The Tunnel Rats were formed in 1993 by Duke Crevanator and B-Face (of the Queers/Groovie Ghoulies and the Real Kids).The original line-up quickly ran roughshod of the New England "scene" and were banned from every venue they played.
The grouping of Bernie, Captain Leech, Duke and B-Face quickly became the most hated and feared band in New England. To follow up this popularity, the band released two 7-inchers to critical acclaim (Run For Your Life and Going to Marty's). In 1995, a fifth member of the band was added. Sgt. James Rox fit the Tunnel Rats personality perfectly, frequently causing almost as much damage to fans' bodies, and the clubs' equipment as Captain Leech. The highlight of this year was the Tunnel Rats first show with Cocknoose in Kansas City. It was a sign of things to come.
Between 1996 and 1998 it became harder and harder for the band to get clubs that would allow them to play. At this point, Captain Leech decided to retire from performing live, as he was then on probation. If he had been arrested at a show, he would have gone to prison. At the same time, Sgt. Rox moved to California. When this happened, Duke moved to lead vocals, Bernie to guitar, and they added Harlan to guitar and Wimpy (of the Queers/and now the Jabbers) to drums. This was a killer lineup and played shows all over the Eastern US causing the typical Tunnel Rats mayhem.
In 1998, the first Tunnel Rats full-length was released. Called "Our War Is Never Over" It was 26 songs, and 60 minutes in length.
In 1999 the Tunnel Rats were incredibly honored by being inducted into the Confederacy of Scum. It was the greatest moment in the band's history, and something they are still very proud of. Since 2000 the Tunnel Rats have released songs on a variety of comps, a couple of split 7-inchers, and best of all, a split 10-inch with Italy's The Nerds. A record that was greeted with critical acclaim in many different 'zines.
Over the years, the Tunnel Rats stage show has become a little more refined. Basically, they don't get banned anymore, as they finally learned the fine-line required from most venues. Since then the Tunnel Rats have played all over the US. Cities like Kansas City, Philly, NYC, Austin, TX, Charlotte, NC, New Orleans, LA and Las Vegas, NV and more have been graced with the Tunnel Rats presence.
2003 saw one last Tunnel Rats line-up change. Wimpy became the lead singer of the Jabbers and was replaced on drums by Mara Beaverpants, the first female band member the band has had. In the next year or so, the Tunnel Rats are recording two full length projects, two compilations, an East Coast US tour, and a DVD that feature live Tunnel Rats shows taped between 1993 and 2004. And then, in 2005, the European invasion begins, the first victim? PORTUGAL!
