The Eskalators are an American Brooklyn-based steampunk and vegan musical collective, puppeteering ensemble, and experimental street mime troupe, formed by Eric Williams in the summer of 2007.
[1] The group is known for holding elaborate, public performances, fire poi artistry, and flash mobs on New York City Subway cars without formal written consent from the subway's operator, the MTA.
[2] Eric Williams was driving cross-country with the members of The Best Thing Ever to film a documentary about them.
[citation needed] The Eskalators released their first recording, Never Break Down, in April 2008.
Shortly after, New York City promoter Joe Ahearn approached the band about performing on a subway car before one of his upcoming shows.