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D-A-D (band)
D-A-D (band)
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D-A-D (formerly stylized as D:A:D) is a Danish rock band. They were originally named Disneyland After Dark,[3] but changed their name to avoid a lawsuit from The Walt Disney Company.[4]

Key Information

History

[edit]

In the early 1980s in Copenhagen, D-A-D started playing together under their original name Disneyland After Dark. Pedersen came up with the name based on the idea that when the lights are out in Disneyland, anything can happen. The first lineup of D-A-D consisted of Jesper, Stig, Peter and Stig's girlfriend, Lene Glumer. The band's debut concert was at the youth club Sundby Algaard. In December 1982, Lene Glumer left the band and the three of them kept playing together and on 3 March 1984, Jesper's younger brother, Jacob, joined the band at a concert at Musikcaféen in Copenhagen.

The band released their first album, Call of the Wild in 1986.[3]

The group made their international breakthrough in 1989 with the record No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims on Warner Records,[3] which was released on the band's fifth birthday. They achieved some airplay with the single "Sleeping My Day Away".

The current lineup is Jesper Binzer, Jacob Binzer, Stig Pedersen and Laust Sonne.

The largest concert the band played as the opening act for the Böhse Onkelz on their farewell festival on 17 June 2005, about 120,000 people on the Euro Speedway Lausitz.

Band members

[edit]

Jesper Binzer

  • Birth: 4 September 1965
  • Position: lead vocals, guitar, banjo, and backing vocals.

Binzer is from Frederiksberg like Laust Sonne. He was one of the founders of the band in 1982.[3] He also plays drums for the band The Whiteouts and has also written a song for the Danish movie Bleeder.

Jacob Binzer

  • Birth: 28 October 1966
  • Position: Lead guitar, backing vocals, kazoo, piano, and keyboards.
  • Nickname: Cobber

Jesper Binzer's younger brother. He is from Frederiksberg. Jacob has played in the band since 1984.

Stig Pedersen

  • Birth: 18 May 1965
  • Position: Bass guitar, lead vocals and backing vocals.

Stig is from Amager and used to play in a punk band called ADS and also plays in a band called Hellbetty. A notable aspect of Pedersen's bass playing is his use of almost exclusively two-stringed bass guitars;[5] his basses often take extravagant shapes, such as an iPhone whose screen shows the audience.[6][7][5]

Laust Sonne

  • Birth: 11 December 1974
  • Position: drums, backing vocals, vibraphone, keyboards, guitar, saxophone, xylophone, and bass guitar.

Sonne is from Frederiksberg. He has played in the band since 1999. He also plays in the bands Dear and Bugpowder.

Line-up history

Year Line-up
1984–1999
  • Jesper Binzer – lead vocals, electric guitar
  • Jacob Binzer – electric guitar
  • Stig Pedersen – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Peter Lundholm Jensen – drums
1999–present
  • Jesper Binzer – lead vocals, electric guitar
  • Jacob Binzer – electric guitar
  • Stig Pedersen – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Laust Sonne – drums, backing vocals

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
DEN
[8]
AUS
[9]
US
[10]
Call of the Wild
  • Released: 4 February 1986
  • Label: Mega
  • Formats: LP, CD
D.A.D. Draws a Circle
  • Released: 16 June 1987
  • Label: Mega
  • Formats: LP, CD
No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims 29 116
Riskin' It All
  • Released: 10 October 1991
  • Label: Medley, Warner Bros.
  • Formats: LP, CD, cassette
80
Helpyourselfish
  • Released: 1 March 1995
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
Simpatico
  • Released: 6 November 1997
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
Everything Glows
  • Released: 13 April 2000
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
24
Soft Dogs
  • Released: 20 February 2002
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
1
Scare Yourself
  • Released: 23 May 2005
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP
1
Monster Philosophy
  • Released: 10 November 2008
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP
1
DIC·NII·LAN·DAFT·ERD·ARK
  • Released: 11 November 2011[11]
  • Label: Mermaid
  • Formats: CD, LP
2
A Prayer for the Loud
  • Released: 31 May 2019[12]
  • Label: Mermaid
  • Formats: CD, LP
1
Speed of Darkness
  • Released: 4 October 2024[13]
  • Label: AFM
  • Formats: CD, LP
3

