Danko Jones are a Canadian hard rock band formed in Toronto in 1996 and now based in Stockholm. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Danko Jones, bassist John “JC” Calabrese and drummer Rich Knox. Jones and Calabrese are the only members who have remained with the band continuously since its formation. Their musical style combines hard rock and punk with elements of garage rock, garage punk, blues rock and blues punk. The band is particularly known for its energetic live performances and extensive touring.
The group was formed in 1996 by Danko Jones, Scaltro, the stage name of John Calabrese, and Gran Sfigato, the stage name of Michael Caricari. They initially performed under the name Danko Jones And The Impossible Dream. During their first two years, they played extensively across the northeastern United States and Canada, opening for acts including The New Bomb Turks, Nashville Pussy, Blonde Redhead and The Dirtbombs. Rather than immediately pursuing an album, the band initially focused on developing its reputation through live performances. In 1998, they released a self-titled six-song EP, followed in 1999 by the self-produced My Love Is Bold EP.
Their first full-length studio album, Born a Lion, was released in 2002, followed by We Sweat Blood in 2003. The band subsequently toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada and Japan, and also opened for The Rolling Stones at the Toronto launch of their “40 Licks” World Tour. Sleep Is the Enemy was released in 2006, followed by Never Too Loud in 2008 and Below the Belt in 2010. Further albums included Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue, Fire Music, Wild Cat and A Rock Supreme.
The band released Power Trio in 2021 and Electric Sounds in 2023. Their twelfth studio album, Leo Rising, was released on November 21, 2025. Once again produced by Eric Ratz, the album continues the band’s established riff-driven hard rock sound and features a guest appearance by guitarist Marty Friedman.
Danko Jones have released twelve studio albums and have received six Juno Award nominations. In 2026, the band continued its international touring and festival activities while marking 30 years since its formation. The current lineup consists of Danko Jones, John Calabrese and Rich Knox.
