Shrapnel (American punk band)

Last updated

Shrapnel
Origin Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres Punk rock, power pop
Years active1978–1985
Labels Elektra, Salute
Past members
Website Shrapnel on Facebook

Shrapnel was an American punk and power pop band formed in Red Bank, New Jersey [1] in the late-1970s, when its members were still teenagers.

Contents

History

Originating as Hard Attack (named after the second Dust album), the band evolved and changed their name to Shrapnel, which became a militaristic, jingoistic concept band in its first few years of existence. Guitarist Daniel Rey cites the Alice Cooper stage show as an inspiration to develop a "schtick". [2] The concept drew from singer Dave Wyndorf's strong interest in history, [3] a desire to counter the hippie feeling still present in 70s rock, and memories of childhood games of play acting as soldiers (a practice that the band and manager Legs McNeil continued during the band's formative days). [4] The band and McNeil also conceived of war as a relevant metaphor for both life on the NYC streets, and also for opposition to elements of late 70s culture that they felt alienated from. [5]

The band's stage show and lyrics were entertaining and helped them develop a local following, but were also controversial, not least for a masked character named "the gook". The band (and McNeil) had artistic intentions for these elements, such as satirically redefining slang terms that were used by soldiers during World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War. Rey describes the net effect as being a display of "comic book politics", and McNeil provides the perspective that they were all "white liberals", albeit ones that had (to use contemporary parlance) a very un-PC sense of humor. [2] Wyndorf has compared the band's antics in the earlier part of their history to Vaudeville, and has stated that it was amusing to provoke the easily offended. [6]

At the outset, Shrapnel wore military uniforms onstage. [7] The band's aesthetic included glorification of war, carrying prop M16 rifles onstage, and stances criticizing earlier anti-Vietnam War sentiment: [8] "Hey, you asshole creep, I bet you were against the war." [9] This satirical [10] but straight faced outlook was criticized, including being labeled as "proto-fascist" by the Village Voice, due to the provocative stage antics, and song titles such as Hey Little Gook. [11] Although the band gained popularity in the NYC punk scene, they may have "suffered a virtual press blackout because they flirt(ed) with attitudes (which)... the rock press apparently deem(ed) unacceptable even as satire." [10]

The band played CBGB often, and drew comparison to the Ramones. [10] [3] [6] On April 9, 1979, Shrapnel opened for the Ramones in the latter band's last ever concert at CBGB. The concert was a benefit to buy bulletproof vests for NYPD. [12] The concert was attended by Norman Mailer, who was a friend of McNeil. Shrapnel would soon play at parties at Mailer's Brooklyn home, including one that was attended by Kurt Vonnegut, Woody Allen, Glen Buxton and José Torres. The event was covered by Rolling Stone, with that magazine's Kurt Loder writing "It figures that author Norman Mailer would go for Shrapnel, a New York punk band whose act is derived from endless reruns of the old Combat! series." [2] Vonnegut apparently was particularly impressed; Loder reported that while many guests danced, the author "stood transfixed by the spectacle", and later complemented Rey on the song I lost my baby on the Siegfried Line, saying that it was a "damn good song, lots of feeling." [13]

In 1980, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #14 (by Frank Miller and Dennis O'Neil) featured a plot in which Peter Parker goes to see Shrapnel play at CBGB. A super-villain mind-controls the crowd and band, forcing Spider-Man and Doctor Strange to save the day. The comic also contained an ad for Shrapnel's Combat Love b/w Hey 45. [14] [15]

By 1983, Shrapnel had softened their image. Michael Alago, who would go on to broker the band's Elektra Records deal (and who would later help major acts including Metallica and White Zombie sign record deals), [16] had replaced Legs McNeil as manager. Gone were the combat fatigues, sandbags, and masked characters, although the band would still use a "bomb" as a prop during their performance of the song Chrome Magnum Man, to Alagro's chagrin. Wyndorf, always an avid comic book enthusiast, explained that although the song uses war themes (bombs), it is actually a superhero song. He also stated that the band's use of a patriotic star in their imagery was a tribute to Captain America. During this period, the band retired some older material that, while amusing at the time, was written "while drunk" and started to "feel hypocritical". Wyndorf now wrote songs, such as Hope For Us All, that had explicitly positive messages. This song would appear on the EP that would serve as both their major label debut, and their swan song. [6]