Live albums

List of live albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
DEN
[8]
Osaka After Dark
Psychopatico
  • Released: 20 November 1998
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
Scare Yourself Alive
  • Released: 1 May 2006
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, LP
4
Live from the Arena
  • Released: 18 April 2025
  • Label: Warner Music Denmark
  • Formats: 2×CD, 4×LP
1
[14]

Compilation albums

List of compilation albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
DEN
[8]
D.A.D. Special
  • Released: 1 December 1989
  • Label: Mega
  • Formats: CD, LP
Good Clean Family Entertainment You Can Trust
  • Released: 9 November 1995
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
The Early Years
  • Released: 13 November 2000
  • Label: Medley
  • Formats: CD
40
VA – Ungdomshuset
The Overmuch Box
  • Released: 16 November 2009
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD
14
Behind the Seen
  • Released: 16 November 2009
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: LP
Disn30land Af30r D30k
  • Released: January 2014
  • Label: Mermaid
  • Formats: CD, LP
2
Forty Love: Greatest Hits
  • Released: March 2024
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: CD, LP
6
[16]

Extended plays

List of extended plays
Title Details
Standin' On the Never Never

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
DEN AUS
[9]
"Sleeping My Day Away" 1989 63 No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims
"Girl Nation" 1990 52
"Bad Craziness" 1991 86 Riskin' It All
"Jihad" 89
"I Want What She's Got" 2011 36 DIC.NII.LAN.DAFT.ERD.ARK

Tours

[edit]
  • Scare Yourself Alive Tour (2005–2006)
  • D-A-D Tour 2007 (2007)
  • D-A-D Tour 2008 (2008)
  • Monster Philosophy Tour (2009)
  • D-A-D Tour 2010 (2010)
  • D-A-D Tour 2011 (2011)
  • Fast On Wheels Tour (2012)
  • D-A-D Tour 2013 (2013)
  • D-A-D Tour 2015 (2015)
  • D-A-D 35th Anniversary Greatest Hits Tour (2022)
  • D-A-D 40th Anniversary World Tour (2025)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
D-A-D is a Danish hard rock band formed in Copenhagen in 1982, originally under the name Disneyland After Dark by founding members Stig Pedersen on bass, Jesper Binzer on vocals and guitar, and Peter Lundholm Jensen on drums. The group evolved from a cowpunk sound blending country and punk influences into a melodic hard rock style, achieving international breakthrough in 1989 with their third studio album, No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims, which featured the hit single "Sleeping My Day Away" and led to a major-label deal with Warner Bros. Records worth $1 million. Due to legal threats from the Walt Disney Company over their original name, the band rebranded as D.A.D. in 1989, later adopting variations like D:A:D in 1995 and finalizing as D-A-D in 2000 to improve online searchability. The band's current lineup includes Jesper Binzer, his younger brother "Cobber" Binzer on (who joined in the mid-1980s), Stig Pedersen, and Laust Sonne on drums (replacing Jensen in 1999). Over their four-decade career, D-A-D has released thirteen studio albums, including early works like (1986) and D.A.D. Draws a Circle (1987), mid-period successes such as Helpyourselfish (1995) and Everything Glows (2000), and more recent efforts like Monster Philosophy (2008), A Prayer for the Loud (2019), and their latest, Speed of Darkness (2024). Known for their high-energy live shows and themes of and humor in lyrics, D-A-D remains a staple in the Scandinavian rock scene, with a greatest hits compilation spanning 1984–2024 highlighting their enduring popularity.

