Finger Eleven: Canadian Alternative Rock Stalwarts

Finger Eleven is a Canadian alternative rock band originally from Burlington, Ontario. The group achieved mainstream success in the early 2000s, most notably with their multi-platinum single "One Thing" and the critically acclaimed album The Greyest of Blue Skies.

Early career

Formed in 1989 under the name Rainbow Butt Monkeys, the band consisted of school friends Scott Anderson, James Black, Rick Jackett, Sean Anderson, and Rob Gommerman. They built a local following before winning a rock search contest, which led to their 1995 debut album Letters from Chutney on the independent label Squint Entertainment.

Breakthrough

The band changed its name to Finger Eleven in 1996 and released the album Tip in 1997. Their commercial breakthrough arrived with the 2000 album The Greyest of Blue Skies, which included the rock radio hit "First Time". This set the stage for their major label success later in the decade.

Key tracks

One Thing - This 2003 single became a global hit, propelling the album Finger Eleven to platinum status in Canada and the United States.

Paralyzer - The band's biggest commercial success, this funk-rock track from 2007's Them vs. You vs. Me topped the US Alternative charts and achieved multi-platinum certifications.

Living in a Dream - A later single from 2010's Life Turns Electric that earned Finger Eleven a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year.

First Time - The lead single from The Greyest of Blue Skies that marked a turning point in their sound and gained significant rock radio airplay.

Good Times - A track showcasing their earlier, heavier post-grunge style from the 1998 album Tip.

Following their peak commercial period, Finger Eleven continued to release albums, including 2015's Five Crooked Lines. The band maintains a consistent touring presence in Canada, celebrated for their energetic live performances and dedicated fanbase built over decades.

Listeners who enjoy Finger Eleven's blend of hard rock and melodic alternative may also appreciate Our Lady Peace, another iconic Canadian alternative rock band with a similar longevity. The post-grunge intensity of Three Days Grace shares common ground with Finger Eleven's heavier material. For the melodic and experimental side, check out The Watchmen, influential figures in the Canadian rock scene.