NYC (by way of Washington, DC) four piece, Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) began playing together in a Washington, DC basement in late 2000. By February, 2001 the quartet played their debut show at a local underground art gallery with fellow DC bands, All Scars and ABCs.

The band played a series of shows in the following months, and by August, Ian Mackaye had invited them to work with him and Don Zientara at Inner Ear Studio. The session produced two songs, “Zusammen Mit Motown” and “Lighters Out,” which became the group’s debut record released as a 7-inch single on their own Malady’s label in February 2002. The single was received with enthusiasm as the initial pressing sold out within the first month of release. After spending sometime playing locally and touring with bands such as Bratmobile, the Rah Bras and Trans Am, MMR expanded their sound into longer pieces and produced the three song “Fountain of Youth” 12-inch/CD single that was released on Troubleman Unlimited.

2004 proved to be a landmark year for MMR. They went on several tours, on their own and with Le Tigre. The group relocated to New York and parted ways with their original vocalist. Looking to continue forward, MMR quickly joined up with solo artist and long time friend Chuck Bettis, who before moving to New York had fronted many DC bands such as The Metamatics, All Scars and Trance And The Arcade. Bettis immediately clicked with the group, penning new vocals and touring within weeks of joining. Bettis’s fresh vocal approach has expanded the group’s sound as well as infusing a new energy in to the bands live performances.

MMR’s debut album, “Fantastic Success” was recorded and mixed by Jonathan Kreinik (Apes, Hot Snakes, Trans Am) at Trans Am’s National Recording Studios. “Fantastic Success” nails down MMR’s unique sound and features the first recordings with Chuck Bettis on vocals.

Measles Mumps Rubella is Robert Austin (bass), Chuck Bettis (vocals, trumpet), Ryan Hicks (drums) and Mark Ropelewski (guitar).