Gothic Theatre
John Ondrasik (Of Five For Fighting)
This is the story of Five For Fighting, which is, at the moment, an alias — a pen name — for singer, pianist, guitarist, satirist and commentator John Ondrasik.
A born-and-raised native of the sprawling San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, Ondrasik’s began his music studies at age two under the direction of his piano teacher mother. His introduction to sports came later, and hence the explanation to the still lingering question of just what Five For Fighting means. Quite literally, it’s a punishment in hockey — five minutes in the penalty box for fighting. So now you know. Five For Fighting is an aka, it’s a battle cry, it’s a reprimand and it’s the songs and vision of John Ondrasik.
While his piano skills came from his mother, from his younger sister Ondrasik got his ability to play guitar. And from his onetime astrophysicist father, Ondrasik gained an analytical side, graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. John Ondrasik’s third instrument is a voice that has been formally trained in opera. Still, his heart was in the music of artists like The Beatles, Journey, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and Elton John. So, a choice was made between rock & roll and opera.
That America Town has been made is a credit to the fortitude of the lone member of Five For Fighting. In recent years Ondrasik has been victimized twice by folding labels, and by some untimely terminations of enthused A&R execs.
America Town is a testament of the basic tenets of songwriting — robust melodies, classic structure, unforgettable hooks, exquisite performances — making it ultimately satisfying as a piece of music.
For now, that’s the story of Five For Fighting. Of course, even Superman didn’t work alone, so don’t expect John Ondrasik to remain the lone member much longer.
