Dead Artist Syndrome
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Orange County , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Dead Artist Syndrome emerged in 1989 as a Christian gothic rock ensemble based in Orange County, California. Fronted by singer-songwriter Brian Healy—who earned the title "father of Christian goth" from Rozz Williams—the group was characterized by a fluid roster of musicians. Healy, an ordained minister, interpreted the band's name D.A.S. as representing the concept of being "greater in death than in life," drawing parallels to iconic figures such as James Dean and Jesus Christ. Their initial album, Prints of Darkness, marked a significant milestone in the genre.
Although health issues restricted their activity over time, Dead Artist Syndrome produced two albums during the 2000s and followed up with another release in 2015. In 2006, they received the accolade "Outstanding Orange County Band" awarded by the editors and readers of Rock City News, a music magazine based in Los Angeles. Healy endured severe health complications including emergency surgery after a gallbladder rupture and battled a neurological disorder that affected his speech and movement throughout recording sessions. Following brain surgery in 2012, he made a full recovery and resumed his roles in recording, producing, and hosting the Frontline Records Rewind Broadcast and podcast. Brian Healy passed away on January 12, 2020, due to a brain hemorrhage.
The band’s lineup featured musicians from prominent groups such as Undercover, The Choir, L.S.U., The 77's, and Ping, all contributing to Healy’s creative direction.
Early period (1990–1994)
Brian Healy, initially known for his work as a mainstream artist and actor, was among the pioneers who introduced gothic rock into the Christian music industry. In 1990, he independently launched his debut album, Prints of Darkness, performing all parts himself. The record is marked by post-punk guitar riffs, dark synthesizer textures, and Healy’s distinctive deep gothic baritone vocals. Guest appearances included Gym Nicholson and Ojo Taylor from Undercover, Mike Sauerbrey of The Choir, and Mike Knott associated with Blonde Vinyl Records.
At first, fans within Christian music unfamiliar with gothic rock found it challenging to define Prints of Darkness, often likening it to the sound of The Sisters of Mercy. The album’s satirical lyrical style became a defining feature for Healy’s work. Blonde Vinyl Records re-released the album in late 1991, broadening its reach. The opening track "Christmas" offers a critique on how commercialization has overshadowed the holiday's spiritual meaning. "Amy" is a haunting ballad rumored to reference Amy Grant—a claim Healy denies but finds entertaining. The song "Red" uses a narrative of loss to symbolize apostasy within the church. The album concludes with "Reach", a worship piece driven by synthesizers.
Healy’s sophomore effort, Devils, Angels & Saints (1992), released via Eden Records, delivered a sound that was more approachable while retaining gothic elements. Notable songs include the ironic "Beautiful World", a gothic-style rendition of The Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreaming", and the emotive ballad "If the Stars Should Fall". Industrial influences surface on "Obsexed", which tackles themes of sexual promiscuity through danceable synth lines and heavily processed vocals.
The third album, Happy Hour, showcased increased musical diversity yet preserved the band’s dark humor and gothic rock roots. It opens with "Y.S.D." ("Young, Sexy and Dead"), an homage to Marilyn Monroe and other icons who lived fast-paced lives ending prematurely. "Bride Song" delivers a satirical critique of church apostasy, offering a contrast to the somber tone found in "Red". Themes of worship are present in tracks like "Radiation" and "Glory", where radiation metaphorically represents the Holy Spirit. Experimenting with surf punk influences appears on "U.S.A.", featuring a chorus reminiscent of The Ramones. The punk spirit also permeates "Bride Song" with its classic style; the instrumental title track serves as the album’s closing piece.
Members Mike Roe, Mark Harmon, and David Leonhardt from The 77's contributed their talents on both Happy Hour and Devils, Angels & Saints.
Hiatus (1995–2000)
In 1995, Healy decided to pause activities with Dead Artist Syndrome for the remainder of the decade. During this interval, he was ordained as a minister, became a father, and endured a heart attack.
The Christian goth movement that Healy helped establish experienced notable growth in the late 1990s. Leading this scene was the gothic rock-opera/metal ensemble Saviour Machine, accompanied by several other emerging bands.
New era (2001–2020)
At the start of the 2000s, Healy revived Dead Artist Syndrome, releasing Jesus Wants You to Buy This Record in 2001, which was initially available at Cornerstone Festival. This album introduced fresh material such as the gothic worship song "In Your Hands" and the ironically titled track addressing consumerism within CCM. Contributions included collaborations with D.A.S. associate Jeff Elbel and Saviour Machine’s lead vocalist Eric Clayton, alongside reinterpretations of The Bee Gees' "I Started a Joke" and Cheap Trick's "Surrender" with modified lyrics. The 77's also appeared as guests on live renditions of earlier tracks.
Healy’s sixth studio effort, Saving Grace, came out in 2003, continuing to expose church-related hypocrisy through songs like the industrial rock-influenced "Christian America," reminiscent of 1980s Christian new wave artist Steve Taylor. The album also featured a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Richard Cory" plus a live bonus track recorded at Cornerstone Festival.
By January 2013, Ric Alba announced collaboration with Healy and others including Ojo Taylor, Gym Nicholson, Riki Michele, Marc Plainguet, and John Picarri on a new Dead Artist Syndrome album. This work was eventually released in 2015 under the title Kissing Strangers.
Healy's acting career
Brian Healy extended his talents into film, working as a stand-in double for actor John Candy in movies such as Spaceballs, The Great Outdoors, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. His involvement in acting contributed to the theatrical aspects of his musical stage presentations.
Music historian
Healy gained recognition as an authority in radio and music programming. In 2008, he earned Rock City News Best DJ accolades for his skill in shaping club and radio station formats internationally.
Personal life
After battling various health challenges over the years, Healy died at age 60 on January 12, 2020.
Discography
- Prints of Darkness, 1990
- Devils, Angels & Saints (as D.A.S.), 1992
- Happy Hour, 1995
- "Through the Speakers" on When Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel Amos, and the music of Terry Scott Taylor, 2000
- Jesus Wants You to Buy This Record: The Limited Edition Obligatory Cornerstone Release, 2001
- Saving Grace, 2003
- Prints of Darkness: 13th Anniversary Edition, 2003
- Kissing Strangers, 2015