Tickle Me Pink was an American rock band from Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their energetic post-grunge sound and the bittersweet success surrounding their debut album. Formed in 2005, the band consisted of Sean Kennedy on lead vocals and bass, Stefan Runstrom on drums, and guitarists Joey Barba and Steven Beck. Their journey was marked by both local acclaim and profound tragedy, carving a brief but memorable chapter in the mid-2000s rock scene.

The band built a strong regional following in Colorado through relentless touring and the independent release of two EPs, "If Only We Were Twenty One and Up" in 2005 and "Half Seas Over" in 2006. Their hard work and catchy, guitar-driven rock eventually caught the attention of Wind-Up Records, a label known for acts like Creed and Seether. This led to the recording and highly anticipated release of their first full-length album, "Madeline," on July 1, 2008.

The release of "Madeline" was tragically overshadowed by the death of the band's original bassist, Johnny Schou, who passed away from a reported heroin overdose just as the album hit shelves. Schou was a founding member, and his loss cast a long shadow over the band's milestone. Longtime friend Joey Barba stepped in to replace Schou on guitar, with Kennedy taking over bass duties. Despite the heartbreak, the band persevered, promoting "Madeline" and its singles, including "Typical," while touring extensively.

After several years of activity, Tickle Me Pink officially played their final show on March 5, 2011, announcing their farewell to fans via social media the following day. The members pursued other musical projects in the aftermath, with Kennedy forming Talisker Skye and both Beck and Runstrom performing with the band the Wiredogs. In August 2016, the original lineup reunited for two special performances, including a slot at Fort Collins' annual Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest, offering fans a nostalgic celebration of their catalog. While no longer active, Tickle Me Pink remains remembered for their raw talent and the poignant story of their debut, a snapshot of a band whose potential was realized amidst immense personal loss.