The Complainers, founded in 2002, is the creative brainchild of Ed Richards, a seasoned musician with a rich history in the punk rock and pop-punk scenes. Known for his innovative approach to music and his knack for merging creativity with technical expertise, Ed embarked on The Complainers project as a way to explore his passion for recording and songwriting.
Ed’s musical journey began long before The Complainers. In the 1980s, he was a member (singer/song writer) of G-Whiz, a pop-punk band that gained recognition during the genre’s formative years. His work with G-Whiz cemented his reputation as a dynamic force in the punk scene. Later, in 2004, Ed added another notable achievement to his career when he contributed his recording and performance talents to Robert Hazard’s Blue Mountain album. Hazard, best known as the writer of the iconic “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” tapped into Ed’s skills to craft a standout record.
The Complainers served as a platform for Ed to hone his recording skills and expand his musical horizons. He established his own recording studio, 2nd Floor Studios, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, which became the heart of the band’s creative output. From the studio’s walls emerged the first official releases from The Complainers in 2004, showcasing a raw, heartfelt sound rooted in punk rock’s DIY ethos.
Ed’s contributions to music extend beyond his bands and recordings. Before founding The Complainers, he made waves with one of the first punk rock radio shows to air on the internet, In the Red Radio. The program, which started as an online show and was later syndicated nationally, became a pioneering platform for punk music and culture. It even found a home on Real Radio, reaching audiences far and wide.
Despite their long history, The Complainers have only graced the stage once, performing live in Melbourne, Florida. This rarity only adds to their mystique as a band dedicated to the art of recording and experimentation rather than the traditional band trajectory.
The Complainers stand as a testament to Ed Richards’ lifelong devotion to music, his willingness to innovate, and his drive to create meaningful art. From punk radio pioneer to recording artist, Ed’s journey with The Complainers showcases the enduring spirit of the DIY punk ethos.