Ben Folds Five Artistfacts

1993-2000, 2011-2013
Ben FoldsVocals, piano
Robert SledgeBass
Darren JesseeDrums
Ben Folds Five were actually a trio. The name is play on the many jazz combos with similar names. It aligns with the acerbic humor that's found in many of their songs.
The main instrument was Ben's baby grand piano, augmented by bass (Robert Sledge) and drums (Darren Jessee). There was no guitar, which was unusual when they formed in 1993. They were a pleasing alternative to grunge; Folds called their sound "punk rock for sissies."
They formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. That's home to the University of North Carolina, but none of the members went to school there. Folds grew up about 60 miles away in Winston-Salem, then attended the University of Miami on a music scholarship. He dropped out and bounced around for a while before landing in Chapel Hill and forming the group.
Many of their songs are tinged with humor, but they're best known for "Brick," one of the saddest songs you'll ever hear. It's a true story about Folds getting his girlfriend pregnant in high school and her getting an abortion.
Their live shows were quite memorable, with Folds attacking his piano on stage - pounding the keys, kicking at the instrument, and using the piano bench as a percussion tool. Anyone expecting a mellow night of smooth jazz was in for a surprise.
The band broke up in 2000 after three albums, figuring they had run their course. Folds released his first solo album in 2001 and retained much of the band's following. Ben Folds Five reunited in 2011 and released another album the following year, but they split up again in 2013.

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