Henry Rollins. The name brings forth many different opinions from living legend to sell out hack. Love him or loathe him, you ought to respect him.
Why respect? Rollins is one of most active people in media today. His professional activities span the range of modern diversion and entertainment. As the lead singer of Rollins Band for over 10 years, an author of over ten books, a spoken word performer, a voice over talent of growing popularity, and an actor who has appeared in several films (including a growing number of major motion pictures and television jobs,) it is growing more difficult to say you’ve not heard his name. He is also a successful businessman with his own publishing company (2.13.61) with print, music, and video releases and a new CD division. In the mid-90s he became the co-owner (w/Rick Rubin) of a CD re-issue label called Infinite Zero. At one time he also had a deal with London Records to release new groups under his Human Pitbull label. His five years of recording and touring with Black Flag and work with various groups such as the Hard-Ons and the Bad Brains included into the mix and it’s safe to say that he’s worked very hard to get where he is today.
An essential key to the appeal of Rollins is his honesty. Most evident in his spoken word, this honesty brings out the base thoughts and raw pain that many of us feel but do not normally discuss. His ability to open up about these difficulties so easily and with his simultaneous and uncanny flair for entertainment has created a phenomenon. His spoken word performances are reaching venues of increasing size and diverse location: he has been doing shows all over North America and Europe for years, but has recently taken these to Russia and Israel for the first time.
This page is meant as more of a springboard for those of you who might not have any clue who Rollins is or what he is about. It will give a decent base of things that he has put out that you might want to investiage in your own time to make you better appreciate what is available. If you are really interested in learning more about the man and his life, an unauthorized biography has been released.
The book focuses primarily on his time in Black Flag, although there is a good deal of info about his childhood as well. Sources include many of those who knew him from the DC scene as well as a large number of those involved with SST throughout the mid-1980s. It is available only in the UK; neither Amazon nor Barnes and Noble have listings on it yet. If you’d like to contact the publisher, the address is:
Phoenix House Press 5 Upper St. Martins Lane London WC2 9EA UK
One of the most powerful bands to emerge from the cinders of punk… one of the most powerful bands ever. Greg Ginn, a madman and a thorough disciple of the guitar, brought this band into being in 1977 in the depths of L.A. outside of the reaches of the excesses of the ’70s. He’d had enough of the “California” sound of the Eagles, the over-production of Steely Dan and ELO. It was time to create a new sound.
Fueled by the simplicity and immediacy of the Ramones first album, he pulled together a small group of people who could barely play their instruments and began a pattern of musical deconstruction that exploded on a brand new scene that was just beginning to form. Controversy and opposition were the bedfellows of the band from the beginning: the law were not welcoming the emergence of the punk scene on the west coast. The fact that Black Flag survived those first four years was amazing in its own right. Singers kept quitting, occasionally during shows. But the band persevered, even acting in an instrumental capacity in between singers. It became common during these periods for people to jump on stage and act as the stand-in vocalist for the band.Dez Cadena, 1980-1983 The band finally settled into a stable unit with Ginn on guitar, Chuck Dukowski on bass, Robo on drums, and Dez Cadena as the permanent vocalist. It was with this line-up that Black Flag first ventured out on its first US tours. By December of 1980, the band was making its way across the USA for the first time. They played their first dates in New York City and Washington D.C. In the audience at each show were D.C. youths Ian MacKaye and Henry Garfield. They spoke to the band and ended up hanging out with them. Flag came east again during the summer of 1981. It was at a show in New York City that Henry ended up getting on stage and singing with the band for one song. Unbeknownst to Henry, Dez had been wanting to give up the mic to move over to rhythm guitar. Jumping on stage to sing left an impression on the band, so they ended up calling Henry back to NYC from D.C. and asked him to ‘jam’ with the band. After taking the train ride up and practicing with the band for a few hours, the others talked it over and decided that Henry would be the new vocalist. He quit his job, sublet his apartment, sold nearly everything he owned, and joined the band on tour several days later. This line up only lasted until their tour of England in late 1981, but long enough to record the first album, Damaged.Ian and Henry, 1982