History

Formation and Early Years (1982–1988)

D-A-D, originally known as Disneyland After Dark, was formed in , , in 1982 by bassist Stig Pedersen, vocalist and guitarist Jesper Binzer, and drummer Peter Lundholm Jensen amid the local punk music scene. The initial lineup briefly included Lene Glumer, Stig Pedersen's girlfriend at the time, as lead singer, but she had already left the band by the time of their debut performance on December 3, 1982, at the Sundby Algaard youth club, leaving the trio to continue. Early gigs took place in local clubs, where the band drew from punk and new wave influences, blending raw energy with emerging country-tinged elements that would define their nascent "cowpunk" sound. By late 1982, the core trio solidified their lineup and began honing their material through persistent local performances, gradually shifting from strict punk roots toward a harder-edged rock style infused with humorous, narrative-driven lyrics. In March 1984, Jesper's younger brother, "Cobber" Binzer, joined as lead guitarist during a at Musikcaféen in , adding technical depth and completing the classic quartet configuration that persists today. This period marked challenges in securing wider attention, but the band's demo tapes eventually caught the ear of Mega Records, leading to a signing in 1985. The band's debut EP, Standin' On the Never Never, was recorded over four days from April 15–19, 1985, at Studio 39 in Copenhagen and released on May 28, 1985, featuring three tracks: "Up Up Over the Mountain Top," "Marlboro Man," and "Never Never (Indian Love...)." The EP received mixed reviews for its eclectic mix of punk attitude and country flair but helped establish a foothold in the Danish underground scene. Building on this, their first full-length album, Call of the Wild, was recorded at the same studio and released on February 4, 1986, showcasing a stylistic evolution toward hard rock with elaborate production touches like horn sections and sound effects such as dog barks to enhance its wild, thematic narrative. The album's track listing included "Land of Their Choice," "Call of the Wild," "Riding with Sue," "Marlboro Man," "Counting the Cattle," "Jackie O'," "Trucker," "Rock River," "Jonnie," "Son of a Gun," and "It's After Dark," reflecting a polished shift from raw punk to a more accessible hard rock sound with cowpunk undertones. In Denmark, it achieved modest initial success, selling around 15,000 copies and gaining airplay on local radio, setting the stage for broader recognition. Their second studio album, D.A.D. Draws a Circle, followed on June 16, 1987, produced by Mark Dearnley, and sold approximately 30,000 copies in Denmark, further refining their hard rock sound with tracks like "Isn't That Wild" and a cover of "A Horse with No Name."

International Breakthrough (1989–1995)

The band's international breakthrough began with the release of their third studio album, No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims, on March 3, 1989, via Warner Bros. Records. This marked their major-label debut outside Denmark and achieved modest success in the United States, peaking at number 116 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album has sold 600,000 copies worldwide. AllMusic critic Eduardo Rivadavia praised it as an "outstanding international debut," highlighting tracks like "Trucker" and "A Promise" for their humor and heaviness. The lead single "Sleeping My Day Away," released in 1989, became their most successful track abroad, reaching number 23 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 87 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent two weeks in the top 100. The song's , directed by Andy Morahan and featuring the band in a surreal bedroom setting, received significant rotation on , contributing to the album's visibility and helping propel the band's profile in and . In , the album performed strongly, selling over 275,000 copies and earning platinum . To facilitate their US market entry, the band adopted the acronym D-A-D for international releases starting in 1989, shortening from Disneyland After Dark to avoid a potential trademark lawsuit from The Walt Disney Company. This rebranding was fully formalized in 1995 with the updated spelling D:A:D to emphasize the abbreviation. Follow-up albums Wishing Stone (1990) and Jesusjackknife (1992) continued their Warner Bros. partnership but saw diminishing commercial returns outside Denmark, with no significant international chart placements. Wishing Stone received mixed reviews for its experimental edge, while Jesusjackknife was noted for its raw energy but failed to replicate the debut's momentum. Throughout the period, D-A-D engaged in extensive promotional tours across and , including 30 shows in 35 days in late 1989 and multiple European legs supporting album releases. These activities, including live performances and media appearances, solidified their in the rock community despite challenges in sustaining mainstream breakthrough.

