https://punkdatabase.com/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Sr&feedformat=atomChicagoPunk - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T16:55:41ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.6https://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Strike_Under&diff=4711Strike Under2007-12-01T06:48:48Z<p>Sr: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Strike Under''' was one of the bigger acts in the earliest Chicago punk scene. Forming around [[1980]] and breaking up in [[1981]], Strike Under left a legacy that went beyond their short existance . Part of their legacy was the fact that their only album was the first ever release by [[Wax Trax]], and the success of their members in future projects ([[Naked Raygun]], [[Pegboy]], [[Breaking Circus]]).<br />
<br />
On November 24, 2007 [[Steve Bjorklund]], backed by a band of members of the 80s punk scene, played the entire ''Immediate Action EP'' in what he called "a Strike Under cover band". The performance was part of the aftershow to the [[You Weren't There]] premiere. Chris was at the venue but did not participate in the performance.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Chris Bjorklund]] - Guitar, Vocals<br />
* [[Steve Bjorklund]] - Guitar, Vocals<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass<br />
* [[Bob Furem]] - Drums <br />
<br />
== Releases ==<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-ImmediateAction.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
* '''''Immediate Action 12"''''' - ([[Wax Trax]], April 1981)<br />
# Sunday Night Disorientation<br />
# Context<br />
# Closing In<br />
# Elephant's Graveyard<br />
# Immediate Action<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] compilation - ([[Autumn Records]], 1981) - ''Fucking Uniforms, Anarchy Song''<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
Strike Under formed in 1980. Given that [[The Effigies]] and Strike Under have a Kezdy in each band, they both likely formed around the same time. The Bjorklund brothers had played guitar for a few years and were looking to form a band. Sometime that year they went to see a screening of "Quadrophenia" at a theater near Loyola University. They saw some guys a few seats away with black jackets and Crass armbands, which in those days was nearly unheard of. The guys turned out to be the Kezdy brothers and Steve Economou.<br />
<br />
[[Image:strikeundertuts.jpg|right|400px|Strike Under at Tuts, 1981. Photo courtesy of "flashbacks.com"]]<br />
<br />
They played their first show at [[Northeastern]] on September 5th 1980, and continued to play a bunch of shows throughout 1980 and 1981. Their favorite venue to play was [[Oz]]. <br />
<br />
=== Breakup ===<br />
<br />
It is tough to exactly pinpoint the breakup of Strike Under. [[KFTH]] says it was in 1981, though they played a show at [[Waves]] on December 9th of that year. Steve Bjorklund formed [[Terminal Beach]] right after the breakup of SU, and they played a show in May of [[1982]]. [[Trial By Fire]], Chris, Bob, and Pierre's new band, played on December 31, 1981 at [[O'Banion's]]. A post on the tcpunk.com message boards from Chris Bjorklund said they broke up in 1981, so the breakup had to have been in December of 1981.<br />
<br />
=== Post Strike Under ===<br />
<br />
Steve Bjorklund played briefly with Terminal Beach in 1982, then created [[Breaking Circus]] in Chicago. He later moved to Minnesota, where Breaking Circus became well known. Chris, Pierre and Bob formed [[Trial By Fire]] in 1982 and played throughout Chicago that year. After the demise of [[Trial By Fire]] and a short stint with [[The Interceptors]] featuring [[Santiago Durango]], Pierre joined Naked Raygun and later Pegboy. Chris played bass and guitar for [[The Effigies]] in [[1987]]-[[1990]], after which he moved to Minneapolis. Bob played drums for [[Da!]].<br />
<br />
== Record Photos ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IACover1.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IACover2.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IASide1.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IASide2.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
<br style="clear: left"/><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/strikeunder_main.html SU KFTH page] - Dates and timeline<br />
<br />
== Videos ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46kG8eK5H8&feature=PlayList&p=3417D50923E39F39&index=7 Steve performing Elephant's Graveyard on 11/24/2007]<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/strikeunder_main.html Strike Under page on KFTH]<br />
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_Under Wikiedia Entry]<br />
* [http://somethingilearned.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_somethingilearned_archive.html SILT review of Immediate action and mp3s]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/strikeunderda_cr13.html Strike Under interview from early 1981]<br />
* [http://flickr.com/photos/flashbackswiki/sets/72157601644371621/ Photos from Strike Under in 1980]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Evanston]]<br />
[[Category:YouTube]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Strike_Under&diff=4710Strike Under2007-12-01T06:47:05Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Strike Under''' was one of the bigger acts in the earliest Chicago punk scene. Forming around [[1980]] and breaking up in [[1981]], Strike Under left a legacy that went beyond their short existance . Part of their legacy was the fact that their only album was the first ever release by [[Wax Trax]], and the success of their members in future projects ([[Naked Raygun]], [[Pegboy]], [[Breaking Circus]]).<br />
<br />
On November 24, 2007 [[Steve Bjorklund]], backed by a band of members of the 80s punk scene, played the entire ''Immediate Action EP'' in what he called "a Strike Under cover band". The performance was part of the aftershow to the [[You Weren't There]] premiere. Chris was at the venue but did not participate in the performance.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Chris Bjorklund]] - Guitar, Vocals<br />
* [[Steve Bjorklund]] - Guitar, Vocals<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass<br />
* [[Bob Furem]] - Drums <br />
<br />
== Releases ==<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-ImmediateAction.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
* '''''Immediate Action 12"''''' - ([[Wax Trax]], April 1981)<br />
# Sunday Night Disorientation<br />
# Context<br />
# Closing In<br />
# Elephant's Graveyard<br />
# Immediate Action<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] compilation - ([[Autumn Records]], 1981) - ''Fucking Uniforms, Anarchy Song''<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
Strike Under formed in 1980. Given that [[The Effigies]] and Strike Under have a Kezdy in each band, they both likely formed around the same time. The Bjorklund brothers had played guitar for a few years and were looking to form a band. Sometime that year they went to see a screening of "Quadrophenia" at a theater near Loyola University. They saw some guys a few seats away with black jackets and Crass armbands, which in those days was nearly unheard of. The guys turned out to be the Kezdy brothers and Steve Economou.<br />
<br />
[[Image:strikeundertuts.jpg|right|Strike Under at Tuts, 1981. Photo courtesy of "flashbacks.com"]]<br />
<br />
They played their first show at [[Northeastern]] on September 5th 1980, and continued to play a bunch of shows throughout 1980 and 1981. Their favorite venue to play was [[Oz]]. <br />
<br />
=== Breakup ===<br />
<br />
It is tough to exactly pinpoint the breakup of Strike Under. [[KFTH]] says it was in 1981, though they played a show at [[Waves]] on December 9th of that year. Steve Bjorklund formed [[Terminal Beach]] right after the breakup of SU, and they played a show in May of [[1982]]. [[Trial By Fire]], Chris, Bob, and Pierre's new band, played on December 31, 1981 at [[O'Banion's]]. A post on the tcpunk.com message boards from Chris Bjorklund said they broke up in 1981, so the breakup had to have been in December of 1981.<br />
<br />
=== Post Strike Under ===<br />
<br />
Steve Bjorklund played briefly with Terminal Beach in 1982, then created [[Breaking Circus]] in Chicago. He later moved to Minnesota, where Breaking Circus became well known. Chris, Pierre and Bob formed [[Trial By Fire]] in 1982 and played throughout Chicago that year. After the demise of [[Trial By Fire]] and a short stint with [[The Interceptors]] featuring [[Santiago Durango]], Pierre joined Naked Raygun and later Pegboy. Chris played bass and guitar for [[The Effigies]] in [[1987]]-[[1990]], after which he moved to Minneapolis. Bob played drums for [[Da!]].<br />
<br />
== Record Photos ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IACover1.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IACover2.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IASide1.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
[[Image:StrikeUnder-IASide2.jpg|150px|left]]<br />
<br style="clear: left"/><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/strikeunder_main.html SU KFTH page] - Dates and timeline<br />
<br />
== Videos ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46kG8eK5H8&feature=PlayList&p=3417D50923E39F39&index=7 Steve performing Elephant's Graveyard on 11/24/2007]<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/strikeunder_main.html Strike Under page on KFTH]<br />
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_Under Wikiedia Entry]<br />
* [http://somethingilearned.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_somethingilearned_archive.html SILT review of Immediate action and mp3s]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/strikeunderda_cr13.html Strike Under interview from early 1981]<br />
* [http://flickr.com/photos/flashbackswiki/sets/72157601644371621/ Photos from Strike Under in 1980]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Evanston]]<br />
[[Category:YouTube]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=File:Strikeundertuts.jpg&diff=4709File:Strikeundertuts.jpg2007-12-01T06:42:48Z<p>Sr: Strike Under live at Tuts, 1981. Posted to Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</p>
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<div>Strike Under live at Tuts, 1981. Posted to Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=File:Strikeunderoz.jpg&diff=4708File:Strikeunderoz.jpg2007-12-01T06:42:08Z<p>Sr: Strike Under live at Oz. Photo posted on Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</p>
<hr />
<div>Strike Under live at Oz. Photo posted on Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=File:Strikeundercolor.jpg&diff=4707File:Strikeundercolor.jpg2007-12-01T06:41:33Z<p>Sr: Strike Under live photo posted on Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</p>
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<div>Strike Under live photo posted on Flickr by "flashbacks.com"</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1977&diff=470519772007-11-30T05:45:01Z<p>Sr: /* Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1977 */</p>
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<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1977 ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:ramoes07061977ticket.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ticket for the Ramones/Dictators show, July 6, 1977. Image from the Rabbits' website]]<br />
* May 5 - [[La Mere Vipere]], the first Chicago punk venue, opens its doors<br />
* Some month after May - [[Oz]] is established<br />
* July 3 - First issue of the [[Gabba Gabba Gazette]] published<br />
* July 6 - the Ramones and Dictators play (for $1) at the Ivanhoe Ballroom.<br />
* Late 1977 - [[Silver Abuse]] forms<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=File:Ramoes07061977ticket.jpg&diff=4704File:Ramoes07061977ticket.jpg2007-11-30T05:36:50Z<p>Sr: Ticket stub for Ramones/Dictators 1977 show. Taken from the Rabbits' website.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ticket stub for Ramones/Dictators 1977 show. Taken from the Rabbits' website.</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1977&diff=470319772007-11-30T05:35:55Z<p>Sr: /* Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1977 */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1977 ==<br />