Two Shrapnel songs, "Sleepover" and "Come Back to Me", are used in the 1983 cult film The First Turn-On! by Troma Films. [17]

Shrapnel released two 7 inch indie singles in 1979 and 1981 respectively, and also had a major label (Elektra Records) 5 song self-titled 12" EP released in 1984, before disbanding in 1985. [18] The members were Dave Wyndorf (vocals), Daniel Rabinowitz, aka Daniel Rey (guitar), Dave Vogt (guitar), Phil Caivano (bass), and Danny Clayton (drums). Wyndorf would go on to co-found eventual gold selling rock band Monster Magnet in 1989 and continues to lead that band 35+ years later. Caivano has also been a long-time member of Monster Magnet and has played in other bands including Blitzspeer and Murphy's Law. Rey has produced over 40 albums since 1987, including for artists such as the Ramones, Misfits, White Zombie, and Ronnie Spector, and served as Joey Ramone's guitarist during his solo career. [7] [19]

Discography

Singles

YearTitleLabelFormatB-sideOther info
1979"Combat Love" [20] Salute Records7" single"Hey"The band were filmed miming to the A-side on The Uncle Floyd Show . The clip is on YouTube.

Features background vocals by Joey Ramone. [6]

1981"Go Cruisin'"Salute Records7" single"Way Out World"Produced by Ed Stasium. [21]

EP

YearTitleLabelFormatOther information
1984Shrapnel [22] Elektra Records Cassette/12" EP This major label release was brokered by then-manager Michael Alago, who went on to get bands like Metallica and White Zombie record deals. [16] Cover data also shows management by Peter Morticelli, Pelican Productions, Rochester, New York.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Ramone</span> American punk rock singer (1951–2001)

Jeffrey Ross Hyman, known professionally as Joey Ramone, was an American singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist and founding member of the punk rock band Ramones, along Johnny Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone. His image, voice, and tenure with the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monster Magnet</span> American rock band

Monster Magnet is an American rock band, founded in Red Bank, New Jersey in 1989 by Dave Wyndorf, John McBain (guitar) and Tim Cronin. The band has since gone through several lineup changes, leaving Wyndorf as the only constant member. Monster Magnet has released eleven studio albums to date, and are best known for their 1990s hits "Negasonic Teenage Warhead" and "Space Lord". The band has also been credited for developing and popularizing the stoner rock genre, along with Masters of Reality, Kyuss, Fu Manchu and Sleep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reagan Youth</span> American band

Reagan Youth is an American anarcho-punk band formed by singer Dave Rubinstein and guitarist Paul Bakija in Queens, New York City in early 1980.

<i>Powertrip</i> 1998 studio album by Monster Magnet

Powertrip is the fourth studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released on June 16, 1998. The album was the band's commercial breakthrough, achieving mainstream success due largely to the hit single "Space Lord". Other hit songs on the album include "Powertrip", "Temple of Your Dreams", and "See You in Hell". The album reached #1 on the Heatseekers Charts, #21 in the German Charts, #65 in the UK Charts, and #97 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on January 25, 1999. Music videos were made for the songs "Space Lord", "Powertrip", and "See You in Hell".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommy Ramone</span> Hungarian-American drummer (1949–2014)

Thomas Erdelyi, known professionally as Tommy Ramone, was a Hungarian-American musician. He was the drummer for the influential punk rock band the Ramones from its debut in 1974 to 1978, later serving as its producer, and was the longest-surviving original member of the Ramones.

<i>Punk</i> (magazine) Music magazine and fanzine

Punk was a music magazine and fanzine created by cartoonist John Holmstrom, publisher Ged Dunn, and "resident punk" Legs McNeil in 1975. Its use of the term "punk rock", coined by writers for Creem magazine a few years earlier to describe the simplistic and crude style of '60s garage rock bands, further popularized the term. The founders were influenced by their affection for comic books and the music of The Stooges, the New York Dolls, and The Dictators. Holmstrom later called it "the print version of The Ramones". It was also the first publication to popularize the CBGB scene.

<i>Spine of God</i> 1991 studio album by Monster Magnet

Spine of God is the debut studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released in Europe in 1991 and in the United States the following year. The album represents one of the earliest examples of the emerging 1990s sub-genre of stoner rock. Spine of God did not perform well commercially upon its initial release, but was praised by critics and would later be considered a major influence on stoner rock bands. The song "Medicine" was released as a single with accompanying music video.

