Monkey Wrench

Meet the Band

A Foo Fighters tribute comprised of experienced musical pros!

Performing the best songs from the legendary Foo Fighters, Monkey Wrench is a tribute band that aims to deliver a show that honors the music of this group. We are not the Foo Fighters, nor do we pretend to be on stage. We are fans, first and foremost, that’s why we are determined to stay true to the energetic, no-nonsense, straight-up balls-to-the-wall rock music that is loved worldwide. Monkey Wrench delivers a show that Foo Fighters fans will hopefully enjoy watching as much as we love playing it!

This project was born out of bassist Mike Thomas’s idea to form a kick-ass tribute band honoring the extraordinary career and music of the iconic band. Mike put this group of five seasoned musicians together to deliver an authentic tribute to Foo Fighters! You can read more about each of us below, check out our live videos, get some very cool Monkey Wrench merch, but above all: Come to our shows and rock out to some of your favorite tunes! Our set list includes all the greatest Foo hits. Click here for the full list. Make sure to brush up on all of them, ‘cause you’ll be singing along at the top of your voice before you know it.

And just in case you may not be that familiar with the Foo Fighters catalog beyond one or two hits, do yourself a favor and dive deep! Click here to check out Foo Fighters. After a good listen, you will definitely understand why we do what we do. And as an added bonus, you’ll be ready to sing and shout at the next Monkey Wrench show!

Photo of Carl Kinahan on the Monkey Wrench band bio page

Jim Pallitto

Vocals

With 35 years playing drums, guitar, and singing, Jim Pallitto is honored to step into the role of lead singer for Monkey Wrench, the premier Foo Fighters tribute band. He deeply respects the high-energy shows and dedicated fan base the band has built over the years and is humbled to help carry that legacy forward.

A Jersey Shore native, Jim spent years playing covers and originals in clubs and beach bars from Asbury Park to Point Pleasant.

Jim is excited for the challenge and looks forward to delivering the power, hooks, and heart that make Foo Fighters music special.

Let’s rock!

Ed Kim

Lead guitar

Ed grew up in California listening to the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Santana and Steely Dan. His first electric guitar, a Silvertone Strat-style his parents gave him for Christmas in third grade, hangs on his wall and still sounds pretty darn good. Since moving to New Jersey in the 90’s, Ed has played in original and cover bands across a range of styles, including classic rock, metal, pop, smooth jazz and country.

The privilege of paying tribute to the Foo Fighters is the high point in Ed’s lifelong devotion to guitar. He’s excited at the opportunity to emulate the iconic sounds of the greatest band ever.

Mike Thomas

Bass

Mike is excited to be playing bass in a tribute to one of the greatest, if not the greatest, bands that have ever existed. Foo Fighters has been his passion from their inception, and he’s always wanted to play their music in a band.

Mike has more than 38 years of experience playing bass in many different bands ranging from covers to originals. He got his start listening to Gene Simmons, Cliff Williams, Geddy Lee, Flea, Dave Hope, and Bootsy Collins. Still, he is most enamored by the workings of Nate Mendel and how he forms his lines in Foo Fighters' songs.

Mike brings his own power and groove to all the songs, and he can’t wait to see you out there rocking to Monkey Wrench!

Mike Kabbash

Drums

“The Other” Mike comes to Monkey Wrench with a musical background that runs the gamut, having played in various pop, rock, alternative/grunge, reggae, funk, and R&B bands (with a reluctant sprinkling of country). As part of the NJ music scene since 1990, he’s played all over the tri-state area as drummer, band leader, fill in-sub and drum instructor, bringing the groove to original, cover and wedding bands whenever and wherever the call comes.

Now Mike assumes the drum throne in Monkey Wrench to climb the mountain of percussive glory created by Foo Fighters drummers Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl. A tall order, but Mike dives in head-first with a “hold my scotch” attitude!

Benny Roberts

Rhythm guitar

Benny Roberts, a New Jersey native picked up his first guitar at the age of 7 and hasn’t put it down since. With over 35+ years of experience, he has been a member of multiple cover bands and an acoustic duo over the years. His music taste extends from The Beatles, to Led Zeppelin, to the Goo Goo Dolls and many more in between.

He has created original music where he proudly won 2 awards for the Song of The Year contest.

Benny’s passion for music led him to Monkey Wrench where he can blend his own personal style with one of the greatest rock bands in history. Benny is excited and honored to be a part of the Monkey Wrench family and looks forward to what the future has in store for him and his bandmates!