<br />
* May 5 - [[La Mere Vipere]], the first Chicago punk venue, opens its doors<br />
* Some month after May - [[Oz]] is established<br />
* [[Gabba Gabba Gazette]] fanzine is released<br />
* July 6 - the Ramones and Dictators play (for $1) at the Ivanhoe Ballroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=4702Naked Raygun2007-11-29T19:11:06Z<p>Sr: Added Chicago Reader article</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992, 2006- )<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:LR1-Raygun.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The ultra-rare Durango and Haggerty lineup]]<br />
<br />
In January 1983, [[John Haggerty]] joined Raygun on guitar. He had played sax on ''Swingo'' for [[Basement Screams]], and occasionally joined Raygun onstage. This two-guitar lineup would exist only for a few months, but apparently put on some legendary shows (including a show on January 21, 1983 at the [[Metro]], reviewed in [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/LastRites/LR1.pdf Last Rites #1].) According to Haggerty, the band briefly discussed adding his guitar parts to the already-recorded [[Basement Screams]], but in the end decided to release it as originally recorded. [[Santiago Durango]] later said that he had already decided to leave the band, and asked Haggerty to join as his eventual replacement. In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released; it's not clear if Durango was still in the band for the tour, as he left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] sometime in 1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"). Ironically, [[Jeff Pezzatti]] was playing bass in [[Big Black]] at the time. The [[Basement Screams]] EP was finally released in July or August. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-FirstSpicerShow.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Flyer for Eric Spicer's first show]]<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in the summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Spicer's first show was on July 14 at [[Tuts]]. Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus solely on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) are up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK_--ieAfzQ Vanilla Blue] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== 2007 Shows and DVD ==<br />
[[Image:Rf2007.jpg|right|85px]]<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Raygun announced that they are officially back together and began shows again. They played April 27th at the House of Blues in Chicago (with [[The Effigies]], Bollweevils and Shot Baker) and May 4th/5th at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. They were joined in Minneapolis by [[The Methadones]], Shot Baker and Dillinger Four. <br />
<br />
For the late Chicago show, Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers joined Raygun on stage to perform two songs - ''Suspect Device'' and ''Alternative Ulster''. For the late show in Chicago and both shows in Minneapolis, Raygun was joined onstage by [[Dan Schafer]] to perform [[Sludgeworth]]'s ''Someday''. <br />
<br />
They also announced that a CD/DVD of their Riot Fest weekend will be released on November 6th, 2007. It includes footage of their main show as well as the warmup shows. <br />
<br />
On October 26th, 2007 Naked Raygun played at [http://www.thefestfl.com/ The Fest 6 in Florida]. Raygun also headlined the first night of Riot Fest 2007 on Saturday, November 17. At the end of November, Raygun will be embarking on a West Coast tour, playing 10 shows in 10 days. They will be joined by Swinging Utters and Shot Baker, playing gigs in Washington, Oregon and California.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
===Official and affiliated sites===<br />
* [http://www.nakedraygun.org Naked Raygun official site]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
===Fan sites and discographies===<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
<br />
===Reviews===<br />
* [https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/Archive/abridged2.bat?path=1999/991001/NAKED&search=%22naked%20raygun%22 Career retrospective in the Chicago Reader (1999)]<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.emergingthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45 Article on NR's Nov 6, 2006 show]<br />
<br />
== YouTube Clips ==<br />
<br />
* Promo videos<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebhk63N6f70 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFWeTDzdVzM Home]<br />
<br />
* Live, 10/19/2006 reunion show at Cobra Lounge<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer]<br />
<br />
* Live, 11/5/2006 at Riot Fest<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWNqI_PRZr4 Riot Fest DVD trailer]<br />
<br />
* Live, early 1980's in Chicago<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e2J3o8001o Surf Combat (from Chicago Punk Rock 1980's DVD)]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxhyZrd8g8k Bombshelter / Tojo (from Chicago Punk Rock 1980's DVD)]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xznlRf6mrQg Leeches (from Chicago Punk Rock 1980's DVD)]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5maD-ixnwcA Roller Queen (from Chicago Punk Rock 1980's DVD)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]<br />
[[Category:YouTube]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=468619812007-11-27T06:06:05Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 1981 - [[Exit]] opens at 1653 N Wells (it had previously been known as [[Wizards]].<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a party at [[John Lundin]]'s loft at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''[http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc01.html Immediate Action]''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ05.html April 24, 1981] - [http://www.comnet.ca/~rina/uxa.html UXA] plays [[Oz]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* June 24, 1981 - The [[Subverts]] play [[O'Banions]] with the Fix.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 4, 1981 - [[Navastrau]] plays their first show at [[Exit]]<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* September 17, 1981 - [[Coolest Retard]] party at the [[Artful Dodger]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 10, 1981 - The Birthday Party plays [[C.O.D.]] with the [[Effigies]] opening<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* November 24, 1981 - [[Six Feet Under]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Exit]]<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=4329Naked Raygun2007-07-22T06:54:11Z<p>Sr: /* 2006 Reunion Show */ added YouTube clip of Q101 performance</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992, 2006- )<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:LR1-Raygun.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The ultra-rare Durango and Haggerty lineup]]<br />
<br />
In January 1983, [[John Haggerty]] joined Raygun on guitar. He had played sax on ''Swingo'' for [[Basement Screams]], and occasionally joined Raygun onstage. This two-guitar lineup would exist only for a few months, but apparently put on some legendary shows (including a show on January 21, 1983 at the [[Metro]], reviewed in [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/LastRites/LR1.pdf Last Rites #1].) According to Haggerty, the band briefly discussed adding his guitar parts to the already-recorded [[Basement Screams]], but in the end decided to release it as originally recorded. [[Santiago Durango]] later said that he had already decided to leave the band, and asked Haggerty to join as his eventual replacement. In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released; it's not clear if Durango was still in the band for the tour, as he left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] sometime in 1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"). Ironically, [[Jeff Pezzatti]] was playing bass in [[Big Black]] at the time. The [[Basement Screams]] EP was finally released in July or August. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) are up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK_--ieAfzQ Vanilla Blue] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== 2007 Shows and DVD ==<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Raygun announced that they are officially back together and began shows again. They played April 27th at the House of Blues in Chicago (with [[The Effigies]], Bollweevils and Shot Baker) and May 4th/5th at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. They were joined in Minneapolis by [[The Methadones]], Shot Baker and Dillinger Four. <br />
<br />
For the late Chicago show, Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers joined Raygun on stage to perform two songs - ''Suspect Device'' and ''Alternative Ulster''. For the late show in Chicago and both shows in Minneapolis, Raygun was joined onstage by [[Dan Schafer]] to perform [[Sludgeworth]]'s ''Someday''. <br />
<br />
They also announced that a CD/DVD of their Riot Fest weekend will be released sometime in the summer. It includes footage of their main show as well as the warmup shows.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.nakedraygun.org Naked Raygun official site]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
* [http://www.emergingthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45 Article on NR's Nov 6, 2006 show] <br />
<br />
<br />
== YouTube Clips ==<br />
<br />
* Promo videos<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebhk63N6f70 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFWeTDzdVzM Home]<br />
<br />
* Live, 10/19/2006 reunion show at Cobra Lounge<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer]<br />
<br />
* Live, 11/5/2006 at Riot Fest<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWNqI_PRZr4 Riot Fest DVD trailer]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=4253Naked Raygun2007-07-16T06:29:08Z<p>Sr: /* YouTube Clips */ fixed link to Vanilla Blue video</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992, 2006- )<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:LR1-Raygun.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The ultra-rare Durango and Haggerty lineup]]<br />
<br />
In January 1983, [[John Haggerty]] joined Raygun on guitar. He had played sax on ''Swingo'' for [[Basement Screams]], and occasionally joined Raygun onstage. This two-guitar lineup would exist only for a few months, but apparently put on some legendary shows (including a show on January 21, 1983 at the [[Metro]], reviewed in [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/LastRites/LR1.pdf Last Rites #1].) According to Haggerty, the band briefly discussed adding his guitar parts to the already-recorded [[Basement Screams]], but in the end decided to release it as originally recorded. [[Santiago Durango]] later said that he had already decided to leave the band, and asked Haggerty to join as his eventual replacement. In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released; it's not clear if Durango was still in the band for the tour, as he left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] sometime in 1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"). Ironically, [[Jeff Pezzatti]] was playing bass in [[Big Black]] at the time. The [[Basement Screams]] EP was finally released in July or August. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) are up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== 2007 Shows and DVD ==<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Raygun announced that they are officially back together and began shows again. They played April 27th at the House of Blues in Chicago (with [[The Effigies]], Bollweevils and Shot Baker) and May 4th/5th at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. They were joined in Minneapolis by [[The Methadones]], Shot Baker and Dillinger Four. <br />
<br />
For the late Chicago show, Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers joined Raygun on stage to perform two songs - ''Suspect Device'' and ''Alternative Ulster''. For the late show in Chicago and both shows in Minneapolis, Raygun was joined onstage by [[Dan Schafer]] to perform [[Sludgeworth]]'s ''Someday''. <br />
<br />
They also announced that a CD/DVD of their Riot Fest weekend will be released sometime in the summer. It includes footage of their main show as well as the warmup shows.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.nakedraygun.org Naked Raygun official site]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
* [http://www.emergingthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45 Article on NR's Nov 6, 2006 show] <br />
<br />
<br />
== YouTube Clips ==<br />
<br />
* Promo videos<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebhk63N6f70 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFWeTDzdVzM Home]<br />
<br />
* Live, 10/19/2006 reunion show at Cobra Lounge<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer]<br />
<br />
* Live, 11/5/2006 at Riot Fest<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWNqI_PRZr4 Riot Fest DVD trailer]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Last_of_the_Demohicans&diff=4252Last of the Demohicans2007-07-16T06:19:17Z<p>Sr: </p>
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<br />
<br />
'''Last of the Demohicans''' is the final official release by [[Naked Raygun]]. The compilation contains songs dating from very early rehearsals to the "last demo", recorded by the band's final lineup in early 1997. The album was released in late 1997, but is now out of print. After having been defunct since 1992, Raygun played three reunion shows in late November 1997 to celebrate the album's release; these would be the band's final shows until October 2006.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Songs ==<br />
<br />
# Off The Edge (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Hot Atomics (P. Kezdy/J. Pezzati)<br />
# The Way Its Supposed To Be (B. Stephens/P. Kezdy)<br />
# Trio (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Giveaway (P. Kezdy)<br />
# 7-11 Jingle<br />
# Metastasis (live) (C. Gonzalez)<br />
# Treason (live) (P. Kezdy/J. Haggerty)<br />
# Entrapment (live) (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Those Who Move (live) (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Where You Live (live) (Government Issue)<br />
# Got Hurt (S. Durango)<br />
# System (S. Durango/J. Pezzati/M. Pezzati/B. Strange)<br />
# Web (S. Durango)<br />
# Bananacuda (M. Pezzati)<br />
# New Dreams (S. Durango)<br />
# Who Is Naked Raygun?<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
<br />
* The liner notes to the original release have been transcribed [http://www.streetspam.com/nr/discography/demohicans/ here].<br />
* Tracks 1-4 comprise the "last demo". These songs were originally recorded in 1992, but the original tapes were lost. The band re-recorded the tracks on March 1st and 2nd, 1997 at Steve Albini's studio. The band lineup was: Jeff Pezzati-vocals, Bill Stephens-guitar, Pierre Kezdy-bass, and Eric Spicer-drums.<br />
* "Trio" features a guest vocal from [http://www.reputationmusic.com/bio_elmore.html Elizabeth Elmore].<br />
* "Giveaway" was originally written by [[Pierre Kezdy]] for [[Trial by Fire]], the band he played in after [[Strike Under]] around 1981-1982. Trial By Fire itself never actually released any material. The Raygun version was recorded April 21, 1987 during the [[Jettison]] sessions.<br />
* The "7-11 Jingle" is really an attempt at a 7-11 commercial.<br />
* "Metastasis" was recorded live at the [[Metro]] on May 26, 1986. The recording is by [http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheMeter/040227.html Aadam Jacobs], a semi-legendary taper who is a fixture at Chicago gigs to this day.<br />
* Tracks 8-11 were recorded during the band's first European tour, on June 4, 1989 at AJZ in Verden, Germany. Before "Where You Live", Pezzati announces that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Issue Government Issue] had just broken up.<br />
* Tracks 12-16 are some of the earliest known recordings of Naked Raygun, and are tapes of practices in the "basement of the coach house at 1129 West Drummond" in Chicago, where [[Santiago Durango]] and the Pezzati brothers lived. The lineup included Pezzati on vocals, Durango on guitar, and [[Jim Colao]] on drums.<br />
**The liner notes state that "Got Hurt" was recorded in July 1983 with [[Camilo Gonzalez]] on bass, and the other songs in early 1982 with [[Marko Pezzati]] on bass. However, this is almost certainly incorrect, as a keyboardist is clearly heard on "Got Hurt"--this would have to be [[John Lundin]], who left the band in early 1981. More likely, "Got Hurt" was recorded before April 1981 and the other songs sometime in late 1981 or 1982, after Marko Pezzati left.</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Last_of_the_Demohicans&diff=4248Last of the Demohicans2007-07-15T08:04:19Z<p>Sr: Initial page</p>
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<br />
<br />
'''Last of the Demohicans''' is the final official release by [[Naked Raygun]]. The compilation contains songs dating from very early rehearsals to the "last demo", recorded by the band's final lineup in early 1997. The album was released in late 1997, but is now out of print. After having been defunct since 1992, Raygun played three reunion shows in late November 1997 to celebrate the album's release; these would be the band's final shows until October 2006.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Songs ==<br />
<br />
# Off The Edge (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Hot Atomics (P. Kezdy/J. Pezzati)<br />
# The Way Its Supposed To Be (B. Stephens/P. Kezdy)<br />
# Trio (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Giveaway (P. Kezdy)<br />
# 7-11 Jingle<br />
# Metastasis (live) (C. Gonzalez)<br />
# Treason (live) (P. Kezdy/J. Haggerty)<br />
# Entrapment (live) (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Those Who Move (live) (J. Pezzati)<br />
# Where You Live (live) (Government Issue)<br />
# Got Hurt (S. Durango)<br />
# System (S. Durango/J. Pezzati/M. Pezzati/B. Strange)<br />
# Web (S. Durango)<br />
# Bananacuda (M. Pezzati)<br />
# New Dreams (S. Durango)<br />
# Who Is Naked Raygun?<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
<br />
* The liner notes to the original release have been transcribed [http://www.streetspam.com/nr/discography/demohicans/ here].<br />
* Tracks 1-4 comprise the "last demo". These songs were originally recorded in 1992, but the original tapes were lost. The band re-recorded the tracks on March 1st and 2nd, 1997 at Steve Albini's studio. The band lineup was: Jeff Pezzati-vocals, Bill Stephens-guitar, Pierre Kezdy-bass, and Eric Spicer-drums.<br />
* "Giveaway" was originally written by [[Pierre Kezdy]] for [[Trial by Fire]], the band he played in after [[Strike Under]] around 1981-1982. Trial By Fire itself never actually released any material.<br />
* The "7-11 Jingle" is really an attempt at a 7-11 commercial.<br />
* "Metastasis" was recorded live at the [[Metro]] on May 26, 1986. The recording is by [http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheMeter/040227.html Aadam Jacobs], a semi-legendary taper who is a fixture at Chicago gigs to this day.<br />
* Tracks 8-11 were recorded during the band's first European tour, on June 4, 1989 at AJZ in Verden, Germany. Before "Where You Live", Pezzati announces that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Issue Government Issue] had just broken up.<br />
* Tracks 12-16 are some of the earliest known recordings of Naked Raygun, and are tapes of practices in the "basement of the coach house at 1129 West Drummond" in Chicago, where [[Santiago Durango]] and the Pezzati brothers lived. The lineup included Pezzati on vocals, Durango on guitar, and [[Jim Colao]] on drums.<br />
**The liner notes state that "Got Hurt" was recorded in July 1983 with [[Camilo Gonzalez]] on bass, and the other songs in early 1982 with [[Marko Pezzati]] on bass. However, this is almost certainly incorrect, as a keyboardist is clearly heard on "Got Hurt"--this would have to be [[John Lundin]], who left the band in early 1981. More likely, "Got Hurt" was recorded before April 1981 and the other songs sometime in late 1981 or 1982, after Marko Pezzati left.</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=File:Last-of-the-demohicans.jpg&diff=4247File:Last-of-the-demohicans.jpg2007-07-15T07:25:37Z<p>Sr: Last Of The Demohicans album cover</p>
<hr />
<div>Last Of The Demohicans album cover</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1983&diff=419119832007-07-08T07:36:00Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1983 ==<br />
<br />
* January - [[Matter]] #1 is released<br />
* January 21, 1983 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Metro]]; one of the few known Raygun gigs with both [[Santiago Durango]] and [[John Haggerty]] on guitar<br />
* July/August - [[Naked Raygun]] released the [[Basement Screams]] EP<br />
* September - [[Out of Order]] forms in Berwyn <br />
* September 5, 1983 - [[Effigies]] play [[Tuts]] with [[Savage Beliefs]]. The infamous gig that degenerated into a confrontation between fans of the Effigies and [[Articles of Faith]]. According to a review in [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/LastRites/LR5.pdf Last Rites #5], the audience "drew into two camps", with some audience members calling the Effigies "rock stars" and criticizing them for playing too slowly. [[Vic Bondi]] of AOF has [http://www.aofcomplete.com/Chicago.htm claimed] that the audience sat down on their hands as the Effigies played. <br />
* [[The Effigies]] released We're Da Machine EP<br />
* [[Wasteland Records]] released [[Savage Beliefs]]' The Moral Efficiency of... 7"<br />
* [[Happy Toons]] formed<br />
* [[Blatant Dissent]] formed in Dekalb, IL<br />
* [[Nadsat Rebel]] forms<br />
* [[Naked Raygun]] releases the [[Flammable Solid]] 7"<br />
* [[Sean Duffy]] books his first show - Husker Du at [[950 Lucky Number]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=4190Naked Raygun2007-07-08T07:19:02Z<p>Sr: 1983 edits</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992, 2006- )<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
Early in 1983, [[John Haggerty]] joined Raygun on guitar. He had played sax on ''Swingo'' for [[Basement Screams]], and occasionally joined Raygun onstage. This two-guitar lineup would exist only for a few months, but apparently put on some legendary shows (including a show on January 21, 1983 at the [[Metro]], reviewed in [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/LastRites/LR1.pdf Last Rites #3].) According to Haggerty, the band briefly discussed adding his guitar parts to the already-recorded [[Basement Screams]], but in the end decided to release it as originally recorded. [[Santiago Durango]] later said that he had already decided to leave the band, and asked Haggerty to join as his eventual replacement. In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released; it's not clear if Durango was still in the band for the tour, as he left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] sometime in 1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"). Ironically, [[Jeff Pezzatti]] was playing bass in [[Big Black]] at the time. The [[Basement Screams]] EP was finally released in July or August. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) are up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== 2007 Shows and DVD ==<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Raygun announced that they are officially back together and began shows again. They played April 27th at the House of Blues in Chicago (with [[The Effigies]], Bollweevils and Shot Baker) and May 4th/5th at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. They were joined in Minneapolis by [[The Methadones]], Shot Baker and Dillinger Four. <br />
<br />
For the late Chicago show, Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers joined Raygun on stage to perform two songs - ''Suspect Device'' and ''Alternative Ulster''. For the late show in Chicago and both shows in Minneapolis, Raygun was joined onstage by [[Dan Schafer]] to perform [[Sludgeworth]]'s ''Someday''. <br />
