Canadian Rock Band Crash Test Dummies Plays Lake Placid in May.
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, we are stoked this ‘90s phenomenon is coming to the Adirondacks.
Photo courtesy Crash Test Dummies.
Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Crash Test Dummies emerged onto the Canadian rock scene in the late 1980s. They quickly captivated audiences with their unique blend of folk, rock, and alternative sounds. Led by the deep and distinctive baritone voice of lead singer Brad Roberts, the band achieved international success with their breakthrough album, "The Ghosts That Haunt Me," and continued to leave an indelible mark on the music industry throughout their career. They will appear at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts on Friday, May 10, 2024.
‘90s mega-hit Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.
Crash Test Dummies came together in 1988. Their quirky band name was inspired by the safety testing dummies used in car crash simulations, reflecting the band's experimental and unconventional approach to music.
In 1991, Crash Test Dummies released their debut album, "The Ghosts That Haunt Me," which showcased their eclectic sound and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian music scene. The album's lead single, "Superman's Song," became a hit in Canada, and its poetic lyrics and Roberts' distinctive voice resonated with audiences worldwide. The success of this album laid the foundation for the band's international career.
The band reached new heights with their sophomore album, "God Shuffled His Feet," released in 1993. The album featured the iconic single "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm," which became a chart-topping hit in multiple countries and a ‘90s mix tape staple. The song's memorable chorus and thought-provoking lyrics propelled the Crash Test Dummies to global fame. The album went multi-platinum and solidified the band's reputation as one of Canada's most unique and innovative musical exports.
Cover of “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” recorded for the hit movie “Dumb an Dumber.”
Crash Test Dummies continued to evolve their sound, incorporating diverse elements from various musical genres. The band's subsequent albums, including "A Worm's Life" (1996) and "Give Yourself a Hand" (1999), explored different sonic landscapes, showcasing their willingness to experiment with their music. While these albums may not have replicated the commercial success of their earlier works, they demonstrated the band's commitment to artistic exploration and growth.
The whole band reunited and toured in 2018 to mark their 25th anniversary. After the very positive response to the tour, “We knew we had to continue the party and celebrate 30 years since we made our first album. We had no idea that fans would be so enthusiastic, and we are all a little gob-smacked that we can still play sold-out shows to our fans and, awesomely enough, their kids,” says original member Ellen Reid.
Lead singer/songwriter Brad Roberts commented, “After a long absence from the road, Crash Test Dummies have begun to tour again. Not something I’d planned on, but surprisingly, at least to me, there are lots of people who, years later, still want to come and hear us. That people continue to return to see the band all these years later still stuns me. It’s very humbling.”
Tickets are available online on the Lake Placid Center for the Arts website.
Places to eat, shop, stay and things to do in Lake Placid.
