Suckerpunch was formed in 1999, and is comprised of four of the Washington Area's rowdiest musicians. Guitarists Danny Martelino and Eric Shaw, Bassist Nick Kelly, and drummer Steve Kulley perform several times every month, gathering a crowd of enthusiastic party-goers who appreciate good music.
Covering a wide range of rock and roll, alternative, R&B, and soul from the last three decades, Suckerpunch appeals to the breed of people who still enjoy going out for a night of high-octane entertainment.

Suckerpunch traces its roots back to early 1993, when Guitarist Danny Martelino joined Marshall Law, a heavy-metal project co-founded by Bassist Nick Kelly. After playing together in a number of shuffled line-ups, Danny and Nick broke off and founded Soul Shaker in 1995. Soul Shaker added Ryan Link on drums, as well as a new vocalist and second guitarist. With a five-man lineup, Soul Shaker hit the area's heaviest clubs, sharing a stage with some of metal's biggest names including Firehouse, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jackyl, Vince Neil, Ace Frehley, Quiet Riot, Slaughter and more.

In late 1996, Danny, Ryan and Nick dissolved Soul Shaker and formed Just Wanna Play. The trio lasted only a few months before going their seperate ways.

1999 saw the reunion of JWP's members with the addition of Eric Shaw on guitar. The four musicians rehearsed for several months before finally hitting the stage in early 2000. Debate over a name lasted for several weeks before Ryan brought up the formula for success:

2 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
1 oz Tequila
1 oz Vodka

After discovering that Suckerpunch was not only a great name, but a nasty shot, the band decided it fit perfectly.

Due to health reasons, Ryan Link retired from the band in October 2000. Suckerpunch was very fortunate to land talented drummer Steve Kulley and re-worked their formula once more.

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