Interview during the Damaged sessions, 1981 Dukowski, Rollins, Cadena, GinnIt was after their tour of the UK that they lost long time drummer Robo. Bill Stevenson of the Descendents filled in for a show or two, but a succession of replacement drummers (including future Danzig drummer Chuck Biscuits) came before he took over as the full time drummer. Flag were kept from releasing a sophomore album due to legal difficulties with the label that were originally scheduled to release Damaged. SST had taken it upon themselves to release the album themselves once MCA (in charge of distributing the Unicorn label) deemed it “An Anti-Parent Record” and unsuitable for corporate release. By doing so themselves, however, they violated a contract and wound up with thousands in legal bills andinjunctions against them for the next two years. Despite this, they released a compilation of formerly unreleased takes without the Black Flag name and ended up in more legal troubles… it was determined to still be Black Flag. More bills.Rollins in action Dukowski, Rollins, Ginn, Chuck Biscuits, Cadena Fall, 1982By the time My War was released in 1983, Stevenson was in, but Dukowski had left the group. Ginn performed bass duties himself for the recording of the album under the name Dale Nixon. Kira Roessler was brought in by the end of the year as the new bass player.1984 began an incredibly intense period of activity for the band. They released two albums that year, the split Family Man (half early Rollins spoken word, half Flag instrumentals), and the aggressive Slip It In. They toured insanely, going to great lengths to tour as many places in as little time as possible. Intensive tours into the depths of Europe and throughout the United States ensued. They even went to the length of playing three shows in three states in the space of 24 hours… lengths bands today will usually not go to. 1985 was even more active. Three album releases, including Loose Nut and In My Head interrupted by the instrumental Process of Weeding Out. Soon after, Stevenson and then Kira left the band.Kira, 1985 Rollins, 1985Anthony Martinez and C’el were taken on as the new drummer and bass player respectively and another shakedown of the United States was undertaken. Also on the bill were groups Painted Willie and the Ginn led instrumental trio Gone (including future Rollins Band rhythm section Simeon Cain and Andrew Weiss.) The three legs of the tour were probably the most ambitious touring of their career. It would also be their last. In mid-1986, Ginn called the members of the band and told them he was quitting Black Flag. So ended the near ten year career of one of the most dynamic bands to come out of punk. Ginn concentrated on running SST Records. A year later, the Rollins Band had already begun touring.Probably the best reference on Black Flag is Get in the Van by Henry Rollins. Planet Joe by Joe Cole also offers some insight into the band on tour. Glen Friedman’s books Fuck You Heroes, and Fuck You, too contain some of the best pictures of the band I’ve seen as well as a slew of other shots of artists and punk/rap scenes. All four can be ordered from 2.13.61. I also found (thanks to Christopher Thurston of the Carbines and S-4) some great shots in the book Hardcore California. I can’t recall the publisher or the authors, but I’ve seen it available in reissue at Tower Books and at Alternative Tentacles.Issue #20 of Punk Planet (Sept/Oct 1997) has some decent interviews with Ginn, Dukowski, Morris, Cadena, Kira, Stevenson, and Rollins.There are several Black Flag videos available. Check out the Releases Section for some information on these.At some point in the year 2000, 2.13.61 took this history and posted it verbatim on their site under a Black Flag section. While I was flattered that my text graced their site, I was also somewhat offended since they never asked (or even notified) me, nor was I credited in any way. I sent them a polite e-mail regarding this in summer 2001, but I never received a response. Though the site has since been removed, it existed between at least 18 August, 2000 and July 20, 2001.
More to come…pics, links, and essays about the band! Feel free to suggest things or just write!
I’m still considering moving this site to a different locale sometime in the near future. Please keep your eyeballs peeled if you can and help me with the transition and updating them silly search engines…
“When I first saw Black Flag, it was on the My War tour in St.Louis [1983]. The thing I remember the most about that show is that at least three times during the set these guys in the crowd grabbed Henry, held him down, and punched him in the face. It was only my third concert (after the Clash and JFA/Sun City Girls.) It left quite an impression on me. I also remember the Saccharine Trust singer [Jack Brewer] crawling under the drum riser to moan during A Human Certainty.
