Ween at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Ween is a six-piece rock band known for their genre-defying works. The band was formed in 1984 by original members Gene Ween (Aaron Freeman) and Dean Ween (Mickey Melchiondo). They initially performed alternative rock music, but the band became adept at infusing various genres as years passed. Ween released their debut album, GodWeenSatan: The Oneness, in 1990. The independently-released effort showcased the band’s eclecticism and comical aspect. The tracks had hilarious titles, such as “You Fucked Up,” “Marble Tulip Juicy Tree,” and “Fat Lenny.” Although the album didn’t make it into the charts, it received wide critical acclaim and was reissued twice – one in 2001 and the other as a live album in 2016.

By the time of their debut album’s release, Ween had already produced their sophomore effort, The Pod. The record was picked up by another independent record label, Shimmy Disc. In true Ween fashion, the album contains bizarre lyrical content. The following year, the band signed with Elektra Records and made a mild breakthrough in Australia with their third effort, Pure Guava. The 1992 album was the band’s major label debut and entered the Australian chart. Some critics have regarded the record as one of the best albums of the 20th century.

Two years after their major label signing. The band finally made their breakthrough into the Billboard charts. Their fourth studio album, Chocolate and Cheese, entered Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, peaking at number 10. The highly-acclaimed record starkly contrasts the band’s first and second albums, produced via a four-track home recording. Chocolate and Cheese was the first Ween album to be recorded professionally, complete with a drum machine. The 1994 effort spawned several hit singles, including “Voodoo Lady” and “Freedom of ‘76.” It also received wide critical acclaim. In fact, Guitar World included the record in their “Superunknown: 50 Iconic Albums That Defined 1994.”

Three years later, Ween finally debuted on the Billboard 200 with their sixth effort, The Mollusk. The album was notable for containing heavy progressive metal elements with psychedelia and a dark nautical theme. In an interview, Gene Ween mentioned that The Mollusk is probably his favorite record. The album, which spawned the singles “Mutilated Lips” and “Ocean Man,” entered the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 5 on the Heatseekers chart. Ten years after its release, Ween released The Mollusk Sessions, a compilation of demos and songs that were meant to go into the album but were cut before publishing.

Ween released several more critically-acclaimed efforts, including their 2003 album, Quebec. The record was the band’s first independent release after their contract with Elektra Records expired. The album was notable for its mix of genres and fan-favorite tracks, such as “Transdermal Celebration” and “The Argus.”

Catch Ween this summer at the Red Rocks Amphitheater by scoring your tickets now!