Mid-Career Developments (1996–2010)

Following the international success of the early , D-A-D entered a transitional phase marked by musical experimentation and lineup adjustments. In 1997, the band released Simpatico, their sixth studio album, which represented a shift toward heavier, more refined rock sounds compared to their earlier influences. Produced by the band alongside Nick Foss, the album was recorded during the summer at Focus Recording, Granny Studio, and Medley Studio in , with mixing at EMI's in and mastering at Gateway Mastering in . It achieved moderate commercial success in , reaching the year-end Top 30 albums chart. The period also saw significant changes in the band's lineup. In January 1999, founding drummer Peter Lundholm Jensen departed after 17 years, citing a desire to leave the rock 'n' roll lifestyle behind. Laust Sonne replaced him, making his live debut with D-A-D at the Skanderborg Festival in August 1999. This transition influenced the band's sound on their next release, Everything Glows in 2000, the first album featuring Sonne on drums. Recorded in and , the album explored themes of relationships, , and everyday life through a mix of and melodic elements, with the title track becoming a standout fan favorite. While critics offered mixed reviews, it resonated strongly with listeners for its emotional depth. D-A-D continued with Soft Dogs in 2002, shifting to a softer palette of ballads and mid-tempo tracks that emphasized lyrical vulnerability and acoustic textures. The album topped the Danish charts and sold over 65,000 copies domestically, earning the highest rating from Denmark's leading music magazine, Gaffa. However, the supporting tour—featuring an ambitious large-tent setup across —faltered due to poor ticket sales, leading to financial losses and internal strain that tested the band's resilience. In 2005, the live album Scandinavian Nights captured their energetic performances from regional shows, highlighting their enduring appeal in Nordic markets during a time of scaled-back international ambitions. By 2008, Monster Philosophy addressed themes of personal struggle and resilience amid heavier riffs, reflecting the band's focus on domestic audiences as activity slowed in the late 2000s. After the release of their 2008 album Monster Philosophy, D-A-D entered a three-year hiatus before reuniting in 2011. These years underscored D-A-D's adaptability amid commercial challenges and personal upheavals, solidifying their core following in .

Revival and Recent Activities (2011–present)

After a five-year hiatus following the release of their 2008 album Monster Philosophy, D-A-D reunited in and issued their eleventh studio , DIC·NII·LAN·DAFT·ERD·ARK, on November 11. Produced by Nick Foss and released via Mermaid Records, the record marked the band's return to form with a blend of anthems and melodic hooks, highlighted by tracks such as the opener "A New Age Moving In," the y "I Want What She's Got," and the energetic "Fast on Wheels." Critics praised its consistency and nostalgic energy, with Sea of Tranquility noting it as a "quintessential D-A-D release with radio-friendly pop, massive riffs, and a mix of , party metal, , and ballads," though it fell short of their early masterpieces. The peaked at number 2 on the Danish charts, signaling renewed fan interest. In 2019, D-A-D delivered A Prayer for the Loud, their twelfth studio album, which incorporated fresh material alongside a retrospective feel, peaking at number 1 on the Danish charts. Released on May 31 via AFM Records, standout tracks included the title anthem—a rallying cry with soaring guitars—and "Burning Star," blending their signature edge with modern production. Reviews highlighted its vitality, with Metal Temple describing it as a "return to the band's aggressive roots while maintaining melodic accessibility." This release bridged their classic sound with contemporary vigor, reinforcing their enduring appeal. The band's momentum continued into the with the double album Speed of Darkness, released on October 4 via AFRecords, which debuted at number 3 in . Featuring 14 tracks across two discs, highlights encompassed the groovy opener "Speed of Darkness," the soulful "Head Over Heels," and the politically charged "Keep That MF Down," addressing free speech themes. Critical reception was generally positive, emphasizing its maturity and rebellious spirit; The Rockpit lauded the "slow-burn groove-rider" vibes and "beautifully set guitar," while Music Waves critiqued some tracks for lacking energy but commended the overall decent execution. Metal Temple called it "okay but very predictable," appreciating the band's solid output without major surprises. To celebrate four decades, D-A-D announced their 40th Anniversary World Tour in 2025, kicking off with a Greatest Hits run in during May, including dates at Rosemount Hotel in Perth (May 20), The Triffid in (May 22), Manning Bar in (May 23), and Northcote Theatre in (May 24). The tour showcases their catalog-spanning hits, delivering "unapologetic hard-hitting rock 'n' roll." Later in the year, they embarked on the European "Cowpunks & Glampires Tour," co-headlining with starting October 29 in , , at Barba Negra, followed by stops in , , and beyond through November, blending D-A-D's with the Finns' . Additional 2025 appearances include the Paradise festival on November 29 at Weissenhäuser Strand, . Complementing the anniversary, D-A-D released the live album Live from the Arena on April 12, 2025, via Warner Music Denmark, capturing their 40th birthday concert with 25 tracks including "," "," and "1st, 2nd & 3rd." The double-disc set, also issued as a limited numbered four-LP vinyl for , topped the Danish charts and preserved the high-energy performance for fans.

