Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia University Union Student Programming Board will present rap-rock band Gym Class Heroes live in concert April 10 at 8 p.m. in Stegeman Coliseum. The band is known for its Billboard top five songs “Cupid’s Chokehold” and “Stereo Hearts.”
Formed in Geneva, N.Y., in 1997, the band’s name is derived from a friendship formed by founding members Travie McCoy and Matt McGinley during their high school gym class. Adding two musicians, they recorded and self-released a debut album “…For the Kids” in 2001.
After five albums and a decade of touring, Gym Class Heroes has developed a broad fan base as a result of a unique melding of rap, rock, rhythm and blues and funk styles. Band members site influences as diverse as rock legend Jimi Hendrix, 1980s acts Prince, Ready for the World and Hall and Oates, as well as latter-day bands Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day.
The band was named Best New Artist at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards and received Best Rap Song honors for “Cupid’s Chokehold” at the Hip-Hop Nation Awards the same year. Their current tour, in support of their most recent album “The Papercut Chronicles II,” will take them to Japan for the Summer Sonic music festival later this year.
University Union entertainment division chair Montez Flenoury said students are excited about the band coming to campus.
“Gym Class Heroes is a great band, and I think they’re perfect for our spring concert,” he said. “They have a very diverse fan base, and it’s definitely going to be a unique concert that everyone will remember, especially since it’s in Stegeman Coliseum.”
Tickets are $5-$30 in advance and $30 the day of the show for students with valid UGACards who pay activity fees on the Athens campus. Non-student tickets are $40 for all seating levels. Tickets are available at the Tate Student Center cashier window, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 706/542-6396 or see http://union.uga.edu.
The University Union Student Programming Board is a registered student organization within UGA’s Division of Student Affairs.
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