Big Boys (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 in Austin, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, skate punk, funk metal |
Big Boys were a trailblazing American punk rock group recognized for their role in shaping and popularizing skate punk during the 1980s. They uniquely blended funk elements into their hardcore punk foundation.
Origins
Established in 1977 in Austin, Texas, the founding lineup consisted of Randy "Biscuit" Turner on vocals, Tim Kerr handling guitar duties, and Chris Gates playing bass. The principal members had shared a friendship since childhood spanning ten years before forming the band. Throughout their career, five different drummers contributed: Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Schultz, Rey Washam, and Kevin Tubb, who appeared only at their inaugural performance.
Within Austin’s hardcore punk community, bands such as MDC, Big Boys, the Huns, the Skunks, and the Dicks were prominent and often shared stages. Notably, Big Boys collaborated with the Dicks on a split single and the album Live At Raul's.
Performances by Big Boys stood out due to their interactive nature and unconventional stage behavior—most famously with "Biscuit" donning a pink ballerina tutu paired with cowboy boots. The band actively encouraged audience participation through singalongs and routinely concluded early sets with the rallying call, "OK y'all, go start your own band."
In a 1982 interview regarding his sexual orientation, Turner remarked:
"I’m unsure if I want to address that because whether I’m gay or not is irrelevant. I’m human first, and my sexuality doesn’t define my way of life. It comes from my heart; I want people to see me as a human being — not focus on what represents just 5% of my existence."
Musical significance
Big Boys are acknowledged for integrating funk rhythms into the hardcore punk genre, effectively pioneering funk metal. This fusion had a notable impact on bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, who supported Big Boys during shows in Hollywood and earned the nickname "the Little Big Boys." This stylistic development was enhanced by the addition of a horn section called the Impromptu Horns, led by Nathan Gates—brother of bassist Chris Gates. The Impromptu Horns primarily performed locally and contributed to some of Big Boys’ most funk-infused songs. The horn lineup included Nathan Gates, David Kitto, and Tim Kopra on trombones; Brent Fawns and David Griffy on trumpets.
As pioneers of the skatepunk movement, Big Boys were featured in Thrasher and appeared on its influential Skate Rock compilations. They even had a signature skateboard produced by Zorlac Skateboards, showcasing artwork created by the band itself. Following a contentious performance by Bad Brains in Austin involving Biscuit, internal conflicts intensified within Big Boys—particularly between Biscuit and Chris Gates. Their final concert came unexpectedly, and reconciliation between Biscuit and Chris never occurred.
Subsequent developments
Tim Kerr pursued further musical ventures with groups such as Poison 13, Bad Mutha Goose, Monkeywrench, Jack O Fire, Lord High Fixers, and in 2004 joined the Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee.
Chris Gates also became involved with Poison 13, Junkyard, and Charter Bulldogs. He currently fronts Big Chris Gates and leads Gatesville, an Austin-based band specializing in southern-infused country music.
Horn player Tim Kopra transitioned from music to aerospace, ultimately serving as an astronaut and commander aboard the International Space Station.
Drummer Rey Washam’s career includes collaborations with bands like Jerryskids, Scratch Acid, Rapeman, and Ministry. Original drummer Steve Collier shifted to guitar work and formed Doctors' Mob; their debut record was produced by Chris Gates. Collier later performed with Sidehackers and Rite Flyers.
Randy Turner contributed to projects including the Slurpees, Cargo Cult, and Swine King. He passed away on August 18, 2005 due to complications from Hepatitis C, coinciding with his appearance on the cover of The Austin Chronicle.
Big Boys were featured in the critically acclaimed 2006 Sundance documentary American Hardcore, with their track "Brickwall" included on its soundtrack.
Their groundbreaking approach left a lasting imprint on subsequent musical genres and cultural scenes.
Singles
- Frat Cars 7" single released in 1980 under Big Boys Records
- Promotional 7" single Wipe Out/I'm Sorry issued by the Fear and Loathing fanzine
- Fun, Fun, Fun... 12" EP launched in 1982 through Moment Productions
Albums
- Split LP Live at Raul's Club with the Dicks, initially released on Rat Race in 1981 (recorded in 1980)
- Where's My Towel/Industry Standard featured on Wasted Talent label in 1981
- Lullabies Help the Brain Grow, issued by Moment Productions in 1983
- No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat, distributed by Enigma in 1984
Compilations
- Included in Thrasher Magazine Skate Rock!, Vol.1, High Speed Productions, 1983
- Featured on Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 2, released by CD Presents in 1984
- Wreck Collection LP originally on The Unseen Hand (1988), later re-released by Gern Blandsten in 2002
- The Skinny Elvis CD put out by Touch and Go Records in 1993
- The Fat Elvis CD also issued by Touch and Go Records in 1993
- Double LP combining Lullabies Help the Brain Grow/No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria..., released by X-Mist Records in 2004
- Cassette titled Texas Funk Compilation, produced by Rastaman Work Ethic Productions in 1990