Musical Style and Influences

Genre Characteristics

D-A-D's music is primarily classified as , incorporating elements of and punk aggression, with occasional swagger that blends twangy riffs and high-energy rhythms. This style is defined by its use of power chords, infectious hooks, and anthemic, sing-along choruses that create stadium-ready anthems, often driven by blistering guitar leads and a melodic heavy rock foundation. The band's sound emphasizes raw power and unhinged energy, prioritizing sharp, melodies over overly slick production. A signature feature of D-A-D's sonic identity is frontman Jesper Binzer's distinctive raspy vocals, delivered with a punk-inflected edge that conveys both intensity and playfulness, complemented by the dual guitar work of the Binzer brothers, which layers twangy rhythms with harmonious leads. This guitar interplay, often mixing rhythm and blistering solos, adds a dynamic texture to their core, as heard in tracks like "Sleeping My Day Away," where the raw, energetic production highlights unpolished drive and catchy refrains rather than arena-polished sheen. Lyrically, D-A-D explores themes of youthful rebellion, romantic love, and , frequently infused with humorous or ironic twists through storytelling and abundant clichés that poke fun at rock tropes. These elements contribute to a lighthearted yet defiant tone, setting their work apart in the landscape by blending sincerity with self-aware absurdity.

Evolution and Key Influences

Formed in the vibrant scene of , D-A-D drew initial inspiration from the city's punk and new wave movements, blending raw energy with humorous, irreverent lyrics in their early work. Their debut album, (1986), showcased a style that fused punk aggression, twangy country riffs, and elements, reflecting the chaotic spirit of local acts and broader influences like The Ramones and . By the late , the band evolved toward a more polished glam-influenced sound, evident in No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims (1989), which featured sharper hooks, larger production, and anthemic choruses that propelled their international breakthrough while echoing the sleazy swagger of and Mötley Crüe. Entering the 1990s and 2000s, D-A-D incorporated and sensibilities amid the shifting musical landscape, adapting to the era's heavier, introspective tones without abandoning their melodic core. Albums like Jesusjackknife (2000) and Soft Dogs (2002) introduced grunge-era nods through sludgy riffs and emotional depth, influenced by the genre's dominance that had earlier disrupted their mainstream momentum in the early . This period also added a layer of witty, European to tracks that paralleled the raw vulnerability in songs by The Cult or . In the 2020s, D-A-D has returned to their classic foundations, refining it with contemporary production techniques for a gritty yet accessible sound. Their 2024 album Speed of Darkness emphasizes massive, blues-tinged choruses and guitar tones reminiscent of their origins, but with modern tweaks like stripped-back verses that build into explosive hooks, signaling a confident revival of their signature style.

