Formed in 1985, the Bosstones are credited with the creation of the ska-core genre, a form of music that mixes elements of third wave ska and hardcore. The band released seven full-length albums, three EPs and a live album while touring continuously before their announcement of a hiatus in December 2003.

Since the hiatus announcement, several members have gone on to work on other projects and bands. Barrett is now an announcer on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live late night talk show. In 2005, he became the host of the Mighty Morning Show on Los Angeles radio's Indie 103.1 FM. In March of 2006, he was dismissed from the radio station.

Before the hiatus announcement, Gittleman had formed a second band named Avoid One Thing. The band released two albums on SideOneDummy before announcing their own hiatus. Joe Sirois recorded and toured with Nate Albert's next band, Kickovers, and has also played drums for the Street Dogs and Frank Black. Rhodes went on to play with The Toasters until his departure in 2006. Rhodes has also performed with former Spring Heeled Jack bandmate Rick Omonte in The Mountain Movers and as a fill-in trombonist for Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, and NOFX. Fleysher continued his pursuit of a professional pilot's license. He took classes near his home in South Florida and worked as a flight instructor in his spare time. Burton and his family moved to Los Angeles where he has become active in the movie business. Besides working with a Hollywood agent, he has written several scripts. He has also contributed saxophone for a Cypress Hill song. In 2006 he appeared in the film Crazy, which was inspired by the life of Hank Garland. Lawrence Katz has formed a new band called Resistant, who are currently recording their debut album.

Due to the fact that the band left the possibility of playing together again open, rumors and speculation have circulated that a reunion is inevitable. The hiatus of Joe Gittleman's band, Avoid One Thing, has added to speculation of such a reunion. Despite various unfounded rumors there has been no official reunion announcement.