Berkeley, California based record label Lookout! is officially closed for business. The brand made a name for itself hosting acts like Green Day and The Donnas. Now, at the end of a 15 year run, its doors are no longer open.
Lookout! was most well known for housing punk bands, but in later years invited other styles and artists into its repertoire. The label began in California between Larry Livermore (birth name Hayes) and David Hayes (no relation) in 1987. Its name was spawned from the magazine that Livermore started previously, and his band, The Lookouts, that he was in beginning in 1985. The drummer for The Lookouts, who was 12 years old at the time, would become none other than Green Day’s own Tre Cool. All of the Lookouts albums were recorded and produced through Lookout! Records and were its first contribution to the industry.
This choice to end business may seem like a surprise, but perhaps some of the artists on the label had an idea about it. Several bands, including Green Day themselves, have claimed their music from the company and joined other labels. These include former punk band Avail, and Chicago’s Screeching Weasel. As a goodbye to the record label, check out a Lookouts single below.
The Lookouts “Outside”