MU330 is an American ska punk band from St. Louis, Missouri. Formed by students of St. Louis University High School in 1988, MU330 played a self-described brand of music called "psycho ska", high energy ska punk marked by manic performances and humorous, often strange lyricism.
Since 1997, the band's musical direction has changed towards a more melodic and lyric-driven ska / indie rock sound, a combination that has been described as "Weezer meets The Specials".- This style was noted in a 2022 review.
Dan Potthast (guitar/vocals), Ted Moll (drums), Chris Diebold (bass guitar), and Robert Bell (trombone) have remained with MU330 since the band's inception, and the trombonist Gerry Lundquist has been a member for over two decades. There have been several different frontmen in the past, but Potthast has always been the band's principal songwriter and lyricist.
Biography The original members met in St. Louis University High School music class 330, hence the band's name. They learned to play instruments and practiced in the basement of Moll's grandmothers home, and started to get gigs at schools in St. Louis. Their musical style was later influenced by the Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, the Toasters, and Special Beat.
Potthast has released solo work and has also started a second band, The Stitch Up, with former Slow Gherkin frontman James Rickman. He also formed a ska/rocksteady group called Dan P and the Bricks with former the MU330 saxophonist, Matt Knobbe.
In 2018, Potthast was part of Jeff Rosenstock's touring band. Moll, the drummer, has a side project band called Bagheera. Most members of MU330 have performed with Mike Park's the Bruce Lee Band throughout the band's history. Potthast played live with the Bruce Lee Band, for example, in 2024. MU330 continues to perform live sporadically across the United States.
Band members
Press (up to 1994) John Kavanaugh – vocals, trumpet Dan Potthast – vocals, guitar Ted Moll – drums, vocals Chris Diebold – bass guitar Robert Bell – trombone Matt Knobbe – tenor saxophone
Chumps on Parade (1995–1997) Jason Nelson – vocals Dan Potthast – vocals, guitar Ted Moll – drums, vocals Chris Diebold – bass guitar Rob Bell – trombone Traygen Bilsland – saxophone Nick Baur – trumpet
1997–present Dan Potthast – vocals, guitar Ted Moll – drums, vocals Chris Diebold – bass guitar Robert Bell – trombone Gerry Lundquist – trombone
Discography Albums Year Title Label1991Salamander StewSelf-released1994Moon Ska Records / Asian Man Records1996Chumps on ParadeDill Records / Asian Man Records1997Crab RangoonAsian Man Records1999Asian Man Records1999Asian Man Records2002Asian Man Records
Live albums Year Title Label2001Asian Man Records
Compilations Year Title Label Notes1998Best of MU330California RollJapan-only compilation with four unreleased songs
Singles, demos, and non-album tracks Year Title Label Formats Notes/Track(s)1991Salamander StewSelf-releasedCassetteDemo recorded and mixed at Profound Sound1996"Jason" b/w "Now" 7″Moon Ska Records"Jason", "Now"1997MU330 / Blue Meanies Split 7″Asian Man Records"Vacation" (Caffey, Valentine, Wiedlin)1998Time Bomb EP 7″H.Y.R."Hoosier Love", "LA", "Ireland"Split with Punishment Park. Released only in Norway.2000DoppelPack (film soundtrack)"Better than Pork" (Potthast), "Fat and Married"2000Metalliska: A Ska Tribute to 80's MetalToo Hep"Motorbreath" (Hetfield)2007Ska Is Dead Compilation CDAsian Man Records"Please Don't Run" 2017 Asian Man Records Digital "Don't Worry Don't Stress"
References
External links () Dan Potthast's official website ()