“
Like a fool, I didn’t go to the show a few months later on the Slip It In tour [1984]. “When I saw them on the Loose Nut (my personal favorite Flag album) tour [1985], they had a ton of security. It was great to see Henry run out to the mic just in time to start singing Nervous Breakdown and to see him turn around and unveil his sun tattoo when he sang, ‘I’m a son of the Sun’ during I’m the One. Whatever happened to Tom Troccoli anyway? I saw [Black Flag] and later the Descendents at this roller skating rink called the Skate Palace. Would you believe that the place where I saw these two bands and once had someone try to sell me a bag of G.G. Allin’s bodily fluid is now a daycare center called Sunshine Academy? It freaks me out every time I drive by. “My third St. Louis show was not as good. My friend (and former bandmate) Darrin Gray’s band Culture Shock was supposed to open up. This was the the In My Head tour [1986]. Black Flag went on and played a short set. Someone said they had to do another show somewhere else that night–there wasn’t one listed in Get in the Van. Culture Shock had the rough job of going on after Black Flag. By the time they were done, the Turner’s Hall was mostly empty. “Greg Ginn had as much influence on my guitar playing as anyone. I, too, in my band Earl Bros. stand out in the local music scene because I play solos. Always have. Most of the bands here in Alton, IL are sons of Sonic Youth. Black Flag had a huge influence on me. My first Flag record was the Jealous Again EP. A little later I got the Damaged and the Dead Kennedys’ Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables on the same day. Black Flag is simply one of the greatest bands of all time.”
William I. August 1997
“Must have been either 81 or 82 when I saw Black Flag play the old Ritz. It was an incredible gig…. had never seen anything like it. Henry was doing Depression or something else off of Damaged, when Richie Stotz (of the Plasmatics), who was just standing there head and shoulders above the crowd with his big blue mohawk, received a Henry headbutt…. and if memory serves me pulled out at least one tooth that was knocked loose. “I also remember that the bouncers were kicking peoples’ asses, including girls, at the show, and there ended up being a ‘semi-riot’ in the street. Cops were called and, of course, some punk threw a bottle at them…. the rest was a blur of running footsteps and bailing my friends older sister (who drove us to the gig) out of Manhattan’s Tombs.”
Rick H. October 1997
“The last time I saw Black Flag play live was Feb. 9, 1986 in a small Deli/Club called the Strip in Knoxville, TN. It was THE defining moment of my life. I left the show physically shaken. “You can still see the bars spray-painted on the brick front of the Walgreen’s on Cumberland Ave. – just a few doors down from where Rollins, Ginn, et al got off over eleven years ago!”
Paul W. November 1997
“I figured you might appreciate my cool Halloween party story. I went to my friends brothers house in Torrence, CA and Dez’s band was playing. He lives right down the street. They sounded unrehearsed but that just made it all the more punk sounding. Played mostly Black Flag songs but it was very informal. I’m not sure it was a real band or if he just did it for fun. “It was cool hanging out with Dez. He’s pretty mellow. There where only 20 or so people at the party, but all were welcome to sing their favorite Flag songs (I sang Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie, my friend Jim sang Damaged). “Anyway, I gave him my phone number so he could let me know when they played a real show. I told him I could get a few people to go, but shit, with the Internet I could probably get a few hundred, so I’ll let you know if I hear from him. ” p.s. I just remembered they were calling the band Sack-a-Quesadillas, but just for the night.”
Mike W. November 1997
“In August I found myself at the Warped Tour in Sanford, FL watching the Descendents shred ass. When they came back for the encore, Chuck Biscuits (who IS in Social Distortion) was on the kit and a man wearing a huge rasta wig was introduced as Dez Cadena. I can’t be sure it was him, but it’s nice to think it was.”
Jim G. December 1997 [Note: It’s been confirmed that it was NOT Dez at the show. Apparently someone was making a funny.]
“A guy I knew for a few weeks introduced me to the Flag. He played the First Four Years tape and what I heard struck a chord in me. This was a time when everyone played heavy metal… Iron Maiden or whatever. I stole like 5 dollars from my mom and went to the record store and was looking for anything by Black Flag.
I got My War. Those slow songs were so heavy that my Mötley Crüe tapes seemed like a joke. “A few days later my older brother caught me playing Flag and asked if I was a punk. I was sooo embarrassed. ‘Me punk? No way! Heavy metal rules man! Dokken all the way!’
“A few months later I entered Junior High and two of the 9th graders there had funny haircuts, were totally unpopular, and never got any chicks. I thought they were awesome because they were into a lot of punk bands and were not timid about it like me. They got beat up all the time for their mohawks (and later their skinheads) from kids who were in the local college frats! In the Junior High! In Glendale, CA! “In 1985, punk was very uncool to the majority. Everyone hated punks. Try to go to a barber back then to shave your head? They wouldn’t do it.”
