While Ween remains on indefinite hiatus, one dedicated fan is helping fill the void with the History of Ween video series. Published by YouTuber kainehero, the extensive collection documents the birth of Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo (later renamed Gene Ween and Dean Ween by the Boognish), all the way through the band going on hiatus last year for the good of Deaner’s mental health.
The History of Ween series is broken up into 11 main episodes, beginning with “The Cassette Years (1970–1989)” in episode one, all the way through “The Modern Era (2008–2025)” for episode 11. Aside from episode 11, all installments are organized by album, beginning with the band’s 1990 studio debut, GodWeenSatan: The Oneness, in episode two through Friends and La Cucaracha in episode ten. Between those main episodes, however, kainehero delivers “Extras” episodes that dive into Ween’s connection to Prince, SpongeBob SquarePants, and South Park, plus videos on the band’s live albums and unofficial albums of studio outtakes and demos.
In all, the History of Ween series encompasses 17 videos (so far) and over four hours of material. Each video includes archival concert footage, interviews, rare media, and thoughtful analysis on whichever album is the topic of discussion.
While Ween has arguably been one of the most prolific and influential bands in the past several decades of alt-rock—amassing a dedicated cult following around the world—the band lacks any definitive historical document. Unlike most of its contemporaries, Ween has no biography, authorized or otherwise. The closest fans have is Hank Shteamer‘s thoroughly researched volume of the 33 1/3 book series about Chocolate and Cheese, which totals all of 176 pages of a pocket-sized book.
Much like the band’s massive trove of unreleased songs and demos, Ween’s history is spread throughout the internet from various sources and hidden under rocks on YouTube or Internet Archive—a testament to the band’s DIY ethos. However fans found Ween, whether it was a tape or CD from a friend or seeing Phish cover them or even hearing them on SpongeBob, there has always been a feeling that you found something secret and special. Like finding a copy of Hustler in the woods.
Now, thanks to the work of kainehero and the History of Ween series, the band—and fans—finally have a comprehensive account of a group that cannot be defined by one album, era, or decade.
Check out all of the History of Ween videos currently on YouTube. Thank you, kainehero. And get well soon, Deaner.
The Cassette Years (1970–1989) — Episode 1
GodWeenSatan (1990–1991) — Episode 2