Whatever Happened to New Radicals?

In the late ’90s, the New Radicals burst onto the scene with their infectious alt-rock anthem “You Get What You Give,” taken from their debut album, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too?. The band quickly became synonymous with one-hit wonders, but their story goes deeper. Let’s explore what happened to them and delve into their legacy.

Who Were the New Radicals?

Though often perceived as a full band, the New Radicals were primarily the creative duo of singer-songwriter and guitarist Gregg Alexander and keyboardist-percussionist Danielle Brisebois. They enlisted a talented roster of session musicians to help craft their debut album.

Session contributors included renowned drummers Josh Freese (who has played with Foo Fighters and Weezer) and Matt Laug (known for his work with AC/DC and Alice Cooper). Pianist Greg Phillanganes, who has a rich history of collaborating with musical icons like Eric Clapton and Michael Jackson, also lent his talents to the project.

For their live performances, Alexander and Brisebois expanded their lineup to include Jim McGorman, Stuart Johnson, Sasha Krvitsov, and Brad Fernquist, all of whom had notable credits, including work with KISS’ Paul Stanley.

Before forming New Radicals, both Alexander and Brisebois had solo careers; Brisebois was also recognized for her early roles on the sitcoms All in the Family and Archie Bunker’s Place.

New Radicals Touring Lineup in 1999

new radicals in 1999

About Their Biggest Hit

“You Get What You Give” resonated widely for its critique of consumerism and the music industry, serving as both a wake-up call and an anthem for dreamers. The song garnered attention from luminaries like Joni Mitchell, who called it one of her favorites, and U2’s The Edge, who expressed jealousy over its success.

The track not only topped charts in countries like Canada and New Zealand but also reached No. 8 on the Alternative Airplay chart and No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

One of the standout verses addressed societal issues and prominently featured the names of several prominent artists, which stirred controversy and media discussions:

Health insurance, rip off lying / FDA, big bankers buying / Fake computer crashes dining / Cloning while they’re multiplying / Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson / Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson / You’re all fakes run to your mansions / Come around, we’ll kick asses.

In an MTV interview, Alexander explained that he included the celebrity names purposely to highlight how media sensationalizes trivial matters over significant issues.

What Happened With New Radicals?

Despite the success of “You Get What You Give,” Alexander found the music industry challenging. He expressed his disillusionment in a 1998 interview, stating, “I enjoy watching it climb up the chart… You have to cut a deal with the machine and be thrown to the wolves.”

As their popularity soared, the band toured with the Goo Goo Dolls but abruptly disbanded in mid-1999. Alexander cited a loss of interest in being labeled a one-hit wonder, stating, “I was wearing a hat while performing so that people wouldn’t see my lack of enthusiasm.”

A follow-up single, “Someday We’ll Know,” failed to gain traction, marking the end of New Radicals’ activities for a significant period.

What Happened After New Radicals?

Post-New Radicals, Alexander transitioned to a successful career behind the scenes, writing and producing for artists like Enrique Iglesias, Geri Halliwell, and Rod Stewart. One of his most notable achievements was co-writing “The Game of Love,” a Grammy-winning collaboration between Santana and Michelle Branch.

He also ventured into film, co-writing and producing music for the 2013 film Begin Again, which featured the Oscar-nominated song “Lost Stars.”

Adam Levine, “Lost Stars” (From Begin Again)

Brisebois, too, continued her career in music, releasing her solo album Portable Life in 1999 with Alexander’s production. She gained acclaim as a songwriter, contributing to hits for artists such as Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson, and co-writing Natasha Bedingfield’s famous tracks “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine.”

Did New Radicals Ever Reunite?

Yes, in a surprising turn of events, New Radicals reunited on January 20, 2021, to perform at Joe Biden’s inauguration concert. The song “You Get What You Give” held special significance for the Biden family, as it was a favorite of Beau Biden, who passed away from brain cancer.

Alexander expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform again, emphasizing their respect for Beau’s service and the hope for unity in the country.

New Radicals, “You Get What You Give” at Biden/Harris Inauguration

In 2024, 25 years after their initial breakup, Alexander and Brisebois collaborated once more to record new versions of “Murder on the Dance Floor” and “Lost Stars,” both of which saw a resurgence in popularity.

Conclusion

The New Radicals’ journey is a testament to the complexities of fame, creativity, and the music industry. From their unforgettable hit to their individual successes post-band, Alexander and Brisebois have continued to make an impact. Their recent reunions reflect not only nostalgia but also the enduring power of their music in a constantly evolving landscape.

FAQs

1. What is New Radicals’ most famous song?

Their most famous song is “You Get What You Give,” which became an international hit in the late ’90s.

2. Why did New Radicals break up?

Gregg Alexander expressed a loss of interest in performing as a one-hit wonder, leading to the band’s abrupt disbandment in 1999.

3. What have the members of New Radicals done since the band split?

Gregg Alexander has worked as a songwriter and producer for several artists, while Danielle Brisebois has pursued a successful career in songwriting and music production.

4. Did New Radicals ever perform together again?

Yes, they reunited for a performance at Joe Biden’s inauguration concert in 2021, and they also released new music in 2024.