Rude Squad

Founded in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Rude Squad is a ska punk band with eclectic sound intertwined with efficacious rhythms that are breath-taking and original. The band members: Eric Best (vocals & guitar), Lee McElhaney (sax), Rusch Young (trumpet), Kyle Sokol (bass), and Adrian Baptist (drums), provide otherworldly skills that have given a rise to multiple varieties of the true meaning of talent within the music scene.

Rude Squad has attributed Fishbone, The Toasters, Goldfinger and the Police for their in depth inspirations to become the subsequent artists that they are today. They continue the leadership that their influences set out before them with determination and honor.

Rude Squad has begun to form their own legacy by playing as a subset, using the sax, guitar, drums, trumpet, funky bass, and lethal vocals as the mathematical combination needed to create the elements in the SKA genre. RS has performed with multiple bands such as 311, Matisyahu, Rancid, the Skatalites, Suicide Machines, the Used, Pietasters, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mustard Plug, Catch 22, Dan Potthast (of MU330), Everclear, Avail, Big D & the Kids Table, Link 80, Something Corporate, Bowling for Soup, Against all Authority, Unwritten Law and many, many other bands that have stepped on the scene and made their mark in the music industry. They have also taken part and participated in events throughout the state and beyond such as Warped Tour '04, 97X's Next Big Thing 2, 97X's 2007 Backyard BBQ, 98 Rock's Livestock, and numerous local events throughout the Tampa Bay area. This band is a powerful and addictive delectable to watch and listen to. With influences running deep within their souls, music streaming through their veins, and talent soaring through their instruments and voices, Rude Squad is truly the criterion that should be used when wanting to know the definitive meaning of SKA.