William B. December 1997
“I remember first hearing of the mighty Flag in Summer of ’83. I was 17 and had been listening to the Ramones, the Clash, etc. for about two years before being introduced to the Everything Went Black album (double vinyl). When I heard Damaged I knew I had found the real thing.
“I quickly became an avid SST fan and snapped up My War immediately after its release. Most seemed to hate the slow songs on side two, but I loved them and admired the band for doing something different, especially with Henry still relatively new and untested. “My first live experience was (I believe) at the Olympic Garden in Los Angeles. The non-SST opening act had finished and the crowd was restless and menacing. Finally the band came out without fanfare and lurched into the opening chords of Nervous Breakdown.
The room reacted like a bomb had gone off, with bodies surging toward the stage amidst flying tables and chairs. I had never heard such intensity in music, and the physical sensation produced was violent and immediate, like a jolt of electricity. “Needless to say, it became difficult to listen to most other music after that. When you compare other bands of the era it’s really laughable. In my estimation, one side of Damaged contains more brilliance than any band has produced in an entire career since. “I remain a huge fan of Rollins and the Rollins Band, and I’m checking out some of the re-releases offered by Infinite Zero.”
Jeff D. December 1997
“Must have been ’80, maybe ’81… Starwood was still open and the Whisky still had killer shows.
“I remember going to see the original Decline of Western Civilization at the ‘premiere’ in some old run-down theatre in L.A. When the Black Flag segment started, half the theatre started yelling and moving around, all tense and expectant. Dez was talking about being arrested at Blackie’s for ‘playing punk rock music.’ Then the music started and the whole theater exploded in activity. People were moshing (back then we called it skanking) right under the screen, throwing bottles, yelling out the lyrics, going nuts. As soon as Flag’s segment was over (3 songs, one of which was Depression), the place simmered down quick. The only other band that got a response like that was Circle Jerks, and they had ex-Black Flag guy Keith Morris. One guy was sitting there breaking beer bottles and slicing up and down his arm with the glass shards. Not hard enough to do any damage, just hard enough to draw blood. “A short time later, Flag was playing some club on Sunset at the same time Adam and the Ants were playing a club close by. There was a near riot on Sunset in the middle of the afternoon. Flag people were wearing shirts that said “Black Flag kills Ants on contact.” That was back when people knew the difference between punk and new wave, and the two DID NOT mix. Flag fans were beating the living shit out of the Adam Ant sissy boys. “They used to have commercials on KROQ FM for certain Black Flag club dates, [many of which can be found in total on
Everything Went Black‘s track Crass Commercialism.] One of them was: “Creepy Crawl the Starwood. The Starwood must be creepy crawled.'”
The Rollins Band was formed in 1987 less than a year after the demise of the mighty Black Flag. After Flag broke up, Rollins thought about quitting music altogether. Fortunately he decided against this and ended up going to England and reuniting with an old friend from his D.C. days, Chris Haskett. By late fall/winter of 1986, the Hot Animal Machine LP (as Henry Rollins) and the Drive by Shooting EP (as Henrietta Collins and the Wifebeating Childhaters) were in the can with Haskett on guitar. The rhythm section was made up of Mick Green (who played with Chris Haskett in a group called Surfin’ Dave and the Absent Legends) on drums and Bernie Wandel (of Nuclear Crayons and Guilt Combo) on bass. They were ok guys, but pretty straight ahead in their ex-punk stylings. The album follows that last comment for the most part as well with a few exceptions. The Drive by Shooting EP is all a big joke from the onset (see release name) and one of the few times Rollins combines his humorous side with his music. And what the hell, they rip off Queen! Still, the release had nowhere as much force or power as Rollins was capable of providing. A real rhythm section was necessary.By the spring, the Rollins Band engaged on its first tour with Sim Cain and Andrew Weiss (the drummer and bass player of the former Ginn band Gone.) They hit the road running, going across the United States and deep into Europe in the first few months of being together. This despite the fact that they’d only really begun practicing a few weeks earlier, possibly after the tour had already been booked. They picked up their fifth member/longtime soundman/occasional producer Theo Van Rock along the way on that first tour as well.