<i>Superjudge</i> 1993 studio album by Monster Magnet

Superjudge is the second full-length album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released on April 6, 1993. It is the first Monster Magnet album to feature lead guitarist Ed Mundell, who replaced founding member John McBain in 1992. The album was not a commercial success upon release, but would later become an influential release in the stoner rock genre alongside the band's debut album, Spine of God. The tracks "Twin Earth" and "Face Down" were released as singles with accompanying music videos.

The Neon Boys were a short lived New York City proto-punk band, composed of Tom Verlaine, Richard Hell and Billy Ficca. The trio later went on to form the influential rock band Television in 1973; Richard Hell also went on to form the influential punk bands the Heartbreakers and Richard Hell and the Voidoids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Wyndorf</span> American rock musician (born 1956)

David Albert Wyndorf is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of hard rock band Monster Magnet. He is the band's frontman, songwriter and only remaining founding member. Monster Magnet has released eleven studio albums and is considered one of the pioneers of the stoner rock genre. Prior to forming Monster Magnet, Wyndorf was the frontman of punk band Shrapnel.

<i>God Says No</i> 2000 studio album by Monster Magnet

God Says No is the fifth studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet. It was released in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2000, and in the United States on April 10, 2001. It was a commercial failure compared to their previous album, Powertrip. It was their last release recorded for A&M Records, due to problems with promotion of the album but it reached #17 in Germany. It would also be the last release with bassist Joe Calandra and drummer Jon Kleiman.

<i>Monolithic Baby!</i> 2004 studio album by Monster Magnet

Monolithic Baby! is the sixth studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released in 2004. It is a follow-up to 2000's God Says No. It would also be the first album featuring bassist Jim Baglino. Bob Pantella was hired to fill the band's drum position after the album's recording; the drums on the album were performed by Michael Wildwood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Fields</span> American music manager

Danny Fields is an American music manager, publicist, journalist, and author. As a music industry executive from the 1960s to the 1980s, he was one of the most influential figures in the history of punk rock. He signed and managed Iggy and the Stooges, signed the MC5 and managed the Ramones, and worked in various roles with Jim Morrison, the Velvet Underground and the Modern Lovers. In 2014 The New York Times said, "You could make a convincing case that without Danny Fields, punk rock would not have happened."

Daniel Rey is an American musician, record producer and songwriter from New York City, best known for his work with the punk rock band Ramones.

<i>4-Way Diablo</i> 2007 studio album by Monster Magnet

4-Way Diablo is the seventh studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released in November 2007. The album was recorded between 2006 and 2007, following frontman Dave Wyndorf's overdose on anxiolytics in February 2006. 4-Way Diablo sold 1,800 copies on its first week of release in the United States and is the band's first album since Dopes to Infinity (1995) to not feature guitarist Phil Caivano.

<i>Mastermind</i> (Monster Magnet album) 2010 studio album by Monster Magnet

Mastermind is the eighth studio album by American rock band Monster Magnet, released on October 25, 2010. It debuted at No. 165 on the Billboard 200 selling around 3,000 copies, becoming the band's first album since 2001's God Says No to chart on the Billboard 200. Mastermind was the final album to feature long-time lead guitarist Ed Mundell and bassist Jim Baglino. The album marked the return of guitarist Phil Caivano after his four-year hiatus. A video for the first single, "Gods and Punks", was released on October 1, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramones</span> American punk rock band (1974–1996)

The Ramones were an American punk rock band formed in the New York City neighborhood Forest Hills, Queens in 1974. Known for helping establish the punk movement in the United States and elsewhere, the Ramones are often cited as the first true punk rock band. Although they never achieved significant commercial success, the band is seen today as highly influential in punk culture.

<i>Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol</i> 2014 remix album by Monster Magnet

Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol is a remix studio album by the American rock band Monster Magnet, released on November 14, 2014. According to frontman Dave Wyndorf, the album is a "reimagined" version of their previous album, 2013's Last Patrol, featuring four new songs and two live tracks. The album is not strictly a remix of Last Patrol, as songs feature new recordings and arrangements aimed at giving the album what Wyndorf describes as "a weird 1960s vibe". The album concludes with two live tracks recorded at the AB in Brussels in 2014, and which feature the debut performance of the band's new bassist, Chris Kosnik.

