Five for Fighting consists of one main member, John Ondrasik. He is singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist. His lyrics are clever and political while dealing with themes of life and love. Ondrasik's tunes are generally simple but appeal to fans of all ages. His style of rock and pop is original and heartfelt, and his tours are always met with great enthusiasm, selling out tickets all over the United States.
John Ondrasik was born in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. He began studying music at the age of two. His mother was a piano teacher, and she taught him her instrument until he was twelve or thirteen. It was at that time that his sister acquired a guitar for her birthday. Ondrasik promptly stole it, taught himself how to play, and began writing his own music. John Ondrasik's third instrument was his voice. He had formal vocal training in opera. However, he decided that opera was not for him, as his inspiration came from musicians like the Beatles, Billy Joel, Journey, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
After he graduated from high school, John Ondrasik attended college at UCLA. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in applied mathematics. In spite of his studies, John continued to perform and write music. After college he worked at his father's wire manufacturing business. However, John continued to pursue his dream of performing and signed with record label EMI.
John Ondrasik first used the name Five for Fighting when he released his debut album, MESSAGE FOR ALBERT, in 1997. The name he picked to represent his music is taken from a hockey penalty. A player gets five minutes in the penalty box for fighting. Hence the name Five for Fighting.
Ondrasik's first album, MESSAGE FOR ALBERT, was followed three years later by Five for Fighting's sophomore album, AMERICAN TOWN. His first record label had since gone out of business, and AMERICAN TOWN was recorded by Columbia Records. His first single, 'Superman,' quickly became popular, and he sang it at the Concert for New York City in the winter after 9/11. Despite the poignant circumstances under which it became popular, AMERICAN TOWN went platinum soon after.
Five for Fighting's third album, THE BATTLE FOR EVERYTHING, was released in 2004. It ranked in the top 20 on the billboard charts and stayed there for 20 weeks. This success was due to Ondrasik's second single '100 Years,' which was on the charts for 5 months.
Five for Fighting is most known for the hit 'Superman' which became the theme song for families, firefighters, and victims trying to heal after the tragedy of September 11. However, the success of THE BATTLE FOR EVERYTHING proved that he is not a one-hit wonder. He has toured in Australia and all over the United States, selling out tickets on his concert tours. Ondrasik has even made television appearances on The View, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, and several other television shows. He has proved that Five for Fighting is here to stay.