Rollins at Lollapalooza
Their first album, Lifetime, was recorded (produced by Ian MacKaye of Fugazi) before 1987 was out. Several more albums followed fairly quickly, including Do It, Hard Volume, and Turned On. By 1991, their reputation as a live powerhouse was strong enough to secure them a spot on the first Lollapalooza. Less than a year later saw the release of their major label debut, the End of Silence. While not a huge hit, sales were respectable and the release warranted videos for Low Self Opinion and Tearing.
The band hit the “big time” with the 1994 release Weight. With this album came the band’s first and only line-up change: Andrew Weiss left the group due to the eternal “creative differences.” He had already begun working with Martin Atkins, et. al. in the supergroup Pigface and had earlier masterminded the Wartime release for which Hank had provided lyrics and vocals, so he really was working in different directions. His replacement was the talented Melvin Gibbs, a jazz/funk bass player of a very different strain from Weiss. Gibbs originally turned down the offer to join… it really was totally different from anything else he’d done before. He thankfully had a change of heart and has proven himself a solid addition to the band. His presence has provided a definite change in the styles and playing of both Cain and Haskett.
The first single from the album, Liar, hit heavy rotation on Mtv and was even a “Buzz Clip!” Oooooo! But it garnered excellent sales for the album and gave them the opportunity to do a video for the follow-up single Disconnect, with images based very heavily on the film Taxi Driver. It also gave Rollins a little more pull with the infamous network and was probably a bit of help in getting him a gig in hosting the big M’s Spoken Word thing on Mtv Unplugged. “Hey, he’s that famous guy with the tattoos, right? Cool!” Of course Hank has been guest-hosting shows like 120 Minutes and making little appearances (usually with Kennedy) for years… that and the fabulous Mtv Sports Soundbites… pheh…
Come In and Burn was released in March, 1997 on the new Dreamworks label. After a public drag through the soil with Imago (a label that was reportedly embarassed to have the Rollins Band as their most popular act), Rollins says that he’s pleased to be on Dreamworks. They’re much more facilitating and willing to allow the band some freedom in the studio. Whether or not this will continue remains to be seen considering the press so far about the new release. Reviews… haven’t been good. Rolling Stone, Spin, and Details have all basically panned the album and said that grunge is dead, so’s Rollins. Oddly enough, I tend to disagree with them (go figure.) The new album has some of the tightest performances by the band on record and some truly remarkable sounds. Songs like Starve, On My Way to the Cage, and During a City prove to me that this is a band doing quite well for themselves musically despite their inability to pander to the crippled and dated wills of the critics. Now go out there and buy a few copies and play them for your friends.
The release supposedly forthcoming in time for Christmas, 1997 comprising unreleased tracks and overflow from Weight and Come In and Burn was pushed back. I’ve not heard anything more recent.
The band had also recorded a track for a one-hit wonders compilation. What else but the Lipps, Inc. song Funkytown? Right. Better. It’s a duet with RuPaul! I think the project was for Elektra Records. Oddly enough, someone in the chain found this to be inappropriate and unfunny and has more or less nixed the release. Frankly, I know this deserves to be heard and I’ll try and see what I can find out.
You might find it a good idea to check out the news at 2.13.61 for the latest info, dates, and happenings. I’ll try to cover anything that they miss…
You may also have noticed this, but the Rollins Band has been around for a decade now. Pretty nifty, eh?
Ginn and Morris form the group Panic with an undisclosed rhythm section.
Summer 1977
Greg Ginn
guitar
Keith Morris
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Brian Migdol
drums
recordings
Nervous Breakdown (e.p.)
selections from Everything Went Black (compilation)
Spot, the band’s longtime producer and sound engineer, sat in on bass temporarily during practice sessions before ex-Wurm player Chuck Dukowski settled into this position.
In Winter/Spring 1978, the band finds the name Panic is taken. Ginn’s brother Ray designs a logo and suggests a name:
Black Flag
. Under the name Raymond Pettibon, he designs flyers for the group. He also designs the infamous bars logo, which is an impressionistic rendering of a… you guessed it… black flag (a historic symbol of anarchy and rebellion.)
Morris left because he was basically sick of the arguments and taking orders. He quickly went on to form the Circle Jerks.
