Crimpshrine
| Company type | Punk rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Berkeley, California, United States |
| Founder | Aaron Cometbus, Jesse Michaels |
| Headquarters | Berkeley , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, EPs |
Crimpshrine was a punk rock group originating from Berkeley, California, United States. Established in 1982 by Aaron Cometbus, the creator of the notable punk magazine Cometbus, alongside future Operation Ivy frontman Jesse Michaels, the band was part of the vibrant East Bay music community centered around 924 Gilman Street. Crimpshrine played a pivotal role in shaping subsequent East Bay acts like Operation Ivy and Green Day, leaving a lasting mark on the punk rock scene at large.
Formation and Early Years (1982–1986)
The band’s origins trace back to 1982 when it was initially called S.A.G., featuring 13-year-old Aaron Cometbus on guitar and Jesse Michaels as vocalist. Although Michaels originally handled guitar duties despite limited proficiency, the group had minimal gear—only a single drum and a three-string guitar tuned to a barre chord. Twelve-year-old Jeff Ott joined on drums but soon transitioned to guitar as Cometbus switched to drums. Michaels noted Ott’s superior guitar ability. In 1984, Michaels was dismissed—allegedly due to excessive marijuana use—after which Ott and Cometbus renamed the project Crimpshrine. The new name was inspired by a nickname for a girl with "bleached-blond, burned, crimped hair." Initially in search of a female singer but unable to find one, Ott assumed vocal responsibilities by late 1984. Throughout 1985, the lineup fluctuated; Ott experimented with synthesizer and piano, a violinist named Isaac briefly joined, and Tim Armstrong (then known as Lint) played bass for a short period. The addition of Pete Rypins on bass in October 1986 allowed the band to move beyond basement rehearsals to performing at parties and live venues.
Peak Activity (1987–1989)
Following Rypins’ arrival, Crimpshrine’s performances became irregular, with Ott experiencing homelessness in Berkeley for some time. Their initial demo, recorded in February 1987 at 924 Gilman Street, attracted attention leading Maximumrocknroll to invite them to contribute tracks to the compilation Turn It Around!. In August, they recorded "Another Day" and "Rearranged." Shortly thereafter, they produced their debut EP at Dangerous Rhythm Studios in Oakland, California, collaborating with producer Kevin Army. David Hayes from Lookout Records agreed to release these recordings, culminating in January 1988’s release of Sleep, What's That?. With friend Idon Bryant joining as second guitarist, they recorded their first album at Dancing Dog Studios in Emeryville, California that April. Although Lookout Records declined to release this album, the band combined it with previous material and issued Lame Gig Contest through Germany's Musical Tragedies label.
In September 1988, Crimpshrine embarked on their sole nationwide U.S. tour. The tour encountered obstacles when Bryant and Rypins abruptly departed while in Gainesville, Florida. Assistance came from friends Ben Weasel and John Jughead of Screeching Weasel, who filled in on bass for two shows. Subsequently, Paul Curran was recruited as bassist, completing the touring lineup. Returning to Dancing Dog Studios in January 1989, they recorded their final release—the Quit Talkin' Claude... EP.
Disbandment and Influence
Following the release of Quit Talkin' Claude..., the group dissolved in May 1989. After the breakup, Cometbus went on to perform with Pinhead Gunpowder and various other acts; Ott took the lead in Fifteen; Curran became a member of Monsula; and Rypins played bass for Tilt before joining the Tantrums.
Crimpshrine has left a lasting mark on contemporaries including Operation Ivy, Green Day, Jawbreaker, Screeching Weasel, and Less Than Jake. In 1998, Microcosm Publishing issued a tribute album entitled Can You Spare a Dime?, celebrating both Crimpshrine and Fifteen. The band also appears in the 2017 film Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk.
Although often associated with the Gilman Street Project, Cometbus clarified in a 1988 interview that Crimpshrine existed prior to Gilman’s inception. He remarked, "We helped them as much as they helped us because we are a part of it just as much."
Personnel
Core Members
- Aaron Cometbus – drums (1984–1989), guitar (1982–1984)
- Jeff Ott – lead vocals, guitar (1984–1989), drums (1983–1984)
- Pete Rypins – bass, backing vocals (1986–1988)
- Idon Bryant – guitar (1988)
- Paul Curran – bass (1988–1989)
Additional Members
- Jesse Michaels – lead vocals (1982–1984)
- Lint – bass (1984)
Timeline
Releases
Albums
- Lame Gig Contest (1989)
Extended Plays
- Sleep, What's That? (1988)
- Quit Talkin' Claude... (1989)
Split EPs
- Closed Up, Caught Up and Fucked Up (split with Mutley Chix) (1989)
- Burning Bridges (split with G-Whiz) (1989)
- "Better Half" / "Sanctuary" (split with Jawbreaker) (1993)
Compilations
- Duct Tape Soup (1992)
- The Sound of a New World Being Born (1998)
Additional Contributions
- "I Don't Know Why" on Bay Mud – Not on Label (1986)
- "2nd Generation Junkies" on Lethal Noise – Not on Label (1986)
- "Rearranged" on Lethal Noise, Vol. 2 – Not on Label (1987)
- "Another Day" and "Rearranged" on Turn It Around! – Maximumrocknroll (1987)
- "Trying Too Hard", "Sanctuary", and "Construction" on Caution – Skene! Records (1988)
- "Pick Up the Pieces" on The World's in Shreds: Volume 1 – Shredder Records (1988)
- "Summertime" on The Thing That Ate Floyd – Lookout! Records (1988)
- "Pretty Mess" on The World's in Shreds: Volume 2 – Shredder Records (1989)
- "Free Will" on Make the Collector Nerd Sweat – Very Small Records (1990)
- "Walk Away" and "I Don't Know Why" on Lest We Forget – BBT Tapes (1991)
- "Tomorrow" and "INXS/Going Home" on Benicia – Take a Day (1993)