Kevin K

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Kevin K
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Kevin K performing live at Let It Be livehouse, Tokyo, Japan – Sunday, 20 December 1998
Background information
Born
Kevin Kalicki

1957 (age 67–68)
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
OriginPendleton, New York, U.S.
GenresPunk rock, rock and roll, glam punk
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, author
Years active1978–present
LabelsRock Starr Records, Maxwell Music, Playtime Records, Caroline Records, Circumstantial Records, 13th Street Records, Vicious Kitten Records

Kevin K (born Kevin Kalicki in 1957) is an American punk rock musician, songwriter, and author. He is known for his prolific solo career and for playing in a number of underground punk and rock bands since the late 1970s. His music spans punk rock, glam, and street rock, and he has released more than 38 albums.

Contents

Early life

Kevin K was born and raised in Pendleton, New York, a rural town outside Buffalo. He is the son of World War II veteran Alvin Kalicki. [1] [2] Alongside his older brother Alan Kalicki (also known as Alan K), Kevin began playing music in his teens.

Career

Early bands

Kevin K’s first notable band was Grimm Reaper, followed by Aunt Helen. In 1978, Aunt Helen released their debut single "Big Money" on Rock Starr Records. [3]

In 1979, Kevin and Alan K formed The Toys, one of Buffalo's pioneering punk bands. The Toys released a 7" single titled "Say It" in 1980 on Maxwell Music. After relocating to New York City, the band changed their name to The New Toys, releasing a full-length LP, also titled Say It, in 1982 on Playtime Records. The group remained active until 1984.

Lone Cowboys and international recognition

Following the breakup of The New Toys, the Kalicki brothers formed Lone Cowboys. The band gained international attention with a punk remake of Debbie Boone's "You Light Up My Life", which charted at number 20 on Sweden’s independent music chart. They signed to Caroline Records and released the album Voodoo Dolls & Cadillac Fins in 1986. The Lone Cowboys disbanded in 1989.

Road Vultures and collaborations

From 1990 to 1996, Kevin and Alan K fronted the band Road Vultures. The group supported ex-New York Dolls members Sylvain Sylvain and Jerry Nolan’s band, The Ugly Amerikans, at the Continental Divide club in New York City. Road Vultures released two albums on Circumstantial Records: Fire It Up and Ride. Notably, Fire It Up features guitarist Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys.

Alan K died on November 10, 1996. [4]

Solo career

Kevin K launched his solo career in 1995 with the album Nightlife, released on Circumstantial Records. Since then, he has released more than 38 albums across various labels. His music continues to draw from New York punk, glam rock, and street-level storytelling.

In December 1998, Kevin K and his band toured Japan, performing in cities such as Yokohama and Kyoto. Notably, they played at 7th Avenue in Yokohama on December 14, 1998. [5]

In 2014, Kevin K and Texas Terri released the album Firestorm on Real Kat Records, which received favorable reviews praising its gritty punk and rock sound. [6]

In 2022, he released Cadallac Man, which received positive reviews highlighting its raw energy and rock influences. [7]

In 2024, Kalicki relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, and released a new album titled Rosewood. [8]

His latest album, released in 2025, Shadow Work 38, was released on Australian label Vicious Kitten Records. [9]

Kalicki is also an author and has published three books. His memoir Hey Aunt Helen ! Livin' Fast On The Road to CBGB documents his early years in the Buffalo and New York punk scenes. [10] His 2010 book, How to Become a Successful Loser, offers autobiographical reflections on life in underground rock and the challenges of staying true to oneself. [11] In addition, his children's book, The Adventures of Alvin the Seahorse, was published in 2023. [12]

Community Engagement and Veteran Support

In 2014, Kevin K performed a benefit concert for local military veterans in Pendleton, New York. The event aimed to support area veterans and was part of his ongoing commitment to community service and support for those who have served in the armed forces. [13]

Discography

Kevin K’s complete discography is documented on Discogs: [14]

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ Ydring, Matt (June 18, 2014). "Rep. Jolly Talks With Bay Area Veterans About VA Experiences". The Ledger. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  2. ↑ "Kevin K Biography". Lollipop Records (France). Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  3. ↑ "Aunt Helen". 13th Street Records. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  4. ↑ "Alan K". 13th Street Records. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  5. ↑ "Kevin K Setlist at 7th Avenue, Yokohama". Setlist.fm. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  6. ↑ "Firestorm - Kevin K and Texas Terri". i94bar. 2014. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  7. ↑ "Baby You Can Drive His Car: Kevin K Revs It Up". i94bar. 2022. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  8. ↑ "From CBGB to Columbia: Punk lifer Kevin K finds a new home and new inspiration on 'Rosewood'". Post and Courier. 2024-05-17. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  9. ↑ "Kevin K and the Bowery Kats – Shadow Work 38". Discogs. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  10. ↑ Hey Aunt Helen ! Livin' Fast On The Road to CBGB. ASIN   064893022X.
  11. ↑ "How to Become a Successful Loser". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  12. ↑ "The Adventures of Alvin the Seahorse". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  13. ↑ "Pendleton native son rocks for area military veterans". Lockport Journal. 2014-06-18. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  14. ↑ "Kevin K Discography". Discogs. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  15. ↑ Kevin, K. (3 November 2023). The Adventures of Alvin the Seahorse. Vicious Kitten. ISBN   978-0-6489302-4-2 . Retrieved 2025-07-13.
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