Ex-Happy Tampons front Ron Reyes was brought in as lead vocalist less than a week after Morris quit.
Morris was referred to as Johnny “Bob” Goldstein on the Everything Went Black recordings, released in 1983.
1979 Summer/Autumn
Greg Ginn
guitar
“Chavo Pederast” (real name: Ron Reyes)
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Robo
drums
recordings
Jealous Again (e.p.)
selections from Everything Went Black (compilation)
Chavo quit onstage after two songs during a show at the Fleetwood…the rest of the band then went into Louie Louie for an hour and let anyone who wanted to do so take over the vocals. They continued on for months without a singer.
Although he refused to play with them on stage (or the band with him,) he did come into the studio to finish up the Jealous Again tracks. Spot was apparently so pleased with his attitude afterwards that he remarked “Why didn’t you quit sooner?”
1980 Summer
Greg Ginn
guitar
Dez Cadena
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Robo
drums
recordings
Six Pack (e.p.)
selections from Everything Went Black (compilation)
Dez joined the band several months after Chavo quit. He had been a longtime fan and Dukowski told him to try out. He worked very well as singer, but then decided to give up the mic due to the very real strains touring had on his voice.
Dez called Rollins in D.C. while the band had several days off in NYC. Several days earlier Henry had jumped on stage to sing a song with the band at a show. He was asked if he wanted to “jam” with the band. Suspecting they were trying him out, Rollins went up to NYC. He tried out, the band talked it over, offered him the slot, and Rollins accepted. He joined them on tour several days later.
1981 Summer
Greg Ginn
lead guitar
Dez Cadena
rhythm guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Robo
drums
recordings
Damaged (l.p.)
selections from Wasted Again (compilation)
Immediately before departing after the UK tour dates, Robo was detained by customs at the end of 1981. Bill Stevenson of the Descendents was called in to temporarily fill in for the seven dates left in the tour. Robo did not return to the fold of Black Flag, but rather ended up joining the Misfits.
1982 Winter/Spring
Greg Ginn
lead guitar
Dez Cadena
rhythm guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Emil
drums
recordings
TV Party (single)
It’s been said Emil left the group to go to college, but also been said that he had a dispute with SST employee Mugger and left on rather bad terms. Biscuits (of Canadian group D.O.A.) was recruited by Ginn and Rollins while on the road.
.
1982 Summer
Greg Ginn
lead guitar
Dez Cadena
rhythm guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Chuck Biscuits
drums
recordings
It was with this line-up that the infamous 1982 Demos were recorded. These were never officially released, but have been heavily bootlegged. Many of the songs were re-recorded and showed up on the two subsequent lps, but the songs “Yes, I Know”, “Beat My Head”, and “What Can You Believe” are still officially unreleased in any form.
Biscuits was apparently kicked out of the group for unspecified reasons. Rollins hints in GitV that he messed up several gigs and was irresponsible. It has been remarked that he had not the personality for the band. It has also been said that he was one of the most ferocious drummers they had. He later went on to join Samhain, which developed into Danzig.
1983 Winter
Greg Ginn
lead guitar
Dez Cadena
rhythm guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Bill Stevenson
drums
Cadena left the group because he wanted to form his own group. This resulted in the formation of the group DC3.
1983 Spring
Greg Ginn
guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Chuck Dukowski
bass
Bill Stevenson
drums
Reasons for Dukowski leaving Black Flag differ greatly. He maintains that “it was over” for him and it just wasn’t what he wanted to do anymore. Rollins stated that Ginn more or less edged him out of the group against Dukowski’s wishes. Regardless, Dukowski continued to work for SST and went on to form the group Swa.
1983 Summer
Greg Ginn
guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
“Dale Nixon” (real name: Greg Ginn)
bass
Bill Stevenson
drums
recordings
My War (l.p.)
selections from Wasted Again (compilation)
Ginn handled all of the bass duties for the recording of My War. Oddly enough, My War features two songs written exclusively by Dukowski. Soon after, Kira was recruited when Ginn heard her jamming with Dez’s group DC3.
1983 Autumn
Greg Ginn
guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Kira Roessler
bass
Bill Stevenson
drums
recordings
Family Man (l.p.)
Slip It In (l.p.)
Live ’84 (l.p.)
Loose Nut(l.p.)
the Process of Weeding Out (e.p.)