<br />
They also announced that a CD/DVD of their Riot Fest weekend will be released sometime in the summer. It includes footage of their main show as well as the warmup shows.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.nakedraygun.org Naked Raygun official site]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
* [http://www.emergingthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45 Article on NR's Nov 6, 2006 show] <br />
<br />
<br />
== YouTube Clips ==<br />
<br />
* Promo videos<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFWeTDzdVzM Home]<br />
<br />
* Live, 10/19/2006 reunion show at Cobra Lounge<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer]<br />
<br />
* Live, 11/5/2006 at Riot Fest<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWNqI_PRZr4 Riot Fest DVD trailer]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=404219812007-06-10T21:29:45Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 1981 - [[Exit]] opens at 1653 N Wells.<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a party at [[John Lundin]]'s loft at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''[http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc01.html Immediate Action]''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ05.html April 24, 1981] - [http://www.comnet.ca/~rina/uxa.html UXA] plays [[Oz]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* June 24, 1981 - The [[Subverts]] play [[O'Banions]] with the Fix.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 10, 1981 - The Birthday Party plays [[C.O.D.]] with the [[Effigies]] opening<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* November 24, 1981 - [[Six Feet Under]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Exit]]<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Busted_at_Oz&diff=4021Busted at Oz2007-06-03T07:14:19Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:BustedAtOzCover.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Busted at Oz, front cover]]<br />
<br />
'''Busted at Oz''' was a [[1981]] live compilation, released on [[Autumn Records]]. It is thought of as the definitive Chicago punk recording, the one that truly represents the scene's earliest sound. It was recorded at legendary punk club [[Oz]] on March 9,10,11 of 1981. The album is still a big hit with punk fans, as it routinely sells for over $50 on [[eBay]]. Though there have been rumors of a CD re-release, the original vinyl from 1981 is the only available version. <br />
<br />
== Side One ==<br />
<br />
* [[Naked Raygun]] - Bomb Shelter<br />
* Naked Raygun - When the Screaming Stops<br />
* [[Strike Under]] - Fucking Uniforms<br />
* [[Subverts]] - March Forth<br />
* [[Effigies]] - Quota<br />
* [[Da]] - Fish Shit<br />
* [[Silver Abuse]] - Anti-Hot Dog<br />
* Silver Abuse - Pink Port Now<br />
* Silver Abuse - Bomb Shelter<br />
<br />
== Side Two ==<br />
<br />
* Effigies - Guns or Ballots<br />
* Subverts - State of the Union<br />
* Naked Raygun - Paranoia<br />
* Naked Raygun - Libido<br />
* Da - The Killer<br />
* Strike Under - Anarchy Song<br />
* Silver Abuse - Jigaboo Jump<br />
<br />
== Album Details ==<br />
<br />
* '''Album concept by''' - [[Oz|Dem Hopkins]]<br />
* '''Produced by:''' [[Timothy R. Powell]], the bands and Autumn Records<br />
* '''Recording facilities by:''' Metro Mobile<br />
* '''Engineered by:''' Timothry R. Powell<br />
* '''Mobile Crew:''' John Groppi and George Kapoulas<br />
* '''Sound by:''' [[Jeff Pezzati]]<br />
* '''Album design by:''' Ann Brumbach<br />
* '''Back cover photo by:''' Larry L. Logman<br />
* '''All other photos by:''' Matt Prendergast for S.M.P. Studios<br />
* '''Special thanks to:''' Stacey Kmetyk, Gary Burrell, Bobby Vasquez and Bill Morby<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
<br />
* According to this [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/CoolestRetard/issue13/13-10.html review] of the shows in the [[Coolest Retard]], the show schedule was: <br />
** Monday, March 9: [[Naked Raygun]], [[Silver Abuse]]<br />
** Tuesday, March 10: [[Da]], [[Strike Under]]<br />
** Wednesday, March 11: [[Subverts]], [[Effigies]] <br />
* [[Strike Under]]'s set was plagued by sound problems and "fights among the band."<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://petdance.com/nr/discography/comps/busted-at-oz/ Busted at Oz page with cover and insert scans]<br />
* [http://www.punkvinyl.com/2004/11/11/selections-from-the-punk-vault-busted-at-oz/ MXV review of Busted at Oz]<br />
* [http://somethingilearned.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_somethingilearned_archive.html Something I Learned Today review with mp3s]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Compilations]]<br />
[[Category:Effigies]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:Records]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1980&diff=402019802007-06-03T07:01:48Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1980 ==<br />
<br />
* February 1980 - [[End Result]]'s first show at Mercy Mission Home For Boys - 1140 West Jackson - where Alan Jones resided.<br />
* March 6, 1980 - [[The Imports]] debut at Ann Arkees in Chicago.<br />
* May 1, 1980 - Public Image Limited plays at the Riviera<br />
* May 17, 1980 - the Ramones play at UIC<br />
* June 1980 - [[Steve Albini]] moves to Chicago from Montana to enroll at Northwestern<br />
* June 21, 1980 - [[Negro Commando]] (soon to be [[Naked Raygun]]) play their first show at [[222 S. Morgan St.]]<br />
* July 12, 1980 - Devo plays the [[Aragon Ballroom]]<br />
* September 5, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] plays their first gig, at Northwestern<br />
* September or October 1980 - [[Earl Letiecq]] meets the other members of what would become [[The Effigies]] at [[Oz]]<br />
* October 5, 1980 - [[Naked Raygun]]'s third gig, in Detroit. Before the show, the band has to retrieve [[Bobby Strange]]'s drums from the pawn shop.<br />
* November 9, 1980 [[The Effigies]] played at [[Oz]], their first show ever<br />
* November 27 & 29, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] play Oz<br />
* December 1980 - [[Oz]] on Hubbard Street closes; the club relocates to its third (and final) location at 3714 N Broadway<br />
* December 5, 1980 - [[The Imports]] play their final gig at Seventh Street Entry in Minneapolis.<br />
* December 9, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] plays [[Waves]]<br />
* December 10, 1980 - [http://www.missionofburma.com Mission of Burma] plays [[Waves]] (the ad for the show [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/80/live1212-13.html#cretard misidentifies] them as "Mission From Burma"). [[Da]] opens.<br />
* December 12, 1980 - Black Flag plays [[Stages]], with the [[Effigies]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Beefheart Captain Beefheart] plays [[Tuts]] that night also.<br />
* December 13, 1980 - Black Flag plays [[Oz]]<br />
* December 31, 1980 - [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Wayouts]] play Oz. It is [[Jim Colao]]'s first gig with Raygun<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1980&diff=401919802007-06-03T06:52:15Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1980 ==<br />
<br />
* February 1980 - [[End Result]]'s first show at Mercy Mission Home For Boys - 1140 West Jackson - where Alan Jones resided.<br />
* March 6, 1980 - [[The Imports]] debut at Ann Arkees in Chicago.<br />
* June 1980 - [[Steve Albini]] moves to Chicago from Montana to enroll at Northwestern<br />
* June 21, 1980 - [[Negro Commando]] (soon to be [[Naked Raygun]]) play their first show at [[222 S. Morgan St.]]<br />
* September 5, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] plays their first gig, at Northwestern<br />
* September or October 1980 - [[Earl Letiecq]] meets the other members of what would become [[The Effigies]] at [[Oz]]<br />
* October 5, 1980 - [[Naked Raygun]]'s third gig, in Detroit. Before the show, the band has to retrieve [[Bobby Strange]]'s drums from the pawn shop.<br />
* November 9, 1980 [[The Effigies]] played at [[Oz]], their first show ever<br />
* November 27 & 29, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] play Oz<br />
* December 1980 - [[Oz]] on Hubbard Street closes; the club relocates to its third (and final) location at 3714 N Broadway<br />
* December 5, 1980 - [[The Imports]] play their final gig at Seventh Street Entry in Minneapolis.<br />
* December 9, 1980 - [[Strike Under]] plays [[Waves]]<br />
* December 10, 1980 - [http://www.missionofburma.com Mission of Burma] plays [[Waves]] (the ad for the show [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/80/live1212-13.html#cretard misidentifies] them as "Mission From Burma"). [[Da]] opens.<br />
* December 12, 1980 - Black Flag plays [[Stages]], with the [[Effigies]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Beefheart Captain Beefheart] plays [[Tuts]] that night also.<br />
* December 13, 1980 - Black Flag plays [[Oz]]<br />
* December 31, 1980 - [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Wayouts]] play Oz. It is [[Jim Colao]]'s first gig with Raygun<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=401819812007-06-03T06:37:09Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''[http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc01.html Immediate Action]''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ05.html April 24, 1981] - [http://www.comnet.ca/~rina/uxa.html UXA] plays [[Oz]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* June 24, 1981 - The [[Subverts]] play [[O'Banions]] with the Fix.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 10, 1981 - The Birthday Party plays [[C.O.D.]] with the [[Effigies]] opening<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=401719812007-06-03T04:21:27Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''[http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc01.html Immediate Action]''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* June 24, 1981 - The [[Subverts]] play [[O'Banions]] with the Fix.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=401619812007-06-03T04:16:51Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''[http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc01.html Immediate Action]''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=390819812007-05-15T07:00:08Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''Immediate Action''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* August 16, 1981 - [[Space Place]] sponsors an all-day free show called the "Left Bank Street Fair", featuring (among others) [[Direct Drive]], [[Epicycle]], [[The Objects]], [[Bohemia]], [[Strike Under]], [[Screamin' Rachael and Remote]], and [[DV8]]. According to owner [[Rich Harrington]], the show "was supposed to be outdoors, but got moved indoors because we didn't pay off the alderman."<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=390719812007-05-15T06:11:48Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/stages04.html January 31, 1981] - [[Special Affect]] plays its final show at [[Stages]]; [[Strike Under]] and [[Western Front]] open<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''Immediate Action''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/NorthE01.html April 17, 1981] - WZRD sponsors a free show at Northeastern Illinois University with [[Strike Under]] and the [[Effigies]]<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 25-26, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]], part of the [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Misc04.html Hardcore '81] tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/spacep02.html May 2, 1981] - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]], and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]] <br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB13.html July 4, 1981] - [[Strike Under]] plays the 4th of July show at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB09.html September 5, 1981] - [[Strike Under]]'s first anniversary show, at [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.theworld.com/~thirdave/hd_posters/p19810917.gif September 17-18, 1981] - the Dead Kennedys play [[C.O.D.]], with Husker Du, [[Naked Raygun]], the [[Effigies]], and [[Strike Under]]<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play, claiming the club owners cared more about making money than supporting the punk scene.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB08.html October 31, 1981] - TSOL plays [[O'Banions]] with [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Subverts]]. There was a costume contest.<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]. Perhaps Trial by Fire's first show.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=390319812007-05-14T03:15:00Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''Immediate Action''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 24-25, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]]<br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB05.html June 29, 1981] - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [[O'Banions]]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* October 16-17, 1981 - Benefit concerts for [[O'Banions]]. The [[Effigies]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_flip30.html refused] to play<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=1981&diff=390219812007-05-14T03:05:28Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Notable Chicago Punk Events in 1981 ==<br />
