In 1996 Los Angeles, perpetual enemies Benny Chadwick and Tim McNair decided to settle the long dispute over who could more realistically smoke a pack of fake bubblegum cigarettes. With the matter put to rest (the winner known only to them), they befriended and joined forces toward one goal: scare their parents. They weren’t into sports, school, or school sports but they shared common ground with music and thought they might make a living of it. Their moms’ worst fears were realized, which made this teen duo even more interested in pursing that dream. Deciding to form a group together, they officially became “New MaximumDonkey” that year (with the support of famed ex-convict-turned-millionaire Matt Ponze on bass). After a few line-up changes throughout the years, but never losing the Benny (guitar/lead singer) and Tim (drums) core, the trio’s popularity was on the rise.

At the turn of the century, the band’s constant live shows caught the eye of recent LA transplan