Save Ferris Returns with New Single and Video

Photo: M82 Photography

Save Ferris Returns with ‘Lights Out In The Reptile House’

By Ace Hartmann | Racketeer Broadcast Association  |

Save Ferris, the iconic ska punk band led by Monique Powell, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, along with a video for “Lights Out In The Reptile House.” This highly anticipated track marks the band’s dynamic return to the music scene, delivering the infectious fusion of ska, punk, and pop that fans have come to know and love.

“Lights Out In The Reptile House” showcases Save Ferris’ trademark sound with catchy hooks, vibrant horns, and electrifying guitar riffs. The song’s irresistible blend of upbeat rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics is sure to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Powell shares her excitement, stating, “We’re incredibly proud of ‘Lights Out In The Reptile House’ and can’t wait for our fans to hear it. This song captures the essence of Save Ferris and reflects the passion and energy we bring to our music.”

Formed in Southern California in the mid-1990s, Save Ferris quickly gained acclaim with their unique blend of ska and punk influences. Their breakthrough album, It Means Everything, featuring the hit single “Come On Eileen,” catapulted them to international success and solidified their place in the ska punk genre. Since then, Save Ferris has continued to captivate audiences with their dynamic live performances and infectious music.

With the release of “Lights Out In The Reptile House,” Monique Powell reaffirms her status as a pioneer of the ska punk movement and demonstrates her ongoing commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Fans can catch Save Ferris on their headline tour this summer and supporting Goldfinger on July 19 in Los Angeles and The Offspring on July 22 in Wichita, KS.

 Formed in 1995, Save Ferris remains one of the seminal and most beloved bands from the third wave of ska. The group’s Orange County home was fertile ground for a thriving music scene, with punk, rock, and ska emerging from the region. Save Ferris blended the best elements of these sounds to help bring the region’s sound to the world.

The band’s humble beginnings saw them play house parties and local venues, powered by Monique Powell’s high-octane vocals. Their live shows quickly became a hit, and as word spread, they received a much-needed boost when legendary LA radio station KROQ started playing their cover of Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen.” The response was overwhelming, leading to the track being added to the station’s regular rotation. All of this happened independently without a record label, with Powell serving as both the singer and band manager.

Major labels took notice of the buzz emanating from Orange County. In 1996, the band won a Grammy showcase award for best unsigned band, and with Epic Records’ David Massey as one of the judges, Save Ferris signed with the label. Epic re-released the Introducing Save Ferris EP, and in 1997, Save Ferris unleashed their debut album, It Means Everything. The band toured the world for the better part of the next six years, with 1999’s Modified released during that time.

In 2003, the band went on hiatus. Starting in 2004, Powell switched gears and used her vocal talents to become a go-to studio musician, appearing on albums for The Used, Goldfinger, Foxy Shazam, Mest, and Hilary Duff, among many others. However, Powell began experiencing health issues, and in 2015, after years of painful back problems, she underwent a risky procedure to fix her broken neck, which could have damaged her greatest musical weapon: her vocal cords. Before the procedure, Powell promised her father that if the surgery was successful, she’d bring back Save Ferris. And it was a success.

That year, Powell, with a new cast of characters, reformed Save Ferris. The hype surrounding the band was massive. After months of rehabilitation, Powell brought Save Ferris home to Orange County for a sold-out show at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa. Another giant show at the Santa Monica Pier, with over 20,000 people in attendance, was put out on vinyl. These raucous shows proved that the band wasn’t just back, but ready to roar.

Through a crowdfunded campaign in 2016, Powell and her bandmates recorded a new EP titled Checkered Past, released the following year and produced by John Avila of Oingo Boingo. The EP featured an appearance by Neville Staple of The Specials, one of Powell’s favorite artists.

Following Checkered Past‘s release, Save Ferris played the entire 2017 Warped Tour on the main stage, headlined shows, and performed at festivals across the world. The future is as bright as it has been for Save Ferris in a long time. Powell scrapped a record she wrote before the pandemic and is currently working on the first new Save Ferris album in nearly two decades. The band recently packed the House of Blues in Anaheim, playing in front of fans of all ages. Powell’s dazzling on-stage presence continues to wow audiences, and the band’s energy is infectious. Save Ferris is out to prove that they’re no nostalgia act, with their best days still ahead of them.