In My Head (l.p.)
selections from Wasted Again (compilation)
I Can See You (single)
Stevenson was apparently forced out of the group by Ginn against his will. Ginn maintains that while he liked his enthusiasm and work ethic, he did not care much for his drumming. Stevenson rejoined the Decendents, which later evolved into All.
1985 Spring
Greg Ginn
guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
Kira Roessler
bass
Anthony Martinez
drums
recordings
Who’s Got the 10 1/2? (l.p.)
Kira was more or less excised by the band due to personality and musical conflicts. She went on to perform with Mike Watt in the group Dos.
1985 Autumn/Winter
Greg Ginn
guitar
Henry Rollins
vocals
C’el Revuelta (pronounced “Sal”)
bass
Anthony Martinez
drums
In August, 1986, Ginn broke the group up to concentrate on running SST and to record with his group Gone. Gone broke up within a year and Simeon Cain and Andrew Weiss went on to join/form the Rollins Band with Henry.
Information compiled from various sources; including but not limited to:
Get in the Van Henry Rollins (2.13.61)
the liner notes of Everything Went Black various (SST)
Everything Went Black: a Complete Oral History David Grad (Punk Planet #20. Chicago. Sept/Oct 1997).
Jello Biafra is one of the country’s most outspoken supporters of free speech and freedom (constitutional or otherwise.) He has released four albums of material recorded during the spoken word tours that carry him across the country. Each of these contains a great deal of legal and social information that he has compiled from various sources over the years. The scope and quality of the information is sure to shock even those who thought they were well informed on subjects they’ve heard about.
Jello Biafra also ranks as the first musician ever to be put on trial because of the content of a record album. The Frankenchrist album he released with his old group the Dead Kennedys contained in its original release a reproduction of a painting by Swiss artist H.R. Giger (known best for winning the Academy Award for the 1979 film Alien.) It was because of this painting that the L.A. City Attorney filed a charge of “Distribution of Harmful Matter” against Biafra and several others. During the trial however, the DA spent a great deal of time analyzing the career and lyrics of Biafra in an attempt to incriminate him on subjects other than the painting in attempts to set legal precedence. Fortunately the jury was deadlocked 7:5 in favor of acquittal and the judge dismissed the case in lieu of granting a re-trial. The fact remains, however, that this trial took over a year out of Biafra’s life and ended up costing over $100K in legal bills despite the fact that the penalty was a $2000 fine and no more than a year served. The full story of this trial and he tactics used by the legal forces behind it may be heard on Biafra’s High Priest of harmful Matter album.
In order to avoid corporate censorship of Dead Kennedys’ music, he started the Alternative Tentacles record label. Every single Dead Kennedys album and 45 was released on this label, as well as all of his spoken word albums. Other groups released on this label include the Butthole Surfers, Lard (A. Jourgenson and P. Barker from Ministry plus J. Biafra,) D.O.A., Neurosis, and Alice Donut. They, along with SST and Dischord, represent some of the earliest and longest running indie labels in the US that have stayed true to their ideals and origins.
Legendary San Francisco promoter Dirk Dirksen during Biafra’s 1979 mayoral campaign.
Biafra has always been one to speak his mind and take risks. What started out as a practical joke became a very serious campaign for the position of Mayor of San Francisco in 1979. While he did not win, he became a magnet for the vote of those dissatisfied with the leading candidates and came in fourth with 3% of the total vote. He never lost his sense of humor during the campaign with a platform that consisted of requirements for all downtown businessmen to wear clown suits between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, legalized panhandling at a 50% commission for all state workers laid off due to deficit caused staff reductions, and legalized squatting of the homeless in all buildings left vacant for tax write-off purposes. During his campaign, he wore T-shirts from an opponent’s (Quentin Cop) previous campaign and vacuumed leaves off of another’s (now US Senator from CA, Diane Feinstein) front lawn. His effect on the campaign upset the election so much that they later passed a resolution stating that no one would be able to run for office under anything but their christian name. Unfortunately Jello isn’t his real name… it’s Eric.
With an abrasive voice and a sarcastic and cynical mind, he speaks his opinions based on facts which are irrefutable. Like the late Frank Zappa, he is one of those distinct individuals who is willing to go to up against the government to fight for those rights that they seem to think of as out of date and disposable.
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