"Diamonds and Guns" is the debut single by American punk rock/hip hop band Transplants, released on October 15, 2002, as the lead single from their debut studio album. It was recorded at Tim's Basement in Los Angeles, California, produced by Tim Armstrong and Dave Carlock, and released via Hellcat Records. The track, "Diamonds and Guns", was written and performed by the Transplants (Robert "Skinhead Rob" Aston, Tim Armstrong, Travis Barker) and Jason "Son Doobie" Vasquez of Funkdoobiest. The single peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the United States and No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart. All four performers appeared in the music video for "Diamonds and Guns".
The instrumental version of "Diamonds and Guns" was played as background music in Garnier Fructis commercials for several years. The song had minor edits, toning down the guitar distortion. The song has appeared in various media, including the Smallville second-season episode "Visitor" and an episode of Fastlane. It was also featured in the film Bulletproof Monk during the introduction of the character Kar. Additionally, the song is included on the soundtrack for the video game WWE 2K26.
Track listing Adapted from Discogs Note †Music video for "Diamonds and Guns" also featured in some versions of the single.
Personnel
"Diamonds and Guns" Tim Armstrong - vocals, guitar, bass, loops, lyrics, mixing, producer Rob "Skinhead Rob" Aston - vocals, lyrics, scratches Travis Barker - drums Jason "Son Doobie" Vasquez - vocals, lyrics Dave Carlock - backing vocals, piano, mixing, producer Gene Grimaldi - mastering
"Tall Cans in the Air" Tim Armstrong - vocals, guitar, loops, lyrics, mixing, producer Rob "Skinhead Rob" Aston - vocals, lyrics Travis Barker - drums Dave Carlock - synthesizer, mixing, producer Brody Dalle - backing vocals Matt Freeman - bass Victor Ruggiero - Hammond B-3 organ Gene Grimaldi - mastering
Charts Chart (2003)PeakpositionUK Singles Chart27US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)19
References