Band Members

Current Lineup

The current lineup of D-A-D has been stable since 1999, featuring the founding core members alongside drummer Laust Sonne, enabling consistent evolution in their sound through collaborative songwriting and dynamic live interplay. Jesper Binzer has fronted the band on lead vocals and since its in 1982, serving as the primary songwriter responsible for many of D-A-D's infectious choruses and riff-driven anthems, such as those on albums like No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims. His charismatic frontman persona, marked by energetic stage antics and raw vocal delivery, has defined the band's appeal in both studio recordings and tours. Beyond D-A-D, Jesper launched a solo project in 2017 with the album Dying Is Easy, followed by Save Your Soul in 2020, explorations that have enriched his contributions to the band's heavier, introspective tracks on recent releases like Speed of Darkness. He favors guitars amplified through Marshall stacks for his signature overdriven tone. Jacob Binzer, Jesper's younger brother, joined in as lead guitarist, delivering sublime solos and country-tinged heavy riffs that add melodic flair and technical depth to songs like "Sleeping My Day Away." The sibling dynamic fosters a playful yet tight interplay, evident in their harmonized guitar parts and shared backing vocals, bolstering the band's rock 'n' roll edge. Jacob's equipment setup includes BE-100 amplifiers and custom Audio effects for his delay-heavy solo tones. Stig Pedersen anchors the rhythm section on bass and backing vocals since 1982, providing a groovy, foundational pulse that underpins D-A-D's pop-metal hooks and occasional songwriting input, as seen in co-credits on tracks like "1st, 2nd & 3rd." His minimalist approach, often using custom two-string basses for a punk-infused drive, complements the Binzers' flashier elements and has been key to the band's enduring rhythmic stability. Laust Sonne took over drums in 1999, infusing a heavier, more aggressive style which intensified D-A-D's percussive drive on albums like Scandinavian Nights and elevated their performances with powerful fills and endurance. Sonne's versatility extends to backing vocals and occasional production tweaks, while his kit preferences include and Zildjian cymbals for a crisp, hard-hitting sound.

Former Members

The former members of D-A-D include vocalist Lene Glumer and drummer Peter Lundholm Jensen, both of whom were part of the band's initial lineup in 1982. Lene Glumer served as the band's lead singer during its formation in 1982, contributing to early rehearsals alongside Jesper Binzer on guitar, Stig Pedersen on bass and vocals, and Peter Lundholm Jensen on drums. Her involvement was brief, ending on December 4, 1982, shortly after the band's debut concert at the Sundby Algaard youth club on December 3, when the other members decided she did not align with the evolving band direction and forced her departure. Peter Lundholm Jensen was a founding drummer who remained with D-A-D for 17 years, from 1982 until his exit on January 14, 1999. His tenure shaped the band's foundational sound, providing the rhythmic drive for key recordings including early releases like (1986) and the breakthrough No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims (1989), where his steady, energetic style supported the group's punk-influenced energy and melodic hooks. Jensen's decision to leave stemmed from a desire to pursue an education and career in , with the choice reportedly made around the time of the 1997 Simpatico; his final performance occurred on August 15, 1998, in , . Jensen's departure presented a significant transition for D-A-D, as he had been integral to the band's identity since its , but the group adapted by bringing in Laust Sonne on , which helped sustain momentum into the new millennium and contributed to the current lineup's long-term stability.

