The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold-certified album Turn the Radio Off.

[citation needed] With the departure of Ben Guzman soon after, then backup vocalist Aaron Barrett took his place as lead singer.

Reel Big Fish's self-released debut album, Everything Sucks, was successful and became an underground hit spread by word-of-mouth, which led to the band signing a deal with Mojo Records.

Trombonist Grant Barry was fired for his conduct, culminating with him committing battery on a security guard at Mississippi Nights during a concert in St. Louis, and drummer Andrew Gonzales left the band to spend more time with his family.

[3] Former Suburban Rhythm drummer Carlos de la Garza and former Spring Heeled Jack trumpeter Tyler Jones, who tracked for two songs on Cheer Up!

De la Garza's last concert with Reel Big Fish was on June 20, 2003, at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.

Justin Ferreira (who replaced De La Garza) was on drums for the recording, but left before the album's release to join the Orange County band Takota and subsequently is listed as an additional musician on the CD.

Common themes expressed throughout the songs include jealousy, regret, short-lasting fame, and disappointment toward mainstream record companies.

He was replaced by Derek Gibbs who played bass in Jeffries Fan Club and Aaron Barrett's now defunct side project, The Forces Of Evil.

[12] Matt Appleton of Goldfinger began filling in for Scott on the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, and he has since been announced as a permanent replacement.

[13] In March 2012, Reel Big Fish announced via Facebook that the group had begun recording a new album of new, original songs.

[17] Reel Big Fish announced a co-headline UK and Ireland tour with Less than Jake with support from Zebrahead in early 2014.

On March 22, 2020, former trumpet player Tyler Jones died; the band paid its respects via social media.

[21] On October 28, 2021, former member Scott Klopfenstein reunited with Aaron Barrett to sing on a track by Lo(u)ser titled No Hope.

Former drummer Ryland Steen played drums and produced, and Dan Regan also appeared in the music video alongside the others.

[22] In July 2024, Ice Nine Kills released a cover of "Walking On Sunshine" in collaboration with Reel Big Fish, featuring Dan Regan as a credited band member for the first time since 2013.