ApologetiX is a Christian parody band located in Pittsburgh, PA, U.S..
The band was founded in 1992 and consists of J. Jackson on vocals, Keith Haynie on bass guitar, Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner on drums and Bill Hubauer on keyboard, lead guitar, and electric violin.
Karl Messner, who was on lead guitar, left the band in early September 2007. In the song "We're in a Parody Band", the band refers to itself as a cross between "Weird Al" Yankovic and Billy Graham.
ApologetiX rewrites secular songs with Christian lyrics. Some of their parodies include "Hotel Can't Afford Ya" ("Hotel California") by The Eagles, "Corinthians" (based on "In the End" by Linkin Park), "Look Yourself" ("Lose Yourself" by Eminem), "Smooth Grandmama" ("Smooth Criminal" originally by Michael Jackson but covered by Alien Ant Farm), "Smells Like Thirtysomething Spirit" ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana), "Sounds of Silas" ("Sounds of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel) and "Bethlehemian Rhapsody" ("Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen).
ApologetiX gets their unusual name from the word "apologetics", which is a reference to a famous defense of the Christian faith. It is based on the Greek word for defense, "apologia". The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer (defense or "apologia") to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV). Their logo, a triquetra, is an ancient symbol of the Holy Trinity.
The band has had six official drummers. Jeff Pakula (June 1990-September 1993), Rick Servocky (November 1993-April 1995), Bob Flaherty (May 1995-September 1998), Fred Behanna (February 1999-January 2001), Bill "Moose" Rieger (March 2001-January 2005), and most currently Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner (October 2005-Current).
ApologetiX has had multiple other drummers as well. Their longtime fill-in drummer,
Keith Harrold (played on Isn't Wasn't Ain't as well as Keep the Change), David McKee (played on Jesus Christ Morningstar as well as two concerts in 1998), and Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz, who played seven tracks on Biblical Graffiti.
Ron Zanski (two shows in 1993) and Allen Muckle (three shows in 2001) have also played with the band.
Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz, drummer for "Weird Al" Yankovic sat in on the recording of the album Biblical Graffiti, and played drums on seven of the tracks. Weird Al himself has told them he thinks they do "fabulous work."
ApologetiX is back with another clever collection of spoofs and send-ups, turning pop and rock's current and catalog hits into Christian-themed numbers. Recovery includes the group's parodies of 80s hits by bands including Kiss, Queen, REO Speedwagon, Journey, and others.
Christian rock spoof-troupe Apologetix are back with Soundproof, another hand-crafted batch of clever Biblical spins on secular music favorites. Features spot-on remakes of songs from Kings of Leon, Led Zeppelin, Jason Mraz, Shinedown, and others.
Apologetix is back for another set of spiritual rockers, poking fun at contemporary and classic hits with rewritten lyrics and themes. Includes parodies of songs by Ted Nugent, Nickelback, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and more.
Armed with clever lyrical parodies and a deep knowledge of Scripture, the men of Apologetix return to bless and entertain. Includes parodies of songs by Steve Miller, Big & Rich, Velvet Revolver, U2, Kanye West, the Beatles, and more.
Past, tense. Present, tense. If you thought they were tense, wait 'til you see the future! The Christian spoof-masters return with a fresh batch of remakes including songs from Gym Class Heroes, Fall Out Boy, The Fray, Three Days Grace, and more.
This set of new studio recordings from the masters of Christian parody features reworkings of The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go," Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," Three Dog Night's "Joy To the World," and more.
You've never heard 'em like this before! Set to classic '60s and '70s rock hits, biblically based lyrics celebrate the life of Christ in "Hotel Can't Afford Ya" ("Hotel California," Eagles); "Narrow Way to Heaven" ("Stairway to Heaven," Led Zeppelin); "Fakey Shakey Parts" ("Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus); "Walk His Way," ("Walk This Way," Aerosmith); and more.
Recorded live in Ohio, this twelve song release features hits and favorites from ApologetiX, including parodies of songs by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and more.
Join the ApologetiX crew for this collection of acoustic spoofs and parodies, including remakes of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel," Bob Dylan's "Subterranian Homesick Blues," Extreme's "More Than Words," and more.
The handwriting's on the wall---this is a great way to spread the gospel. You'll hear "Twins Came Out" ("Twist and Shout," the Beatles); "Enter Samson" ("Enter Sandman," Metallica); "Ronomy" ("Runaway," Del Shannon); "Jail Got Rocked" ("Jailhouse Rock," Elvis); "Every Step to Take" ("Every Breath You Take," the Police); and 17 more biblical parodies of your favorite rock hits.
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