The BoDeans are an American rock band from Waukesha, Wisconsin, formed in 1983.

The first full lineup was Kurt Neumann, vocals and lead guitar. Sam Llanas, vocals and rhythm guitar; Bob Griffin, bass. Nick Kitsos, drums.

In a 1987 Rolling Stone magazine poll, the BoDeans were voted ‘Best New American Band’.

In 1993, their song “Closer to Free” was selected as the theme song for the television series “Party of Five” and became one of Billboard’s 10 most-played songs of 1996.

Presently, Neumann is the only remaining original member. Neumann is joined by drummer Kenny Aronoff, widely known for his work with John Cougar Mellencamp.

A more detailed band history is archived at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel