Fitz of Depression
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 |
| Defunct | 1997 (initial dissolution) |
| Headquarters | Olympia, Washington , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, studio albums, EPs, singles |
Fitz of Depression was a punk rock group originating from Olympia, Washington, United States, established in 1987. Over a decade, the band produced three studio albums before their dissolution in 1997, with short-lived reunion tours occurring in 2000 and 2002. Their performances predominantly took place in the Northwestern United States until the passing of founding vocalist and guitarist Mike Dees.
History
The band formed in Olympia in 1988 with an initial lineup comprising Mike Dees (vocals, guitar), Jim Koontz (bass), and Craig Becker (drums). They began by performing at local venues and issued an eight-track EP through the Mumble Something label. Following Koontz's exit, Ryan von Bargen took over bass duties. Their subsequent release was the single "The Awakening," issued by Meat Records in January 1991. A benefit concert held for Dees featured performances by Bikini Kill and Nirvana and was documented in the film Hype!. Von Bargen was later succeeded by Justin Warren.
Their debut album, self-titled and recorded in 1991, marked their final release under Meat Records before they signed with K Records. The band's inaugural album with K Records, Let's Give It a Twist, was released in July 1994 and saw a UK release through Fire Records in 1995. In 1993, Warren was replaced by Brian Sparhawk on bass. During a UK tour in April 1995, the band recorded a session for John Peel's show on BBC Radio 1. Their third and last album, Swing, appeared in April 1996. Although they had signed with Warner Bros., the band disbanded in 1997 prior to releasing any material via that label.
In 2000, Fitz of Depression briefly reunited to tour alongside Bad Brains (then performing as Soul Brains) but ended the tour prematurely. Another reunion took place in 2002 for live performances.
After the breakup, Sparhawk became a member of Two Ton Boa and subsequently joined the Resident Kings. Craig Becker contributed to projects including The Viles, Deadbeat Hearts, and the Natrons.
On July 23, 2018, Fitz of Depression announced intentions to regroup, record new material, and embark on a European tour scheduled for spring 2019.
Mike Dees passed away on June 4, 2019, at age 48 due to an apparent heart attack.
Musical style
Their musical approach has been characterized as hardcore punk, 'metal-punk', or 'power punk'.
Albums
- Fitz of Depression (1993), Meat – 10-inch LP
- Let's Give It a Twist (1995), K
- Swing (1996), K
EPs
- Fitz of Depression, Mumble Something – 7-inch EP
- Pigs are People Too (1995), Negative Feedback
- Peel Sessions - BBC Radio One (2003), Very Necessary
Singles
- "The Awakening" (1991), Meat
- "Pissbutt" (1992), Blatant
- "Take It Away"/"Jenny/867-5309" (1993), Negative Feedback
- "Lie" (1994), K
- Spawning Monsters: "See Me, Hear Me"/"Miracle Man" (1995), Fire
- "Young and Free" (1995), Fire
- "I'm the Man" (1995), Yo Yo
- "Seemingly Vague" (1996), Kill Rock Stars