Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario. Formed in 1990, the group developed from a high-school project into one of Canada's most durable alternative rock acts. Its core lineup consists of vocalist Scott Anderson, bassist Sean Anderson, guitarists James Black and Rick Jackett, and drummer Steve Molella. The band's sound has moved through alternative metal, post-grunge, hard rock, funk rock, dance rock, and acoustic pop without settling permanently into one style.
The group was originally known as Rainbow Butt Monkeys. Alongside the Anderson brothers, Black and Jackett, the original lineup included drummer Rob Gommerman. The band signed with Mercury Records and released the album Letters from Chutney in 1995. Although the record reflected the group's playful name and early funk-rock influences, its members soon wanted a more focused musical identity.
They adopted the name Finger Eleven and began moving toward a heavier combination of alternative rock, post-grunge, and nu-metal. Their first album under the new name, Tip, appeared in Canada in 1997 and was later reissued in the United States by Wind-up Records. Produced by Arnold Lanni, the album established the band's early reputation for forceful guitar work, tense arrangements, and Scott Anderson's intense vocal delivery. Songs such as "Above" helped Finger Eleven gain exposure through Canadian radio and MuchMusic.
Drummer Rich Beddoe replaced Gommerman during this period. The band's second album, The Greyest of Blue Skies, was released in 2000 and continued its heavier direction. Tracks including "First Time" and "Drag You Down" increased the group's profile in Canada, while extensive touring helped it build an audience in the United States.
Finger Eleven reached a wider international audience with its 2003 self-titled album. Produced by Johnny K, the record expanded beyond the band's earlier metallic sound, incorporating dance-rock, melodic alternative rock, and quieter acoustic textures. The most important change came with "One Thing", a restrained and introspective song that became the band's first major American hit. It reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and helped the album achieve gold status in the United States and platinum status in Canada.
The song also became a prominent music video and soundtrack-era success, appearing in television programs and contributing to the group's presence beyond rock radio. During the following years, Finger Eleven toured extensively in North America, Europe, and Australia, sharing stages with acts including Evanescence, Nickelback, and The Tragically Hip.
The band also became associated with professional wrestling through "Slow Chemical", its 2002 cover and remix of wrestler Kane's entrance theme. The track appeared in WWE programming, video games, and the soundtrack to the 2004 film The Punisher.
Finger Eleven's fifth studio album, Them vs. You vs. Me, arrived in 2007. Rather than repeat the formula of "One Thing", the band embraced a more rhythmic and accessible sound. The lead single "Paralyzer" combined hard-rock guitars with a pronounced funk groove and became its biggest commercial success. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent a lengthy period on the chart, and became a major hit in Canada. The album earned the band the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008.
The group followed with Life Turns Electric in 2010, an album that continued its interest in dance-rock and melodic songwriting. "Living in a Dream" became a Canadian rock radio hit and was used as the theme for the 2011 WWE Royal Rumble. In 2013, Beddoe left the band, and Molella eventually became the permanent drummer.
Produced by Dave Cobb, Five Crooked Lines was released in 2015. The album returned to a heavier and more volatile rock sound while retaining the band's melodic instincts. Finger Eleven remained active as a touring act and later revisited its past when it performed as Rainbow Butt Monkeys in 2018.
The band returned to recording with the 2023 compilation Greatest Hits, which included the new song "Together Right". It subsequently signed with Better Noise Music and released Last Night on Earth in 2025, its first full-length album of new material in a decade. The record reaffirmed Finger Eleven's preference for stylistic variety, combining hard rock energy with polished hooks and atmospheric passages.
Through repeated changes in sound, Finger Eleven has maintained a recognizable identity built on strong melodies, energetic performances, and a willingness to move between heaviness, introspection, and groove.