<br />
* January 24, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]], [[Strike Under]], and [[Silver Abuse]] play a loft party at 180 N Wacker. The show is discussed at this [http://chicagopunkpix.com/forum/index.php?topic=545.0 CPP thread]<br />
* February 19, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]<br />
* February 20 and 22, 1981 - [[Oz]] is [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/Interviews/OZbust.html raided] by Chicago's finest, and owner [[Dem Hopkins]] is briefly jailed<br />
* March 1981 - [[Touch and Go]] releases their first record, a 7" by [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=304 The Fix] <br />
* March 7, 1981 - Bauhaus plays [[Space Place]] with [[Naked Raygun]] opening<br />
* March 9-11, 1981 - [[Busted at Oz]] is recorded at [[Oz]]'s North Broadway location. It would be released on [[Autumn Records]] later that year.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0323.html March 23, 1981] - Black Flag plays [[Space Place]]; Husker Du plays the after party at [[Oz]] (the infamous [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/05_live_audio.html#23Mar1981 "blue paint"] show)<br />
* April 1981 - [[Wax Trax]] releases [[Strike Under]]'s '''''Immediate Action''''' 12"<br />
* April 1981 - during Northwestern's spring break, [[Steve Albini]] records [[Big Black]]'s first EP, '''''Lungs'''''<br />
* April 10, 1981 - [[Effigies]] play Oz. A bootleg of this gig exists.<br />
* April 11, 1981 - [[Strike Under]], [[Naked Raygun]] and the [[Effigies]] play [[Space Place]]<br />
* April 15, 1981 - [[Da]] releases their first 7", '''''Dark Rooms'''''<br />
* April 18, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] plays [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_posters/p198104.jpg Minneapolis]. [[Marko Pezzati]]'s final gig with the band.<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OZ02.html April 24-25, 1981] - D.O.A. plays [[Oz]] with the [[Subverts]]<br />
* May 9th, 1981 - [[Oz]] closed for good.<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/81/live0715.html July 15, 1981] - Black Flag plays Tuts with the [[Effigies]] and [[DV8]]. Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski beats up a bouncer.<br />
* July 16, 1981 - The Fall plays [[Tuts]]; [[Naked Raygun]] opens. For their encore, Raygun plays "Libido" with all the band members completely naked <br />
* August 3, 1981 - Minor Threat plays [[O'Banions]] with Youth Brigade and the Necros<br />
* August 6, 1981 - Husker Du plays the [[Club 950 Lucky Number]]. The show was [http://www.thirdav.com/zinestuff/coolest16.html reviewed] in the [[Coolest Retard]]<br />
* September 1981 - Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar relocates to Chicago to attend Northwestern. The band temporarily broke up, but would reform less than a year later when Preslar dropped out and returned to DC.<br />
* October 9, 1981 - [[Strike Under]] and [[Naked Raygun]] play [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/Gaspar01.html Gaspar's]<br />
* November 1981 - Autumn Records release [[The Effigies]] Haunted Town EP<br />
* November 1981 - [[C.O.D.]] hosts a "punk weekend" with the [[Effigies]], TSOL, Tom Verlaine, and the Professionals. A review in the [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/int_aliveslam.html Chicago Reader] terms the Effigies "the best band in Chicago when it comes to opening the floodgates for manic release."<br />
* December 1981 - [[Strike Under]] breaks up<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/flyerm019.html December 5, 1981] - [[Effigies]] play [[O'Banions]] with [[Six Feet Under]]. It is the [[Effigies]] final local show before leaving on their West Coast tour<br />
* [http://www.chicagopunkpix.com/flyers/OB04.html December 12, 1981] - [[Direct Drive]] plays [[O'Banions]]--probably one of their final shows before changing their name to [[Articles of Faith]]<br />
* December 31, 1981 - [[Naked Raygun]] and [[Trial by Fire]] play [[O'Banions]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chicago Punk by Year]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3901Naked Raygun2007-05-14T03:01:54Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992, 2006- )<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992, 2006- )<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) are up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== 2007 Shows and DVD ==<br />
<br />
In January 2007, Raygun announced that they are officially back together and began shows again. They played April 27th at the House of Blues in Chicago (with [[The Effigies]], Bollweevils and Shot Baker) and May 4th/5th at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. They were joined in Minneapolis by [[The Methadones]], Shot Baker and Dillinger Four. <br />
<br />
For the late Chicago show, Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers joined Raygun on stage to perform two songs - ''Suspect Device'' and ''Alternative Ulster''. For the late show in Chicago and both shows in Minneapolis, Raygun was joined onstage by [[Dan Schafer]] to perform [[Sludgeworth]]'s ''Someday''. <br />
<br />
They also announced that a CD/DVD of their Riot Fest weekend will be released sometime in the summer. It includes footage of their main show as well as the warmup shows.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.nakedraygun.org Naked Raygun official site]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
* [http://www.emergingthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=45 Article on NR's Nov 6, 2006 show] <br />
<br />
<br />
== YouTube Clips ==<br />
<br />
* Promo videos<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFWeTDzdVzM Home]<br />
<br />
* Live, 10/19/2006 reunion show at Cobra Lounge<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down]<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer]<br />
<br />
* Live, 11/5/2006 at Riot Fest<br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWNqI_PRZr4 Riot Fest DVD trailer]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3107Naked Raygun2006-12-18T06:02:34Z<p>Sr: /* 1981-1982 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. Initially the band played primarily loft parties around UIC, but soon began regular gigs at [[Oz]]. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=The_Effigies&diff=3106The Effigies2006-12-18T05:59:28Z<p>Sr: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''The Effigies''' are one of Chicago's oldest and longest-running punk bands. They are the only band out of the [[Big Four]] that is still currently active and playing. The band formed in early [[1980]] and consistently played and recorded throughout the 1980s. <br />
<br />
In [[2004]], The Effigies returned with 3 of the 4 original members and frequently plays shows throughout Chicago and the Midwest. As of February [[2006]], they are playing new songs live and plan to release an album in late 2006 or early [[2007]].<br />
<br />
<br />
== Current Lineup ==<br />
<br />
* [[John Kezdy]] - Vocals, Lyrics<br />
* [[Robert McNaughton]] - Guitar<br />
* [[Paul Zamost]] - Bass<br />
* [[Steve Economou]] - Drums<br />
<br />
== Releases ==<br />
<br />
* '''Haunted Town EP''' ([[Autumn Records]], October or November [[1981]]). <br />
: Re-released ([[Ruthless Records]], [[1984]]), with "Security" as added track.<br />
* '''Bodybag / Security 7"''' (Ruthless Records, [[1982]])<br />
* '''We're Da Machine EP''' (Ruthless Records, [[1983]])<br />
* '''For Ever Grounded LP''' (Ruthless Records, 1984)<br />
* '''Fly On A Wire LP''' ([[Fever Records]], [[1985]])<br />
* '''Ink LP''' (Fever Records, [[1986]])<br />
<br />
=== Collections ===<br />
<br />
* '''Remains Nonviewable LP''' ([[Roadkill]], [[1989]]) - "Collection of almost all early material up to, and including part of, ''For Ever Grounded''. It is thought that 2,000 copies were actually distributed. ''Remains Nonviewable'' was re-released on C.D. in late [[1995]] by [[Touch & Go Records]]"<br />
<br />
=== Compilations ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] (Autumn Records, 1981) - Live versions of "Guns of Ballots" and "Quota". <br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] (HID, 1984) - A re-mixed version of "Security" <br />
* '''The Enigma Variations''' ([[Enigma]], 1985) - "Blue Funk" <br />
<br />
=== Live Albums ===<br />
<br />
* '''V.M.L. Live Presents the Effigies 12/16/95''' ([[V.M.L. Records]], [[1996]]) - "Livetracks from the first reunion show of original members since 1992. Recordedlive 12/16/1995, at the Lounge Ax, Chicago, Illinois. 1,000 pressed."<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
Though a few sites list The Effigies starting in [[1979]] [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/index.html] [http://www.furious.com/perfect/effigies.html], this is not the case. In [[1978]], John Kezdy dropped out of the University of Wisconsin and began to learn the guitar. He and his good friend Steve Economou decided to look into into starting a band. In a [http://www.dementlieu.com/%7Eobik/arc/effigies/int_noise6.html 1981 interview in Noise 6], Kezdy stated he met Paul Zamost at [[Neo]], and along with a mysterious singer named Norman, teamed up with Economou and started practicing. Norman was unceremoniously canned after a few practices, and John took over on vocals and guitar, although by his own admission he was an inadequate guitarist. By this point (which must have been around summer of 1980) John, Paul and Steve were regulars at the [[Oz]]. Knowing their need for a 4th member, Oz owner [[Dem Hopkins]] introduced them to Earl Letiecq, who had recently arrived from upstate New York. Letiecq had previously played guitar in a band called [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/index.html Wreck'n'Crew]. With Letiecq on board, Kezdy was able to shift full-time to vocals. After a couple months working together they had a set list and on November 9th, 1980 they played their first gig at Oz, opening up for [[Strike Under]].<br />
<br />
== Previous Lineups ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980-1984 ===<br />
* Steve Economou - drums <br />
* John Kezdy - vocals, lyrics <br />
* [[Earl Letiecq]] - guitars <br />
* Paul Zamost - bass <br />
<br />
=== 1985-1986 ===<br />
* Steve Economou - drums <br />
* John Kezdy - vocals <br />
* Robert O'Connor - guitars <br />
* Paul Zamost - bass <br />
<br />
=== 1987 - 1988 ===<br />
* [[Chris Bjorklund]] - bass <br />
* [[Joe Haggerty]] - drums <br />
* John Kezdy - vocals <br />
* Earl Letiecq - guitars <br />
<br />
=== 1988 - 1990 ===<br />
* Chris Bjorklund - guitars <br />
* Joe Haggerty - drums <br />
* John Kezdy - vocals <br />
* Tom Woods - bass <br />
<br />
=== 1991 - 2003 ===<br />
<br />
