John Joseph (singer)

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John Joseph
Cro Mags 9 (4961813962).jpg
McGowan with Cro-Mags in 2010
Background information
Birth nameJohn Joseph McGowan
Born (1962-10-03) October 3, 1962 (age 62)
New York, U.S.
Genres Hardcore punk, crossover thrash
Occupation(s)Singer, author
Formerly of Cro-Mags

John Joseph McGowan (born October 3, 1962) is an American musician and author, most famous for his work as the lead singer of the hardcore band Cro-Mags. He is currently the vocalist of Bloodclot. [1] [2]

Contents

Early life

McGowan was raised in foster care, [3] and grew up on the streets of New York City.

Career

McGowan joined the New York City hardcore punk band Cro-Mags in 1981 as the lead singer and then again from 1984 until 1987, taking over on vocals from Eric Casanova. And rejoined in 1991 - He sang on a demo and wrote lyrics on the band's first, third, and fourth albums ( The Age of Quarrel , Alpha Omega , and Near Death Experience ). He also sings lead on the Before the Quarrel CD, essentially a reissue of the demo.

Before, during, and after his time in the Cro-Mags, McGowan served as a roadie for Bad Brains, and portrayed a mentally handicapped Santa Claus in a wheelchair pretending to beg for donations. He returned to the Cro-Mags briefly in the 1990s.

He also worked as a bicycle messenger in New York City from 1981 to 1991

McGowan has also sung for the bands Both Worlds and Bloodclot. His autobiography, The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon, published in 2007, details the major events in his life, including his extensive involvement with the hare krishnas, as well his experiences with the Cro-Mags and Bad Brains.

Interviews with McGowan were featured in the 1999 documentary N.Y.H.C. as well as the 2006 documentary American Hardcore. [4]

Published works

McGowan authored Evolution of a Cro-Magnon (2007) [5] and Meat Is for Pussies (2010). [6] [7]

Personal life

McGowan follows a plant-based diet. He was a vegan prior to becoming plant-based. [8] He lives a straight edge lifestyle, but does not identify with its subculture. [9] [10]

McGowan is a triathlete competitor, he writes about his "positive mental attitude" and vegan lifestyle, and he is known for his anti-vaccine stance against mandatory vaccine policy requirements. [11]

References

  1. ↑ Rob Harvilla (April 29, 2008). "The Bloodclot Diaries: The brutal life and times of John 'Bloodclot' Joseph: New York hardcore icon, Krishna devotee, hustler, survivor". The Village Voice .
  2. ↑ Yablon, Elise (February 3, 2021). "John Joseph reforms Bloodclot with new members, releases new single". Metal Insider. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  3. ↑ Rogan, Joe. "Joe Rogan Experience #1152 – John Joseph". PowerfulJRE on youtube. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  4. ↑ Marcus, Steve (February 12, 2008), Three Thug Mice, archived from the original on February 10, 2017, retrieved September 25, 2016
  5. ↑ Finnan, Adella. "John Joseph, The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon". Responsible Eating and Living. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  6. ↑ Hillier, David (March 5, 2022). "Meet the 'vegan bros' here to bust the myth that real men eat meat". The Guardian . Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  7. ↑ Williams, Lara (January 26, 2017). "The Rise of the Vegan Bro". Vice . Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  8. ↑ Paul, Aubin (October 1, 2009). "John Joseph (Cro-Mags) announces "Meat Is For Pussies"". Punknews.org. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  9. ↑ Ditch (October 9, 2008). "Interview with John Joseph – vocalist of The Cro-Mags". www.bigwheelmagazine.com. Pomona, California. Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2017. [...] I don't put X's on my hands but I'm straight edge all the fucking way. [...] I accepted the positivity, but like I said I don't need to wear my shit like a badge. [...]
  10. ↑ Conoley, Ben (August 11, 2008). "John Joseph (Cro-Mags)". Punknews.org. Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2017. Straight edge, this and that. [...] I'm just saying, be yourself, I don't need a crew, I never needed a crew [...]
  11. ↑ Staff (December 20, 2021). "Unvaccinated Ex-CRO-MAGS Singer John Joseph Says He Beat Omicron By 'Investing' In His Immune System". Blabbermouth.net . Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
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