Punk rockers and rockabilly fanatics found common ground in the California psychobilly band Tiger Army. Formed in 1995 with influences as diverse as horror punk legends The Misfits and classic rock 'n' roller Eddie Cochran, Tiger Army quickly developed a following in Los Angeles. Rancid's Tim Armstrong was an early supporter and signed them to his Hellcat label, which released their self-titled debut in 1999. There would be numerous personnel changes, but Nick 13's charismatic vocals and the band's upright bass groove would remain trademarks.