* On hiatus, outside a couple reunion shows<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.effigies.com Effigies.com], lineups discography and just about everything else. Direct sentences taken are put in double-quotes. <br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.effigies.com/ Official Homepage] - Very informative<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/effigies/ Dementlieu Effigies page] - Lots of detail<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/effigies MySpace page, run by Paul]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/effigies_main.html KFTH's Effigies page]<br />
* [http://www.mp3.com/effigies/artists/19717/biography.html mp3.com Bio]<br />
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Effigies Wikipedia page]<br />
* [http://www.furious.com/perfect/effigies.html Article in Perfect Sound Magazine] - Good reference for early dates<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Effigies]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Basement_Screams&diff=3066Basement Screams2006-12-14T03:30:16Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:BasementScreams.jpg|thumb|right|'''Basement Screams''' front cover]]<br />
<br />
'''Basement Screams''' was a six song EP by [[Naked Raygun]], released on [[Ruthless Records]] in July or August of [[1983]]. It was the first release for Naked Raygun, who by this time already established one of the largest followings within the Chicago punk community. Basement Screams is seen as one of the most imporant records in the history of Chicago punk. In [[1999]], [[Quarterstick Records]] finally rereleased Basement Screams, adding a street version of ''I Lie'' and the [[222 S. Morgan Street]] demos. Included in the liner notes of the CD are collection of old pictures, flyers and writeups by [[Jeff Pezatti]] and [[Steve Albini]]. <br />
<br />
== Track Listing ==<br />
=== Side A ===<br />
* I Lie (Durango) - 3:12<br />
* [[Bombshelter]] (Durango) - 0:50<br />
* Emperor Tojo (Gonzalez) - 1:57<br />
=== Side B ===<br />
* Swingo (Durango) - 2:19<br />
* Mofo (Durango) - 2:03<br />
* Potential Rapist (Colao) - 2:35<br />
=== CD Extra Tracks ===<br />
* I Lie (Street Version) - 0:54<br />
* Swingo (Durango) - 2:33<br />
* 12XU (Wire Cover) - 1:53<br />
* Tell Them (Durango) - 1:13<br />
* Got Hurt (Durango) - 2:13<br />
* New Dreams (Durango) - 1:31<br />
* Fashion (Durango) - 1:49<br />
* Thank You (Durango) - 2:13<br />
<br />
== Lineup ==<br />
<br />
* [[Jeff Pezatti]] - Voice<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Lead Guitar<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass Guitar<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Sax on ''Swingo''<br />
<br />
=== Bonus Tracks ===<br />
<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums<br />
<br />
== Other Details ==<br />
<br />
* '''Release #''' - Ruthless 03<br />
* '''Re-release #''' - QS83<br />
* '''Engineered by''' Tim Powell<br />
* '''Front Cover Photo''' - US Food and Drug Administration<br />
* '''Special Thanks''' - Lloyd McElfresh & Barb Grajewski<br />
<br />
== Timeline ==<br />
<br />
* [[Matter]] #1 (Jan 1983) said it was in the "mixing stage", so it was likely recorded in late 1982. But then again they said it would be available in February of 1983 so maybe they re-recorded some stuff.<br />
* [[Matter]] #5 (Sept 1983) said it just came out and was reviewed. Since there was no mention of it in Matter #4 (July 1983), it must have came out in July or August of 1983. More likely the latter.<br />
* Matter #4 (July 1983) also list Santiago as "Ex-Naked Raygun" and talks about his current band [[The Interceptors]], so it appears he was out of the band by the release date. Yet the liner notes for [[Throb Throb]] state that he played the [[Basement Screams]] record release party. Not sure if he returned just for that or the release party was slightly before the "mainstream" release.<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] joined the band after the album had been recorded but before it was released. In a 1999 interview in [http://www.bigtakeover.com The Big Takeover], Haggerty said there had been some discussion of adding his guitar tracks to the finished album, but eventually the album was released as initially recorded.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://petdance.com/nr/discography/basement-screams/ Petdance Basement Screams page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=233 Touch and Go info on CD rerelease]<br />
* [http://www.annoying.com/nightmares/unsungheroes/00/04/01/02.html Unsung Heroes review]<br />
* [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000JMC9/002-9360501-9173645?v=glance&n=5174 Buy Basement Screams at Amazon]<br />
<br />
[[Category:EPs]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:Records]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3065Naked Raygun2006-12-14T03:25:13Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. Their third gig was on October 5 in Detroit, at a club called Nunnzio's; when the rest of the band went to pick up Strange, they found he had pawned his drum kit to buy drugs. They retrieved his drums and made the gig, but the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1999 ===<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. Despite the fact that most people never heard Basement Screams until 7+ years after their breakup, the opening track ''I Lie'' became one of the most well-known Raygun anthems. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3057Naked Raygun2006-12-11T02:28:09Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
For the next few years, most of the band members remained completely inactive musically. [[Pierre Kezdy]] joined John Haggerty in [[Pegboy]] in 1994, but Pezzati, Spicer, and Stephens essentially retired. <br />
<br />
===1997 Reunion===<br />
<br />
In March 1997, the final band lineup decided to re-record the "last demo", since the original tapes had been lost. The four songs were recorded with [[Steve Albini]] and subsequently released on the collection [[Last of the Demohicans]] in mid-1997. The band then re-formed and played three sold-out reunion shows at [[Metro]] on November 29-30 and December 1. Two shows were initially announced, but they sold out so quickly that a third had to be added. These shows, the first Raygun gigs in Chicago in five years, would eventually be documented on the [[Free Shit]] album. <br />
<br />
At the time, rumors circulated that the band was writing new songs and preparing to record another album. However, these proved untrue, as after the reunion shows the band disappeared again. [[Jeff Pezzati]] formed [[The Bomb]] in 1999, Stephens continued playing in [[The Tarts]], and Kezdy held down the bass spot in [[Pegboy]]; Spicer did not play in any other bands after Raygun.<br />
<br />
In 1999, [[Quarterstick Records]] re-released all of the NR albums, including the long out-of-print [[Basement Screams]]. All the albums, except [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] came with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes and photographs. More reunion shows were rumored, but never took place for unclear reasons.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3056Naked Raygun2006-12-11T02:14:00Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and toured Europe again in May of 1990. [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] was recorded during 1990 with producer Keith Auerbach. [[Pierre Kezdy]] described the recording sessions as "sort of semi-catastrophic" (Ink Disease interview 1990), perhaps portending the chilly reception that was to come. When the album was released in October 1990, it received generally mediocre reviews, mostly centering around the muddy sound and relatively uninspiring songwriting. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]]. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[All Rise]] and [[Jettison]]. <br />
<br />
===1991-1992===<br />
<br />
With [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]], the band had completed their contract with Caroline Records. Raygun continued to play local shows and do short tours during 1991, and played at [[Metro]] in July as part of the club's 9th anniversary celebration. However, by this point the band members' enthusiasm was clearly waning. Spicer would later say, "(the band) was becoming like a second job", and Stephens added "it just became this side thing". Somewhat ironically, by the end of 1991, the music that Raygun had pioneered and kept vital throughout the 1980's was becoming wildly popular, and other Chicago bands were starting to gain national recognition.<br />
<br />
In early 1992, the band entered the studio to record four new songs, which would become known as "the last demo". By this point, both Spicer and Stephens had decided to leave the band, and Kezdy and Pezzati did not attempt to dissuade them. After one final show at the Riviera, Raygun called it quits. The band never issued an official announcement--they simply stopped playing shows.<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3055Naked Raygun2006-12-11T01:43:37Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
===1990===<br />
<br />
Having decided to carry on without Haggerty, the band remained active throughout 1990, and recorded [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] with producer Keith Auerbach. When the album was released in the fall of 1990, it met with generally mediocre reviews. [[Eric Spicer]] concedes now that "it wasn't great--the sound was all wrong", and [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] certainly pales in comparison with the standard set by [[Jettison]] and [[Understand]]. [[Bill Stephens]] also was widely criticized simply for not being [[John Haggerty]].<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3051Naked Raygun2006-12-03T07:08:46Z<p>Sr: /* 1989 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit the band in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
The remaining band members quickly recruited a new guitarist, [[Bill Stephens]], who had previously played in [[Product 19]] opening for Raygun at Metro. With an East Coast tour already booked, Stephens only had a week to learn the material, but stepped in without difficulty. The [[Chicago Sound]] bootleg CD documents one of Stephens' early gigs with the band.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3050Naked Raygun2006-12-03T07:02:03Z<p>Sr: /* 1989 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
A major source of conflict involved business matters. [[Karen Bemis]], [[Jeff Pezzati]]'s longtime girlfriend who he married in 1988, had been acting as the band's manager for several years, and Haggerty, Spicer, and Kezdy were apparently not very involved in the financial side of the band. Although the details are unclear (and, in fairness, Bemis has never told her side of the story), Haggerty felt that "Jeff and Karen pretty much called all the shots" regarding band matters, and Kezdy agreed that "(Bemis) was getting paid for things she had nothing to do with" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). <br />
<br />
Haggerty attempted to voice his concerns to the other band members, but felt ignored; he would later say that "Jeff started to think of the band as 'his' band, and I wanted to think of the band as 'our' band, and ultimately, that's a deal-breaker". He quit the band in August 1989. Spicer, who was also angry at Pezzati for failing to keep them informed about money issues, also wanted to quit but was talked into staying on by Kezdy.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3048Naked Raygun2006-12-02T01:24:49Z<p>Sr: /* 1989 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. A highlight of the tour came at their gig in London (5/19/1989), when Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks joined them onstage for the encore. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
Though it was not well known at the time, tensions within the band had been building over the past year. [[John Haggerty]], in particular, had become increasingly dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Haggerty wanted to quit his day job, tour more, and generally make the band a full-time pursuit, and felt frustrated by the other members' reluctance to do so. In interviews after Raygun broke up, Haggerty also spoke of feeling that the band had stagnated musically. In a 1999 interview, [[Jeff Pezzati]] tacitly agreed, saying that he had fallen into the trap of writing songs too many songs around Haggerty's big-guitar sound.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3047Naked Raygun2006-12-02T01:14:15Z<p>Sr: /* Unreleased or Obscure */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/albums/nakedraygun_artof.html The Art of Throb Throb]<br />