Discography

Studio Albums

D-A-D has released thirteen studio albums since their debut in 1986, blending , punk, and melodic elements while achieving significant commercial success in . The band's reflects their breakthrough in the late and consistent chart performance domestically, with several albums topping the Danish charts and earning certifications for sales exceeding 40,000 units ( threshold in ). International releases through labels like helped expand their reach, though chart success was more limited outside . Notable singles from these albums, such as "Sleeping My Day Away" and "Scare Yourself," became radio staples and contributed to the band's enduring popularity. The following table summarizes the band's studio albums, including release dates, labels, track counts, selected chart peaks (primarily Danish, as international data is sparse), certifications, and notable singles.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelTracksPeak Position (DEN)Certifications (DEN)Notable Singles
4 February 1986Mega Records10"Trucker"
D.A.D. Draws a Circle16 June 1987Mega Records10"Is Something Wrong with You?"
No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims3 March 1989Medley Records1012× Platinum (40,000 copies)"Sleeping My Day Away," "Is It Could Be Worse"
Riskin' It All10 October 1991Medley Records112 (30,000 copies)"Bad Craziness," "Grow or Die"
Helpyourselfish13 March 1995Medley/EMI125"It's Alive," "Helpyourselfish"
Simpatico21 June 1997Medley Records1111"Soulmover," "Simpatico"
Everything Glows17 July 2000Medley Records1227"Life Right Now," "Everything Glows"
Soft Dogs25 February 2002Medley Records111 (25,000 copies)"The Real Thing," "Soft Dogs"
Scare Yourself23 May 2005EMI111 (40,000 copies)"Scare Yourself," "Don't Die for Us"
Monster Philosophy10 November 2008EMI126"Monster Philosophy," "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" (cover)
Dic.Nii.Lan.Daft.Erd.Ark7 November 2011Mermaid Records125"The End"
A for the Loud31 May 2019Mermaid Records101 (20,000+ copies)"A for the Loud," "Burning Star"
Speed of Darkness4 October 2024AFM Records113"The Grandest House on the Block," "Speed of Darkness"
Early albums like and D.A.D. Draws a Circle established the band's raw, punk-infused rock sound on the independent Mega label, though they achieved modest initial sales without major chart impact. The 1989 breakthrough No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims marked a shift to major-label support via Medley, topping the Danish charts and earning double platinum status for its anthemic tracks that propelled international tours. Subsequent releases in the , including Riskin' It All and Helpyourselfish, maintained momentum with top-10 Danish placements and certifications, featuring high-energy singles that highlighted guitarist Jesper Binzer's riff-driven style. The late album Simpatico experimented with grittier production, though chart positions slipped amid lineup changes and label shifts. In the , Everything Glows and Soft Dogs recaptured commercial success, with the latter returning to number one in Denmark and securing status shortly after release. Scare Yourself () became one of their biggest sellers, achieving certification and featuring the chart-topping single "Scare Yourself," which exemplified the band's matured edge. Monster Philosophy (2008) rounded out the decade with introspective lyrics and solid mid-chart performance. The 2010s saw a creative resurgence with Dic.Nii.Lan.Daft.Erd.Ark, a that peaked at number five and explored darker themes through intricate song structures. After a hiatus, A Prayer for the Loud () topped the Danish charts upon release, earning gold for its return-to-form energy and fan-favorite singles. The most recent , Speed of Darkness (2024), debuted at number three, blending classic riffs with modern production on the independent AFM label, signaling ongoing vitality.

Singles and EPs

D-A-D's early career was marked by the release of their debut EP, Disneyland After Dark, on Mega Records in 1985, which featured the tracks "Is It Something You Said?", "Sad Sad X-Mas", "Trucker", and "Riding with Sue". This EP served as an introduction to the band's sound and laid the groundwork for their full-length debut album. No chart positions are recorded for the EP, but it received local radio play in . The band's breakthrough single, "Sleeping My Day Away", was released in 1989 as the lead track from their album No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims. It topped the Danish singles chart and reached number 87 on the UK Singles Chart, spending two weeks there. The single included a B-side of "Trucker", an earlier track from the band's formative years, and was accompanied by a directed by Helle Gade, featuring the band performing in a surreal, dreamlike setting that emphasized the song's themes of . In the , it peaked at number 23 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. "Everything Glows", released as a single on March 31, 2000, promoted the album of the same name and marked a shift toward a more polished with the addition of new Laust Sonne. While the album charted at number 27 in , the single itself did not achieve notable international chart success but gained traction through heavy rotation on Danish radio and a showcasing the band's energetic live performance style. A version appeared on later compilations, highlighting its enduring popularity in the band's catalog. Other notable singles include "Bad Craziness" (1991), which reached number 1 in alongside its parent album and included a B-side of "Point of View (Haze)"; and "" (1991) from Riskin' It All, topping Danish charts with a video that captured the band's raw energy. These releases often featured unique B-sides like non-album tracks or live recordings, contributing to the singles' collectible appeal among fans.
TitleRelease DateAlbum AffiliationChart PositionsNotes (B-sides, Videos)
1985Debut EPNone recordedTracks: "Is It Something You Said?", "Sad Sad X-Mas"; No video
Sleeping My Day Away1989No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims#1 DEN, #87 UK, #23 US Mainstream RockB-side: "Trucker"; Video by Helle Gade
Everything GlowsMarch 31, 2000Everything GlowsAlbum #27 DEN (single uncharted)Remix on compilations; Live performance video
Bad Craziness1991Riskin' It All#1 DENB-side: "Point of View (Haze)"; Promotional video

