Foxboro Hot Tubs make sly move onto chart

By Leah Kauffman

NEW YORK (Billboard) - The Foxboro Hot Tubs emerged on the alt-rock scene in late 2007, bringing with them the boisterous sound of '60s garage rock plus the nagging suspicion that they were actually the members of Green Day fooling around on the side.

Foxboro Hot Tubs' Web site offered an EP, "Stop Drop and Roll," for free download early in December. The MP3s were removed the following week, only to reappear and then vanish again. Currently, none of the three songs posted on the band's MySpace page are offered for sale.

This isn't the first time Green Day's members have been accused of moonlighting. In 2003, they were alleged to have recorded a new wave album under the name the Network, which Billie Joe Armstrong released on his Adeline Records imprint.

Green Day's reps at Reprise had no comment, but there are many clues that strengthen the allegations, such as Armstrong's distinctive vocals and a link on Green Day's site that directs browsers to Foxboro Hot Tubs' MySpace page.

Whoever they are, they're enjoying success on Billboard's Modern Rock chart with "Mother Mary." The cut entered the chart at No. 30 in early February and this week climbs from No. 18 to No. 16.

Modern rock KNRK Portland, Ore., program director Mark Hamilton said that Reprise introduced him to the single late last year but made no mention of the band's membership. "I liked the song before I knew it was Green Day," he said. "It stands alone on its own merits."

According to modern rock WHTG Monmouth-Ocean, N.J., program director Terrie Carr, Foxboro Hot Tubs' "are they or aren't they Green Day" appeal gives them an edge, encouraging listeners to decide for themselves.

Reuters/Billboard