** Bootleg LP recorded 6/22/1985, Hoboken, NJ<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3046Naked Raygun2006-12-02T01:12:10Z<p>Sr: /* 1988 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - ''No Sex'', ''Only In America''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs. Later that year, Raygun would record their second album for Caroline, [[Understand]].<br />
<br />
===1989===<br />
<br />
Raygun returned to [[Metro]] for the record release show for [[Understand]] on April 22. Following the release, the band finally made it to Europe for the first time in their career, playing a 5 week series of gigs across the continent. Several songs from the June 4, 1989 gig at AJZ in Verden, Germany would eventually be released on [[Last of the Demohicans]].<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3038Naked Raygun2006-11-27T06:17:05Z<p>Sr: /* 1988 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, Raygun did an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine].) A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) [[Jettison]] was also well-received, with many reviews noting that the band had evolved toward a more varied sound, thanks to all four members contributing songs.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3037Naked Raygun2006-11-27T06:07:17Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person [[Riviera]] during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
===1988===<br />
<br />
After the release of [[Jettison]] in May, the band played an extensive East Coast tour, playing 25 gigs in 30 days (according to an interview in [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease fanzine]). A shorter West Coast tour followed, including a gig at the famed [http://www.924gilman.org/index.html 924 Gilman Street] club in Berkeley. (How the band members coped with the no-alcohol policy at Gilman Street remains unclear.) <br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3032Naked Raygun2006-11-27T01:37:00Z<p>Sr: /* 1987 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. [[Pierre Kezdy]] and [[Eric Spicer]] also contributed songwriting to the album; as they had both joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, they had not written songs previously for Raygun.<br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person Riviera during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3031Naked Raygun2006-11-27T01:30:07Z<p>Sr: /* 1987 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. <br />
<br />
The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person Riviera during this year. The November 20, 1987 Riviera gig was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. (Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.)<br />
<br />
Despite receiving critical acclaim and drawing big crowds in Chicago, Raygun's members still held down day jobs (Pezzati worked at a design engineering firm, Spicer at Kinko's, and Haggerty tended bar), which perhaps contributed to the relatively small amount of touring they did. The band regularly played New York City and Washington DC, and would play weekend gigs around the Midwest, but as John Haggerty would later note, "we didn't get out of town very much, probably less than what most people think" (Alternative Press interview, 2006). Certainly Raygun toured much less than contemporaries such as [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/blackflag/1984.html Black Flag] and [http://www.thirdav.com/hd_discog/dates.html Husker Du]. The inability (or reluctance) to tour more would later become a bone of contention for Haggerty in particular.<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3030Naked Raygun2006-11-26T22:47:21Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released Pierre Kezdy's [[Vanilla Blue]] as a single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]]. Subsequently, ex-Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar signed the band to a three-album contract with Caroline Records. Raygun recorded [[Jettison]], which would be their first Caroline release, in Chicago with producers [[Iain Burgess]] and Larry Sturm. The band had become such a huge local draw that they could no longer play the 1100-capacity [[Metro]], and moved up to the 2500-person Riviera during this year. One such gig (11/20/1987) was professionally recorded by [[Tim Powell]] of Metro Mobile recording, and several songs (including their cover of Stiff Little Fingers' "Suspect Device") would be released on [[Jettison]] and as bonus tracks on the 1999 album reissues. Powell had previously recorded the band for [[Busted at Oz]] with a completely different lineup and, according to [[Jeff Pezzati]], only 30 people in the audience.<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3026Naked Raygun2006-11-25T02:41:12Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
===1987===<br />
<br />
The band had completed their contract with [[Homestead Records]] by releasing [[All Rise]], and early in 1987 released the [[Vanilla Blue]] single on their own [[Sandpounder Records]].<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3025Naked Raygun2006-11-25T02:20:58Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/comps/codeblue.html Code Blue cassette] (Last Rites, 1984) - "No Sex", "Only In America"<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=3024Naked Raygun2006-11-25T02:18:10Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
:: Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
:: WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three miles wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
<br />
With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch, containing two songs from the album and an alternative mix of "Libido", was released in late 1983.<br />
<br />
===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Though still not having released a full-length album at this point, Raygun did release songs on the "Code Blue" cassette compilation and [[WNUR]]'s [[The Middle of America Compilation]]. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
<br />
[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] did not hit the stores until [[1986]].<br />
<br />
===1986===<br />
<br />
[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
<br />
<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
<br />
Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
<br />
On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
<br />
== Interviews ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/nakedraygun Unofficial MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
<br />
=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]<br />
[[Category:MySpace]]</div>Srhttps://punkdatabase.com/w/index.php?title=Naked_Raygun&diff=2975Naked Raygun2006-11-20T23:00:50Z<p>Sr: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NR-Group.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Final Naked Raygun lineup]]<br />
<br />
'''Naked Raygun''' was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk. Raygun was active (in various lineups) from [[1980]] to [[1992]], along with reunion shows in [[1997]] and [[2006]]. They were one of the few bands to span the entire decade of the 80s and played with or helped bring along most of the acts during that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
== Members ==<br />
<br />
* [[Santiago Durango]] - Guitar (1980-1983)<br />
* [[Marko Pezzati]] - Bass (1980-1981)<br />
* [[Jeff Pezzati]] - Vocals (1980-1992)<br />
* [[Jim Colao]] - Drums (1980-1984)<br />
* [[Camilo Gonzalez]] - Bass (1981-1985)<br />
* [[John Haggerty]] - Guitar (1983-1989)<br />
* [[Eric Spicer]] - Drums (1984-1992)<br />
* [[Pierre Kezdy]] - Bass (1985-1992)<br />
* [[Bill Stephens]] - Guitar (1989-1992)<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Short Term Members ===<br />
<br />
* [[Bobby Strange]] - Drums (1980)<br />
* [[John Lundin]] - Drums, Keyboards (1980-1981)<br />
<br />
== Records ==<br />
<br />
* [[Basement Screams]] EP ([[1983]], [[Ruthless Records]])<br />
* [[Flammable Solid]] 7" (1983, Ruthless Records)<br />
* [[Throb Throb]] LP ([[1985]], [[Homestead Records]]) <br />
* [[All Rise]] LP ([[1986]], Homestead Records)<br />
* [[Vanilla Blue]] 7" ([[1987]], [[Sandpounder Records]]) <br />
* [[Jettison]] LP ([[1988]], [[Caroline Records]])<br />
* [[Treason]] 12" (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Understand?]] LP (1989, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Naked Raygun - Home (Song)|Home 7"]] ([[1990]], Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Raygun...Naked Raygun]] LP (1990, Caroline Records)<br />
* [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD ([[1997]], [[Dyslexic Records]])<br />
* [[Free Shit]] (Live) CD/LP ([[2001]], [[Haunted Town Records]])<br />
<br />
=== Compilations (incomplete) ===<br />
<br />
* [[Busted at Oz]] ([[Autumn Records]], March 1981) - ''Bomb Shelter, When the Screaming Stops, Paranoia, Libido''<br />
* [[The Middle of America Compilation]] ([[H.I.D.]], 1984) - ''I Don't Know, Stupid''<br />
* [[Sub Pop 100]] (Sub Pop, 1986) - ''Bananacuda''<br />
* [[The Wailing Ultimate]] (Homestead, 1987) - ''I Remember''<br />
* Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III (1987) - ''Rocks of Sweden''<br />
* Beautiful Happiness (Happy, 1988) - ''Vanilla Blue''<br />
* Something's Gone Wrong Again, The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (Caroline, 1992) - ''Love Battery'', ''Running Free''<br />
* Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, vol. 2 (Rhino, 1993) - ''Rat Patrol''<br />
<br />
=== Unreleased or Obscure ===<br />
<br />
* ''Promo Tape'' (Around March/April 1982)<br />
** Sent out to potential bookings, Reviewed in [[CR]] #20<br />
** Tracks include Mofo, Bombshelter, Emperor Tojo, Party Dolls and Coitus Interruptus<br />
<br />
* ''Roger Moore'' <br />
** Popular early track (1981 timeframe), never recorded<br />
<br />
* [[Chicago Sound]]<br />
** CD released around 2000. Contains two live shows:<br />
*** Eagles Club, Milwaukee 10/29/1989 - complete show with [[Bill Stephens]] on guitar<br />
*** WUST Radio Hall, Washington DC 6/20/1985 - partial show with Haggerty<br />
** Presumably a bootleg, as the sound quality is mediocre, although the disc is labeled as "[[Sandpounder Records]] 002".<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== 1980 === <br />
<br />
[[Image:Naked raygun-wide.jpg|right|400px]]<br />
<br />
Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango, who were both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, met at [[O'Banions]]. Distressed about the lack of punk bands in Chicago, they decided to form a group. Jim Colao--a friend of Pezzati's from UIC--joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Needing a singer, Marko enlisted his younger brother Jeff, who at the time was singing in a cover band and had "an afro three feet wide". After obtaining a more punk-rock hairdo, Jeff Pezzati started practicing with Marko and Santiago at [[222 S. Morgan St.]], playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name [[Negro Commando]]. Shortly thereafter Bobby Strange signed up on drums and they recorded a demo, which would eventually be included on the [[Basement Screams]] CD reissue. The band's first gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original [[Oz]]. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. Strange left in December, and the band tried out various replacements. One short-term replacement was John Lundin, who quickly switched over to keyboards. For their New Years Eve gig at [[Oz]], Jim Colao rejoined as the full-time drummer.<br />
<br />
