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45 Grave

From Alfawiki
45 Grave
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979 in Los Angeles, California, United States
FounderPaul B. Cutler
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances
Websitewww.45grave.com

45 Grave is a rock band originating from Los Angeles, established in 1979. Although the initial ensemble dissolved in 1985, the group was later revived by lead singer Dinah Cancer.

History

Created amid the punk rock surge by Paul B. Cutler in Los Angeles, 45 Grave included members who also played in Vox Pop, a band known for releasing two singles. The founding roster consisted of Cancer (previously with Castration Squad) as vocalist, Cutler (formerly of the Consumers) on guitar, Rob Graves (formerly with Exterminators, the Bags, and the Gun Club) handling bass duties, and Don Bolles (Exterminators, the Germs, Nervous Gender) on drums. The band's name was inspired by a thrift shop button stating "WE DIG 45 GRAVE," which Cutler gave to Bolles.

In 1980, their debut track "Riboflavin" was featured on the Darker Skratcher compilation released by the Los Angeles Free Music Society. This rendition of Don Hinson & the Rigamorticians' novelty tune grew into a cult classic and became a regular part of their live performances.

Initially, 45 Grave adapted songs from the Consumers to suit Cancer's vocal style but soon shifted focus to original compositions like "Black Cross" (a 1981 single featuring Pat Smear from the Germs on guitar) and "Partytime," which was later refined for their 1983 debut album Sleep in Safety. Their song "Evil" gained exposure through MTV airplay, while band members also made cameo appearances as extras in Ridley Scott's film Blade Runner.

Although they never reached widespread commercial acclaim, 45 Grave is acknowledged as one of the first American gothic bands, preceding acts such as Christian Death. The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles credits both bands as foundational influences in American Gothic Rock.

Return of the Living Dead

A heavier rendition of "Partytime" was included on the soundtrack for The Return of the Living Dead in 1985, alongside contributions from T.S.O.L. and the Cramps.

The band reunited briefly in 1988 for a tour that produced the live album Only the Good Die Young. Following Rob Graves' death in 1990 due to an accidental drug overdose, the group disbanded once more.

Reformation

In 2004, marking their 25th anniversary, 45 Grave reassembled with Cancer as the only original member remaining. The new lineup featured bassist Lisa Pifer (Snap-Her), guitarist Jamie Pina, drummer Mike "Thrashhead" Sullivan, and guitarist Rikk Agnew from Adolescents and Christian Death. Cancer expressed that their aim was to preserve the essence of 45 Grave and introduce their music to a new generation.

By 2006, Agnew and Pina had been succeeded by guitarists L. Ron Jeremy and Kenton Holmes until 2010. Drummer Stevyn Grey replaced Sullivan in 2007, followed by Tom Coyne taking over drums in 2008. Brandden Blackwell assumed bass responsibilities in 2009.

After Blackwell relocated to Las Vegas in 2018, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Munoz joined as bassist in 2022.

The band's title track was featured on the 2009 remake of Night of the Demons. In 2010, Frank Agnew (T.S.O.L., Social Distortion) joined as guitarist replacing Jeremy; Mark Bolton added a second guitar part in 2011.

Their first album of new material in nearly three decades, Pick Your Poison, was released through Frontier Records in 2012. It comprised fresh songs, previously unreleased older recordings, and a reimagined version of "Night of the Demons," which included an accompanying music video.

In 2014, Dylan Thomas (formerly with The Dickies) took over guitar duties from Bolton.

In May 2022, 45 Grave performed at Pasadena's Rose Bowl during the Cruel World festival alongside notable acts such as Bauhaus, Devo, Blondie, and Morrissey.

Musical style

45 Grave's sound is fundamentally anchored in punk rock, infused with a macabre horror influence characteristic of deathrock and horror punk genres. Their compositions are marked by abrupt tempo shifts, instrumental passages, and vigorous performances, prominently featuring Cutler's distinctive guitar techniques. The eerie ambiance was further amplified by keyboard arrangements reminiscent of early proto-punk garage ensembles. Instrumentals such as "Surf Bat" from Sleep in Safety incorporate aspects of surf rock. Visually, the band adopted a camp gothic aesthetic inspired by horror cinema, while their lyrics frequently embraced playful, tongue-in-cheek motifs.

Members

Current members
  • Dinah Cancer – lead vocals (1979–1990, 2004–present)
  • Tom Coyne – drums (2008–present)
  • Dylan Thomas – guitar (2014–present)
  • Daniel Munoz – bass guitar (2022–present)
Touring musicians
  • Del Hopkins – drums and keyboards (1980–1986)
  • Bruce Duff – bass guitar (1983–1985)
Former members
  • Paul B. Cutler – guitars, backing vocals, keyboards (1979–1990)
  • Rob Graves (also known as Rob Ritter) – bass, backing vocals (1979–1990; deceased 1990)
  • Don Bolles – drums, backing vocals (1979–1990)
  • Paul Roessler – keyboards, backing vocals (1980–1990)
  • Pat Smear – guitar (1981)
  • Mikey Borens – guitar (1983–1984)
  • Lisa Pifer – bass guitar (2004–2009)
  • Jamie Pina – guitar (2004–2006)
  • Rikk Agnew – guitar (2004–2005)
  • Mike "Thrashhead" Sullivan – drums (2004–2007)
  • L. Ron Jeremy – guitar (2006–2010)
  • Kenton Holmes – guitar (2006–2010)
  • Stevyn Grey – drums (2007–2008)
  • Frank Agnew – guitar (2010–2013)
  • Mark Bolton – guitar (2011–2014)
  • Brandden Blackwell – bass guitar (2010–2021)

Studio albums

EPs

  • Phantoms (1983, Enigma)
  • What Is 45 Grave? A Tale of a Strange Phenomena (1984, Enigma)

Singles

Live albums

  • Only the Good Die Young (1989, Restless)

Compilation albums

  • Autopsy (1987, Restless)
  • Debasement Tapes (1993, Cleopatra)
  • A Devil's Possessions – Demos & Live 1980–1983 (2008, Cleopatra)

Compilation appearances

See also

External links

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