Live Performances

Major Tours

D-A-D's early major tour in support of their 1989 breakthrough album No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims marked their international expansion, spanning from spring 1989 in through extensive legs across in October 1989, the in November-December 1989 with 30 shows in 35 days, and in January 1990, and further dates in , , , , , and from April to June 1990. This world tour included high-profile appearances like the , drawing 50,000 attendees, and encompassed over 100 performances across multiple continents, solidifying their global presence. In the , the band undertook prominent arena-level tours to promote albums such as Helpyourselfish (1995) and Simpatico (1998). The 1995 European tour ran nearly continuously from late March to mid-August, covering , , , and other regions with sold-out shows featuring elaborate stage setups, including a 7-meter prop. The 1998 Mad Days Tour extended from late January to August, traversing and culminating in with dates tied to the Grøn Koncert environmental series, showcasing their evolving sound in larger venues. Touring activity decreased in the following the release of Soft Dogs in 2002, with the band focusing on select engagements amid creative shifts. A notable highlight was their opening slot for at the farewell festival on June 17, 2005, at Eurospeedway Lausitz in , where they performed to an of approximately 120,000 fans over the multi-day event. The 2011-2012 tour supported the album DIC.NII.LAN.DAF.T.ERD.ARK, featuring 21 documented concerts in 2011 across and marking a renewed focus on live performances after a period of lower activity. In 2022, D-A-D celebrated their 35th anniversary with a Greatest Hits World Tour, including their first Australian dates since 1990, with shows in major cities emphasizing career-spanning sets. The 2025 40th Anniversary World Tour builds on this momentum, starting with Australian legs on May 20 in Perth at Rosemount Hotel, May 22 in at The Triffid, May 23 in at Manning Bar, and May 24 in at Northcote Theatre, followed by a European co-headlining run with across 15 dates in , , the , and in fall 2025.

Notable Concerts and Festivals

The band's performance at the in June 1988 caught the attention of Records delegates and international journalists, paving the way for their signing to the label ahead of the 1989 album No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims. Their debut at the festival occurred in 1986. The band's most attended standalone concert to date occurred on June 17, 2005, when they served as for Böhse Onkelz's farewell show at the Euro Speedway Lausitz in Klettwitz, , attracting an estimated crowd of 120,000 spectators. In support of their thirteenth studio album, Speed of Darkness, released on October 4, 2024, D-A-D performed a series of release shows across , including a headline gig at Tinghallen in , on June 27, 2024. To commemorate their 40th anniversary, the band delivered a sold-out performance at Copenhagen's on November 1, 2024, before 15,000 fans; the event was recorded and issued as the live album Live from the Arena on April 12, 2025. D-A-D joined Finnish gothic rockers for the co-headlining "Cowpunks and Glampires Tour" in late 2025, featuring dates such as November 9 at Zoom in , , and extending into early 2026 across . The band has made several high-profile television appearances tied to major awards, including a performance of "Written in Water" at the Danish Music Awards in 1996, and in 2014, delivering "Sleeping My Day Away" and "Bad Craziness" during the ceremony.

References

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