3 Fun Facts About Breakout Alternative Rock Group Dexter And The Moonrocks

A new alternative rock group, Dexter And The Moonrocks, has penned a second No. 1 on Alternative charts. Released on March 11, 2026, the single “Freakin’ Out” has peaked at No. 1 on the US Alternative Airplay chart. It’s the band’s second time doing so. In 2024, the band achieved the same with their single “Sad In Carolina.” In 2025, their single “Ritalin” came close, peaking at No. 4 on the chart. “Freakin’ Out” is the band’s first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 91. On the Hot 100, the song has peaked at No. 33. They’re the newest faces to carry the torch of Alternative Rock, and here are 3 fun facts about the group.

3 Out of 4 Members Have Been Friends Since 8th Grade

Lead singer James Tuffs first met cousins Ryan and Ty Anderson in the 8th grade. After high school, they all pursued different careers but kept in touch. Tuff’s parents entered him into a songwriting contest without his knowledge. Though he didn’t win, this inspired him to start a band with the Anderson cousins. In 2021, they formed a band in Throckmorton, Texas, under the name James Tuffs And The Southern Trouble. They soon recruited drummer Ryan Fox and changed their band name. James Tuff felt Dexter was a better name than James and fit better with The Moonrocks.

They Released a Cover of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” in 2025

In July 2025, to celebrate Black Sabbath’s reunion at the Back To The Beginning concert, the band released their own cover of “Paranoid.” The concert was Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance before his death weeks later.

James Tuff told 105.7 The Point, “We’ve been sitting on this song for ages, but with Ozzy’s last show being this Saturday, we figured it was as fitting a time as ever to release it. We really hope you enjoy our take on this, and we’re glad you can have a little laugh with us as we poke fun at the fact that it didn’t make the cut for the movie it was made for.” The cover was originally meant for the Minecraft movie, but was unused,

The Band Has an Interesting History With Cheez-its

Dexter And The Moonrocks created a ritual in their live performances involving Cheez-its. They would throw the snack at the audience, which came to be expected when attending the band’s shows. The band was hoping to get sponsored by the snack brand, but that wasn’t the case. In fact, they were asked by the brand to stop, and sponsorship was denied. The band has since retaliated, leading vulgar chants against the snack company as fans have taken the band’s side. It has since turned into great publicity for the young band.

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