APOLOGETIX

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".

Don’t miss their collection of WOW CDs, Accompaniment Tracks, and music DVDs.

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