Take It Off

The song "Take It Off" by The Donnas from their 2002 album Spend The Night is a high-energy anthem that became their most successful single, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and cracking the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart. Its raw, rebellious vibe made it a staple in pop culture, appearing in films like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, The Hangover, and even as a cover in the PlayStation 2 version of Guitar Hero. The track was also part of a downloadable pack for Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360, cementing its place in gaming history. In a 2017 interview, lead vocalist Brett Anderson reflected on the song’s impact, noting that its unapologetic attitude resonated with fans who saw The Donnas as a band that “played hard and partied harder,” embodying a carefree rock ‘n’ roll spirit. The song’s infectious riff and cheeky lyrics, written by the band’s core members—Anderson, Allison Robertson, Maya Ford, and Torry Castellano—were crafted to capture the thrill of letting loose, a theme that defined much of the album’s party-ready ethos.

Behind the scenes, "Take It Off" was born during a whirlwind recording session for Spend The Night, The Donnas’ major-label debut with Atlantic Records. The band had just two weeks to record, a luxury compared to the two-day sessions for their earlier indie albums. According to a 2003 Pitchfork review, the track’s polished production marked a shift from their lo-fi punk roots, blending glam rock influences from bands like Kiss and AC/DC with their signature Ramones-inspired sound. Fans on The Donnas’ Facebook page have shared stories of hearing "Take It Off" live during the band’s early 2000s tours, with one recalling a 2003 show where Anderson tossed her leather jacket into the crowd during the song’s climax, sparking a frenzy. The song’s music video, posted on YouTube by Atlantic Records, captures the band’s playful, rebellious energy, featuring them rocking out in a gritty club setting—a visual that still garners nostalgic comments from fans on their Instagram.

The Donnas began as a group of high school friends in Palo Alto, California, in 1993. Brett Anderson (vocals), Allison Robertson (guitar), Maya Ford (bass), and Torry Castellano (drums) met in middle school and formed a band initially called Screen to play at their school’s “Day On The Green” talent show. They soon renamed themselves Ragady Anne, then The Electrocutes, experimenting with a trashy riot grrrl sound before settling on The Donnas. To distinguish themselves from another local band, they adopted the “Donna” moniker, with each member taking a stage name: Donna A. (Anderson), Donna R. (Robertson), Donna F. (Ford), and Donna C. (Castellano). Inspired by punk pioneers like the Ramones and the Runaways, they worked with producer Darin Raffaelli, releasing their self-titled debut in 1997 on his Super*teem! label, later reissued by Lookout! Records. A week-long tour of Japan during their senior year of high school fueled their early buzz, and by 2001, they signed with Atlantic Records, leading to the mainstream success of Spend The Night.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a DIY ethos, building a cult following in the punk scene before crossing over to broader audiences. Rolling Stone praised their “guileless take on adolescent alienation,” while MTV called them a “good old-fashioned rock & roll party.” Though The Donnas haven’t been active since 2012, their legacy endures through fan communities. Their official website, thedonnas.com, offers merch and updates, while their Facebook and Instagram accounts share throwback photos and engage with fans. On X, they occasionally post about reissues, like the 2016 Cherry Red Records deluxe edition of Spend The Night. Fan-driven spaces include the Donnas Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap vinyl photos and concert memories, and sites like Discogs, where collectors trade rare pressings. These communities keep the band’s spirit alive, celebrating songs like "Take It Off" as timeless odes to rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.