<i>Cobras and Fire (The Mastermind Redux)</i> 2015 remix album by Monster Magnet

Cobras and Fire is a redux studio album by the American rock band Monster Magnet, released on October 9, 2015. The album is a reworking of material previously included on their album 2010 Mastermind. It is the band's second release focusing on reworking material from a studio album following their 2014 remix album Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol.

<i>A Better Dystopia</i> 2021 studio album by Monster Magnet

A Better Dystopia is the eleventh studio album by the American rock band Monster Magnet. The album was released on May 22, 2021, by Napalm Records. It is a cover album, being mostly made up of songs from psychedelic rock and garage rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s.

References

  1. ↑ Mary V. Dearborn (December 2001). Mailer: A Biography. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. 353–. ISBN   0-618-15460-4.
  2. 1 2 3 Kott, Crispen (February 4, 2013). "Resident Punk (Work in Progress)". Please Kill Me. Legs McNeil. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Pfeifer, John (December 26, 2012). "An Interview with Dave Wyndorf from Monster Magnet: Focusing On The Mastermind". The Aquarian Weekly. Mark Sceurman. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  4. ↑ Mark Jacobson (2005). Teenage Hipster in the Modern World: From the Birth of Punk to the Land of Bush : Thirty Years of Millennial Journalism. Black Cat. p. 34. ISBN   978-0-8021-7008-8.
  5. ↑ Mark Jacobson (2005). Teenage Hipster in the Modern World: From the Birth of Punk to the Land of Bush : Thirty Years of Millennial Journalism. Black Cat. pp. 32–34. ISBN   978-0-8021-7008-8.
  6. 1 2 3 4 DeVito, Diane (1983). "A Fuselage Called SHRAPNEL". FFanzeen. Robert Barry Francos. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. February 11, 1995. pp. 18–. ISSN   0006-2510.
  8. ↑ John McAllister Ulrich; Andrea L. Harris (2003). GenXegesis: Essays on Alternative Youth (sub)culture. Popular Press. pp. 109–. ISBN   978-0-87972-862-5.
  9. ↑ Mark Jacobson (2005). Teenage Hipster in the Modern World: From the Birth of Punk to the Land of Bush : Thirty Years of Millennial Journalism. Black Cat. pp. 33–. ISBN   978-0-8021-7008-8.
  10. 1 2 3 Simmels, Steve (April 1980). "Dodging the Shrapnel" (PDF). HiFi/Stereo Review. ZiffDavis. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  11. ↑ David A. Ensminger (2011). Visual Vitriol: The Street Art and Subcultures of the Punk and Hardcore Generation. Univ. Press of Mississippi. pp. 248–. ISBN   978-1-60473-969-5.
  12. ↑ Mickey Leigh with Legs McNeil (2010). I Slept With Joey Ramone. Simon & Schuster. pp. 191–192. ISBN   9781439159750.
  13. ↑ Loder, Kurt (March 25, 1980). "Norman Mailer Hires Punk Band For Private Party". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  14. ↑ Kronin, Brian (September 8, 2017). "Comic Legends: Spider-Man and Frank Miller Promoting...a Punk Band?!". Comic Book Resource. Jonah Weiland. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  15. ↑ Toland, Michael (November 26, 2013). "Monster Magnet Comic Con: Dave Wyndorf. A G-rated 'Last Patrol' from the Silver Age". Austin Chronicle. Nick Barbaro. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  16. 1 2 Gitter, Mike (March 5, 2013). "Michael Algo: How a Gay Record Executive Helped Change the Course of Heavy Metal History". NOISECREEP. MediaGlow. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  17. ↑ "The First Turn-On!! (1983) - IMDb". IMDb.com. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  18. ↑ Wiederhorn, Jon (October 9, 2013). "Dave Wyndorf talks Lost Patrol, LSD, and a return to form". NOISEY Music by Vice. Vice Media. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  19. ↑ SPIN Media LLC (March 2001). SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. pp. 100–. ISSN   0886-3032.
  20. ↑ "SHRAPNEL- Combat Love". Discogs. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  21. ↑ "SHRAPNEL- Go Cruisin'". Discogs. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  22. ↑ "SHRAPNEL (discography)". Discogs. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.