Biography
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Years Active
1984 – 2024 (40 years)
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Founded In
New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States
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Members
- Andrew Weiss (1987 – 2007)
- Claude Coleman, Jr. (1994 – 2024)
- Dave Dreiwitz (1997 – 2024)
- Dean Ween (1984 – 2024)
- Gene Ween (1984 – 2024)
Ween is an American rock band from New Hope, Pennsylvania, formed in 1984 by Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, who perform under the stage names Gene Ween and Dean Ween. The band is commonly categorized as alternative rock and is noted for a highly eclectic musical style drawing on influences including funk, psychedelia, soul, country, gospel, progressive rock, R&B, heavy metal, and punk rock.
From their formation through 1989, Ween self-released several cassette-only recordings. They subsequently issued three officially released lo-fi studio albums, "GodWeenSatan: The Oneness" (1990), "The Pod" (1991), and "Pure Guava" (1992). In conjunction with the release of "Pure Guava", the band signed with Elektra Records. The album included the single "Push th' Little Daisies", which achieved chart success in the United States and Australia. While signed to Elektra, Ween released four studio albums recorded with higher production values: "Chocolate and Cheese" (1994), "12 Golden Country Greats" (1996), "The Mollusk" (1997), and "White Pepper" (2000). The band later returned to independent labels for the albums "Quebec" (2003) and "La Cucaracha" (2007).
In 2012, after approximately 28 years of activity, Freeman left the band, citing the need to address alcohol and drug addiction. Ween reunited in late 2015 and resumed touring, initially without plans to record new material. In 2024, the band entered an indefinite hiatus, citing Melchiondo’s mental health as a contributing factor.
During their early years, Ween performed live primarily as a duo accompanied by Digital Audio Tape backing tracks, occasionally joined by bassist Chris Williams, known as Mean Ween. Following the release of "Chocolate and Cheese", the band transitioned to performing as a full band, initially as a four-piece and later expanding to five members. Core live members have included drummer Claude Coleman Jr., bassist Dave Dreiwitz, and keyboardist Glenn McClelland. The band also worked closely with producer and musician Andrew Weiss, who joined as a bassist in 1989 and produced five of their nine studio albums.
Although Ween achieved limited mainstream commercial success, the band has received sustained critical attention and developed a dedicated cult following.
Studio albums
GodWeenSatan: The Oneness (1990)
The Pod (1991)
Pure Guava (1992)
Chocolate and Cheese (1994)
12 Golden Country Greats (1996)
The Mollusk (1997)
White Pepper (2000)
Quebec (2003)
La Cucaracha (2007)
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