Bulimia Banquet
| Company type | Punk rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Bulimia Banquet was a punk group originating in the United States, established in 1986 with members hailing from Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Hermosa Beach, and El Segundo, California. Led by guitarist Ingrid Baumgart alongside bassist Jula Bell, the ensemble is acknowledged as a precursor to the 1990s riot grrrl movement. They produced two albums prior to their dissolution in 1991.
Origins
The band Bulimia Banquet emerged from the 1985 Southern California act Minions of Parody, which featured future Bulimia Banquet members Jula Bell (bass/vocals) and Alan Hansford (guitar). Bell, who had received opera training at Boston University and USC, began working with guitarist Ingrid Baumgart. To finalize the group’s roster, Hansford and Greg Cameron (known for his work with SWA) joined, officially forming Bulimia Banquet in 1986. The lineup was completed with drummers Nick Passiglia (Nip Drivers) followed by Jason Greenwood (formerly of Playing Under the Influence), who became part of the band at just 15 years old.
The majority of the lyrics were crafted by vocalists Baumgart and Bell, while all members actively contributed to composing the original music.
Significance in music
Bulimia Banquet holds a reputation as an early influencer of the riot grrrl movement and appeared in Lisa Rose Apramian’s 1995 documentary Not Bad for a Girl. Their sound was characterized in a 1987 Flipside interview as "wild, fast, rockin’, silly." The band deliberately distanced themselves from the softer, melodic pop style often associated with some female bands. Jula Bell highlighted their commitment to equality through a focus on resilience and androgyny rather than image-driven appeal:
"Stupid, feathery girl bands — I hate that. We've seen all of that. I don't want people looking at me for my body... If we want an egalitarian world you gotta be androgynous.... I'm not talking about the new wave androgyny, I'm talking girls are tough, and guys...can be feminine. There's a balance."
Additional members
At different points in time, Mia Ferraro, Dez Cadena, Steve Drojensky, and Travis Johnson were also part of Bulimia Banquet.
Disbandment and subsequent endeavors
Before disbanding in 1991, Bulimia Banquet released two full-length albums, a single, and several compilation tracks.
Jula Bell went on to join local bands such as Nip Drivers, Bobsled, and Marc Spitz Freestyle. She also performed solo punk rock autoharp shows and played autoharp with the Los Angeles-based rock band Miss Derringer. Ingrid Baumgart participated in all-female punk outfits Raszebrae and Malicious Grind. Additionally, Bell appeared performing vocals alongside Devo in the 1995 movie Tank Girl, delivering the opening number "Girl U Want".
Jason Greenwood contributed his talents to T.V.T.V's (Flipside Records) and Punk Rock Vato's with Jamie Pina (Chemical People), Pat Hoed (Adam Bomb), and Rick Agnew (Adolescents, Christian Death). Greenwood passed away from a drug overdose in June 2018 at age 46.
Albums
- Eat Fats, Die Young (1986, Flipside Records)
- Party My Colon (1989, Flipside Records)
7-inch vinyl
- Curse Me 7" (1991, Piece of Mind)
Compilations
- Flipside Vinyl Fanzine (1987, Flipside Records)
- Gabba Gabba Hey – A Ramones Tribute (1991, Triple X Records)
- Welcome to Our Nightmare – Tribute to Alice Cooper (Triple X Records)
Videos
External links
- Bulimia Banquet at Last FM
- Jula Bell