Sideshow

A cerebral, noisy, raucous hardcore trio that toured the nation for nearly a decade. The band arose from the ashes of Peer Puppet, founded when the members were in high school. Starting in 1987 with a very Rites of Spring-influenced sound, they evolved over the years into something distinct. The lineup: Bernie McGinn (bass/vocals), Pawl Tisdale (drums), and Rich Higgins (guitar).

Sideshow was the foundation upon which Caulfield Records was built. Their debut 4 song EP launched the label in 1988. The band’s sound evolved from hardcore thrash into a more melodic post-hardcore style, with mathy, noodly guitar work and McGinn’s soaring vocals. Their 1993 full-length Eggplants and Sunspots made quite a splash and is considered part of the original crop of bands that helped define the sound coming out of the Midwest in the early 90s, alongside Gauge and Friction. Sideshow were always a good complement to Lincoln band Mercy Rule, who had a similar anthemic style, and the two bands often performed together. Their final record, Lip Read Confusion, and the Camp Sunnyside 7” were released on Sub Pop-affiliated Flydaddy Records.

After the band broke up, McGinn played in Luck of Aleia, Tisdale in Mannheim Creamslinger, Clean Plate Club, and Tangelo, and Higgins in Eric the Red and The Holy Ghost.

Members

• Bernie McGinn - Bass, Vocals
• Pawl Tisdale - Drums
• Rich Higgins - Guitar