The origin of the band's name remains somewhat unclear. According to a 2006 interview in Alternative Press, Marko Pezzati claimed it was chosen more or less at random, although he had insisted the name include "nude" or "naked". However, in the same interview, Durango stated he came up with the name as a tribute to the Sex Pistols. Although many believed the band's name was a play on "Ronald Reagan", this is apparently not the case.<br />
<br />
=== 1981-1982 ===<br />
[[Image:NakedPezzati.jpg|right|thumb|Naked Pezzati @ Tuts, 1981]]<br />
<br />
With a stable lineup in place, Naked Raygun began to play regularly in Chicago. In March of 1981, Raygun recorded live tracks for the [[Busted at Oz]] comp - the first time Raygun appeared on vinyl. Marko Pezzati left the band in 1981 (likely April/May, from [[Coolest Retard|CR]] 13&14) and was replaced by original Silver Abuse member Camilo Gonzalez. John Lundin left April/May 1981. Because he was not replaced, Naked Raygun ditched the keyboards and became a four piece. The band closed out 1981 by playing a New Year's Eve gig at [[O'Banions]] with [[Trial by Fire]] (according to [[CR]] #18).<br />
<br />
In this period, Raygun's music was very experimental and quite different from the more straight-ahead Buzzcocks-influenced punk sound that would later bring them fame. Durango, in particular, would frequently experiment with his guitar sound, changing nearly from gig to gig. In a [[1992]] [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php interview], [[Steve Albini]] raved "I mean, they were so weird back then. Totally left field. Going to see them live at that time was totally invigorating because they were so damn weird. It was like a space age rockabilly band. With this bizarre jungle drumming going on. And periodically they would take too much drugs or whatever, and Santiago would come out with this completely underwater guitar sound. It would just flatten everybody." Albini later wrote an extended paean to the early Raygun incarnation in the liner notes for [[Basement Screams]]. Frustratingly, very little recorded output exists from this period, save for the [[222 S. Morgan St.]] demo, four songs on [[Busted at Oz]], a few poor-quality demo tracks on the posthumous [[Last of the Demohicans]] CD, and [[Basement Screams]].<br />
<br />
=== 1983 ===<br />
<br />
In March 1983, the band embarked on their first [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html tour], a 10-day East Coast swing in March including a show opening for [http://www.missionofburma.com/home.html Mission of Burma] in Washington DC. This tour actually took place before [[Basement Screams]] had been released. After the tour, John Haggerty, who would occasionally join Raygun on stage to perform ''Swingo'' on sax, joined up on guitar. This two-guitar lineup only played a few gigs, including the [[Basement Screams]] record release show at the [[Cubby Bear]]. These gigs were apparently incredible, but it is not known if this lineup was ever recorded. In July or August, Raygun finally released the [[Basement Screams]] EP. Durango left Raygun to join [[Big Black]] in mid-1983 ([[Matter]] #4 from July said he was "ex-Naked Raygun"), although ironically, [[Jeff Pezzati]] was still playing bass in Big Black at the time. <br />
<br />
During this time, Durango and both Pezzati brothers lived in a coach house at [http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=1129+West+Drummond,+Chicago,+IL 1129 West Drummond] in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (according to the liner notes of [[Last of the Demohicans]]). [[Steve Albini]] described the "Naked Raygun house" as a central part of the Chicago punk scene during this time. It was at this house where Big Black's lineup formed, when Durango was distracted from watching a football game by the sounds of Pezzati and Albini practicing in the basement, and asked if he could play along with them. <br />
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With Haggerty on lead guitar, the band recorded [[Throb Throb]] in the summer of 1983, which because of funding would not get released until [[1985]]. The album was preceded by the [[Flammable Solid]] 7-inch.<br />
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===1984===<br />
<br />
Though Colao played on Throb Throb, he left the band in spring/summer of 1984 before the record was released. He left under less than amicable circumstances, as he disagreed with the rest of the band about going on an West Coast tour before releasing Throb Throb to raise funds. Colao felt that going on a cross-country tour with no record to sell was a financial mistake, and wanted to play only larger local gigs until they had the cash to release Throb Throb. Colao was replaced by former [[DV8]] drummer [[Eric Spicer]]. In a posting on his [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun MySpace page], Spicer joked that he wound up joining the band solely because "I just made sure I never missed a practice." Despite changing drummers and encountering delays in releasing [[Throb Throb]], Raygun steadily gained popularity and toured the Midwest (in the summer) and the West Coast (in September/October), and opened for the Ramones at the 5000-seat [[Aragon Ballroom]] in Chicago. Many of the songs that would make up their next LP [[All Rise]] had already been written by this point, as evidenced on an audience recording of the [http://scarstuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/naked-raygun-live-at-vfw18-in-kc-mo.html August 11, 1984 show at the VFW#18 in Kansas City]. As the band gained wider acclaim, [[Jeff Pezzati]] eventually decided to leave [[Big Black]] in late 1984 to focus on Raygun.<br />
<br />
=== 1985 ===<br />
<br />
[[Throb Throb]] was finally released in early 1985, followed by East Coast gigs in April and June. The album was very well received and established the band as one of the top American post-punk bands; a review in [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/mrrissue23.html Maximumrocknroll] pegged them as "one of the most important bands in the country". By this point, Raygun was becoming a huge draw in Chicago, graduating from clubs like the [[Cubby Bear]] and [[Tuts]] to regularly playing the [[Cabaret Metro]]. Raygun also began what would become a hometown tradition by playing a Thanksgiving show at Metro--infamously, Pezzati took a chainsaw to a turkey onstage and threw the remains into the audience.<br />
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[[Camilo Gonzalez]] played on the tours after [[Throb Throb]] was released, but subsequently left the band and was replaced by [[Pierre Kezdy]]. Kezdy joined shortly before [[All Rise]] was recorded, but did not contribute any songs to the record, which was mostly written by Pezzati and Haggerty. Although according to a fanzine interview the band was targeting a Christmas release, [[All Rise]] was eventually released only in [[1986]]. <br />
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===1986===<br />
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[[All Rise]] was released in the spring of [[1986]] to nearly unanimous praise, garnering rave reviews from everyone from alternative media stalwarts like Trouser Press to the New York Times. The first to feature the Pezzati/Haggerty/Kezdy/Spicer lineup, this album is still generally considered the definitive Raygun album. Although by this point the Chicago punk scene had splintered somewhat, Raygun continued to be immensely popular, the only band that could bridge the gap between older scenesters and hardcore punk kids. The band played several high profile all-ages gigs at the [[Metro]], one of which (9/14/1986) was vividly memorialized by [[Greg Dunlap]] in the liner notes to the 1999 reissue of [[All Rise]]. <br />
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<br />
== 2006 Reunion Show ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:NR-JBTV2006.jpg|left|200px]]<br />
<br />
On November 5th, [[2006]] Raygun played their first show in over 9 years at [http://myspace.com/riotfest2005 Riot Fest 2006]. The lineup was the final one - Pezzati, Kezdy, Stephens and Spicer. It created quite a buzz and folks from all over the US (and Europe!) traveled to Chicago to see Raygun.<br />
<br />
To promote their show, Raygun made their first televsion appearance in 10 years on October 19th, 2006 on local Chicago music show [http://www.jbtvonline.com/ JBTV]. It featured a continuous interview with Jeff, Bill and Pierre along with the video to [[Home]] and a few live concert videos (Managua, The Sniper Song). The show also had a bunch of videos from fellow Riot Fest acts. Part two of the Raygun interview appeared on on the October 25th show of JBTV.<br />
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Raygun also played a secret, invite-only show at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago on October 19 as a warmup for the Riot Fest show--their first gig since the 1997 reunion shows at the Metro. Video of three songs ([[Vanilla Blue]], Knock Me Down, and the set closer Managua) has showed up on [http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=naked%2Braygun&search=Search YouTube].<br />
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On November 3rd, Raygun did an short interview and played live on Q101's ''Morning Fix''. The interview was at 8am and they played [[Vanilla Blue]] towards the end of the hour. On November 4th, they played another warmup show at Subterranean (with 4 Star Alarm, [[The Bomb]] and The Briefs) under the pseudonym Holyy Lazarski Nahane.<br />
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== Interviews ==<br />
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* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_cr13.html Coolest Retard #13, 1981]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_mrr19.html MRR #19, 1984]<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/info/nakedraygun_FSinter.html Flipside #46, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/suburbanvoicenakedraygun.html Suburban Voice, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_bl.html Bum Leg #2, 1985]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id14.html Ink Disease #14, 1988]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/this.html THIS fanzine, 1989]<br />
* [http://www.dementlieu.com/~obik/arc/other/nakedraygun_id17.html Ink Disease #17, 1990]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/interviews/hell-on-wheels.html Tour story about a broken van]<br />
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== References ==<br />
<br />
* [[Going Underground]] by George Hurchalla - Throb Throb release/recording dates and Colao's take on leaving.<br />
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== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/ Petdance NR pages, top notch]<br />
* [http://www.petdance.com/nr/discography/ Petdance Discography] - main reference for this page<br />
* [http://homepages.nyu.edu/~cch223/usa/nakedraygun_main.html Kill From The Heart Raygun page] - band history and discography<br />
* [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/NAKED_RAYGUN.html TrouserPress reviews the NR albums]<br />
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:51ua6j5h7180 Naked Raygun allmusic page]<br />
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=55 NR page on Touch and Go]<br />
* [http://www.suntimes.com/century/m1985.html Chicago Sun-Times article on Chicago punk in 1985]<br />
* [http://petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/press/mrr112.php Steve Albini interview discussing early Naked Raygun] (among many other things) <br />
* [http://www.myspace.com/sonofaraygun Eric Spicer's MySpace page]<br />
* [http://www.coldwarskateboards.com/nakedraygun/ Naked Raygun skateboards]<br />
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=== YouTube Clips ===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KM0x-V_aEI&search=naked%20raygun Watch the video for Vanilla Blue]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYDmBURnm4 Vanilla Blue live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ2RKWpCwvE Knock Me Down live 10/19/2006 reunion show]<br />
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjRNlhKx3w Managua, set closer at reunion show]<br />
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[[Category:Bands]]<br />
[[Category:Naked Raygun]]</div>Sr