The iconic central PA heavy hitters Emily’s Toybox are celebrating 30 years of talking trash in the back of the bus — so come and join us. That’s right, it’s hard to believe it was almost 30 years ago, on October 28th, 1995, at the infamous Log Cabin Inn in Lewistown, PA, where Mike Wise and his legion of musicians launched the band that would go on to become one of the most successful and longest-running live bands in the area. The reason why is obvious after you attend an ETB show. The energy they put forth to include the crowd not only magnifies the performance, but it also intensifies the fan experience. Whether it’s the casino-friendly “Cover” show or the uncensored full ETB experience, you are guaranteed a good time.
Founded out of necessity — as Mike Wise says, to pay off a CD put out by his previous project Blaze On — the first incarnation consisted of Mike on bass and vocals, backed by Frank White on guitar and Mike Dooley on drums. Two years later, and after a couple of drummer changes, they landed on Wade Corban. By December 1997, ETB appeared on the cover of PA Musician Magazine with the release of I Never Get My Way, the band’s first full CD. Already known as a rowdy, rafter-hanging, toilet paper-throwing, dress-wearing (“to piss off the rednecks”) kind of band, Mike was once asked, “How long did it take to develop your stage show?” His answer: “It’s an ongoing evolution. We feed off the crowd’s energy — the crowd loves to participate, and it’s all very spontaneous. Organized chaos in a controlled environment is the best description of what happens when we play.”
The next several years saw the releases of Beach, Christmas Candy, Kindly Remove the Stick, and Mistletoe Mayonnaise. In November of 2000, ETB once again appeared on the cover of PAM, this time promoting something new called a website. This “new thing” could be found on the World Wide Web and featured up-to-the-minute schedules, as well as videos and photos of the band. Always on the cutting edge, they also launched the “ETB Sucks” Fan Club, where fans would pay $25/year to receive early releases of CDs as well as the infamous ETB special-edition Christmas albums. (That’s right — Mike is really a big Christmas-loving softie.) Think Patreon before it was Patreon. It wasn’t just about making money, though — it was about connecting with the vast fan base they had acquired. That connection culminated each year in an ETB picnic at PA’s legendary Knoebels Amusement Park, where the band would hang out with fans for a fun-filled day.
In 2002, they released 25/7, showcasing just how hard this band worked — playing 74 straight shows during a 124-day run, missing only a few dates for cancellations. Full throttle and full of “Road Rage” was the mantra for this album, and it may have turned into reality when Mike flipped his Chevy S-10 down the highway late one night after the Christmas party release of Merry Kiss-Mass. Little-known fact: this is the rarest ETB CD in existence, as copies were only handed out at that party, with the remaining ones destroyed in the accident.
Through the years, the band has faced many lineup changes along with some dramatic and traumatic life events that not only affected Mike, but also the band on levels only they truly understand. These personal experiences can be heard throughout ETB’s iconic songs. In 2003, they released ETB Live, followed in 2005 by Pill, which featured “Fuck You” and “Fuck You Too.” The first was a heavy-hitting anthem letting everyone know “you’re never gonna change me,” while the second was a love/hate ballad confessing his true love to someone who maybe didn’t deserve it. Also released was Casualty, a powerful song with deep meaning for the band, written about veteran suicide and the casualties of war during the aftermath of 9/11 — and the years later that affected all servicemen and women as their lives were changed forever.
For Christmas 2005, they released YeeFaw KinHaw — a dramatic turn for the band as they “went country,” performing all the ETB classics country-style. You might think it’s just a joke — until you listen to the country version of “Back of the Bus” and what I’d call the “Amish” version of “Road Rage.” This hilarious album is available now on Emily’s Toybox’s YouTube Music page (link below), where you can also find many other ETB albums.
The band’s last album came in 2007 with the release of Junk From Our Trunk, and in 2009 they once again appeared on the cover of PAM with a new lineup and a revamp. It’s been said that ETB has had at least half a dozen members for each role, but only one lead singer: founder Mike Wise, who in 2025 is now flanked by Brandon Reece on lead guitar/vocals, Rick Lienhard on bass, and Muff on drums.
This four-piece evolution of the band has “settled in” and will soon be releasing the first new material in 20 years. To coincide with the 30th anniversary of their first show, they’ll be releasing It’s Ok To Swear — a special double-disc CD featuring 30 songs. One disc will be full of new songs, including the first studio recording of “Back of the Bus,” while the second disc will feature live versions of your favorite classic ETB tracks. The digital version drops October 28th, but you can grab a physical copy at one of the two 30th anniversary release parties: October 11th at Shermans Creek Inn with special guests Price of Entry and Gun Metal Gray, followed by October 17th at The Gin Mill and Grille in Northampton, PA with Phoenix 69.
Plans are also in the works for a special vinyl release of disc one. With song titles like “Ain’t Drunk Enough” and “I Wanna Get Nude With You,” this new release will not disappoint diehard ETB fans. I found myself singing along to these two new instant classics almost immediately. When sung in the right atmosphere, at the right time, these songs could lead to some interesting nights at the bar. Sandwiched in between is a new foray for ETB, as Brandon Reece — a 10-year veteran of the band — takes the reins on vocals with “The Prettiest Perfect,” a love song with some ETB-style flavor. It blends so well you almost wouldn’t notice it’s not Mike Wise’s signature style of mic abuse. Just kidding — it’s obviously not Mike. Brandon does a great job on this 80’s-vibe summer-of-love song. “Don’t Fade Away”- written and sung by Rick Lienhard- is a powerful song about loss and the pain we feel when we loose someone we can’t live without. Mike and the band really wanted a piece of everyone in this project and they certainly delivered. I can’t wait to hear the full album.
For a sneak peek of the new songs, check out Jim Price’s Homegrown Rocker Show interview and The River 97.3 Local Show’s new podcast, both featuring samples of the new material.
So make your plans now to attend at least one of these rowdy nights of live music action. Bring your toilet paper rolls and a good attitude, and who knows — maybe you’ll find someone who wants to get nude with you. But if you ain’t drunk enough, it might not happen. Remember to party safe and always bring a designated driver and celebrate 30 years of one of central PA’s most iconic bands.
ETB would like to thank Media Five Entertainment for keeping their schedule full. For more ETB info, check them out on Facebook, YouTube Music, their classic webpage, and of course live and in person at a show near you. Links below.
http://www.emilystoybox.com/
