"White Punks on Dope" | ||||
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Single by the Tubes | ||||
from the album the Tubes | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 1975 | |||
Recorded | 1975 | |||
Genre | Glam rock | |||
Length | 3:18 | |||
Label | A&M Records | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Al Kooper | |||
The Tubes singles chronology | ||||
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"White Punks on Dope", abbreviated as "WPOD", is a 1975 song by San Francisco-based rock group the Tubes from their debut album, produced by Al Kooper. The song was written by the band's dual lead guitarists, Bill Spooner and Roger Steen with Michael Evans. It has been called an "absurd anthem of wretched excess", ridiculing the rich and famous offspring of Hollywood elite. The song became the group's rock anthem and spectacular closing number to their elaborate stage shows. The band developed a cult-like fan base that has followed them for decades. [1]
Known for frequent costume changes, the group's lead singer Fee Waybill plays the character of Quay Lewd (a take-off on Quaalude), a drugged-out British rock star wearing two-foot-tall platform shoes, a feather boa and a long blonde wig. In his early career as a choreographer, Kenny Ortega would add elements to try to make every show more spectacular. There were explosions, smoke, chainsaws and a daredevil aerial artist. Among the barely-dressed dancers and characters were Jane Dornacker and Pearl E. Gates. Up-and-coming local actor-comedian Robin Williams auditioned for the show. [2] [3]
Whilst it was considered too racy to receive much airplay in the United States,[ citation needed ] two years later the single reached No. 28 on the British charts. [4] [5]
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Hollywood, California, in 1981 by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, with guitarist Mick Mars and lead vocalist Vince Neil joining right after. The band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. They have also achieved seven platinum or multi-platinum certifications, nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, twenty-two Top 40 mainstream rock hits, and six Top 20 pop singles.
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The Tubes are a San Francisco-based rock band. Their self-titled 1975 debut album included the single "White Punks on Dope", while their 1983 single "She's a Beauty" was a top-10 U.S. hit and its music video was frequently played in the early days of MTV. The band also performed in the 1980 film Xanadu, singing the rock portion of the cross-genre song "Dancin'" opposite a big band.
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