replaced by Eric Roberts.

Gym Class Heroes: Growing Success

Gym Class Heroes slowly built an online fan base, with the help of websites such as Onloq.com, which featured video diaries and tour blogs by the band.

The band eventually signed to Decaydance Records, owned by Pete Wentz, of Fall Out Boy and were again featured on the Vans Warped Tours of 2005 and 2006. In 2007, Gym Class Heroes opened for Gwen Stefani on her The Sweet Escape Tour.

Gym Class Heroes: Albums & Key Moments

The band's first three albums were entitled Hed Candy (1999), Greasy Kid Stuff (2000) and .For The Kids (2001). All three albums were released independently.

Gym Class Heroes' first album on Decaydance was 2005's The Papercut Chronicles. The real breakthrough, however, came with the release of As Cruel As Schoolchildren, in 2006. The album was certified gold, having sold over 470,000 copies.

In 2008, the band worked with Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland on her single 'Daylight', as featured on her album Ms. Kelly.

The band have also contributed two songs to the film Snakes On A Plane: 'Bring It (Snakes On A Plane)' and 'New Friend Request (Hi-Tek Remix)'.

Gym Class Heroes: Other Notable Appearances

Gym Class Heroes' song 'It's OK But Just This Once' was featured in an episode of the TV series Entourage. The episode was entitled 'The Prince's Bride'.

The band covered The Artic Monkeys' 'Leave Before The Lights Come On' for BBC Radio 1's 'Live Lounge' show.

Gym Class Heroes' music is featured on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008 EA Sports game.