L.A.P.D. (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Bakersfield, California, U.S. |
| Founder | James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, Richard Morrill |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Bakersfield, California , United States |
| Products | Studio album, extended play, compilation album |
L.A.P.D. (initially standing for Love and Peace Dude, later reinterpreted as Laughing as People Die) was a funk metal ensemble originating from Bakersfield, California in 1989. Between 1989 and 1992, the band’s roster featured James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, David Silveria, and Richard Morrill. Their discography includes one studio album, one extended play, and a compilation release.
The group was established by Shaffer, Arvizu, and Morrill. To complete their lineup with a drummer, they issued a local advertisement that attracted Silveria. After producing a demo intended to secure record label interest, most members relocated from Bakersfield to Hollywood, Los Angeles, California to broaden their opportunities; Shaffer joined the move later. By late 1989, under the guidance of ARTHOR von BLOMBERG (former Head of A&R at RSO Records) who acted as their manager and producer, they secured a deal with Triple X Records. Their debut EP came out in 1989 but was hindered by inadequate distribution.
In 1991, the band unveiled Who's Laughing Now, their first full-length album. Following Morrill’s exit, the remaining musicians went on to form Korn. Former members have since engaged in individual musical endeavors. A compilation album released in 1997 comprised fourteen tracks. The band’s name is derived from the acronym of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Formation and early days (1989)
L.A.P.D. was formed in Bakersfield, California during 1989 by Richard Morrill alongside James Shaffer and Reginald Arvizu. With guitar and bass roles secured, they sought both a lead vocalist and drummer. Morrill assumed vocal duties alone initially. To find a drummer, they placed an advertisement seeking musicians for a "funk, thrash, metal groove band," which resulted in fifteen-year-old David Silveria joining the lineup. The group recorded a four-track demo containing "James Brown," "Stinging Like a Bee," "Jesus," and "Don't Label Me" aimed at attracting record label attention.
The band moved to Los Angeles except for Shaffer who remained behind initially. Silveria left high school to relocate with them; the members resided at Morrill’s mother’s home in Burbank while rehearsing in Hollywood. After a breakup, Shaffer returned to the group, with guitarist Brian Welch, who would later join Korn, occasionally supporting L.A.P.D.
Releases and break-up (1989–1990)
During the period surrounding their self-titled EP release, L.A.P.D. performed extensively throughout Hollywood. After being forced out of their initial studio due to unpaid rent, they shifted rehearsal locations to Santa Monica. In 1990, their manager facilitated a connection with Los Angeles-based independent label Triple X Records, recognized for signing artists such as Dr. Dre and Jane's Addiction. Despite signing what bassist Arvizu described as a "pitiful" agreement, they launched their first EP Love and Peace Dude under Triple X.
The band’s first full album Who's Laughing Now was released in 1991 featuring eleven songs. Shortly following its recording, lead singer Morrill departed after getting married. According to Arvizu, the remaining members had to effectively "start all over again." While searching for a new frontman, they encountered Jonathan Davis performing with alternative metal group Sexart. Davis joined them; the band subsequently adopted the name Korn and incorporated Brian Welch into the lineup.
Post-breakup activities and later endeavors (1992–2010)
Following the group's dissolution, Shaffer, Arvizu, and Silveria proceeded with new members, including Jonathan Davis as vocalist and Brian Welch on guitar. In 2002, bassist Reginald Arvizu, known as "Fieldy," unveiled his solo album, Rock'n Roll Gangster. By 2006, Fieldy had established the band StillWell, collaborating with Q-Unique and Noah "Wuv" Bernardo, drummer for P.O.D.. James Shaffer, also called "Munky," introduced his side project Fear and the Nervous System in 2008. Earlier, in 1997, a compilation album combining L.A.P.D.'s EP Love and Peace Dude and their studio album Who's Laughing Now was released. The band briefly reassembled in 2010 with a refreshed lineup based in Denver, Colorado, during which they produced a five-track demo shared via social media platforms before disbanding once more in early 2011.
Musical style and impact
L.A.P.D. identified their genre as a fusion of "funk, thrash metal groove." Their music blended funk rhythms with thrash metal intensity, setting them apart from subsequent projects involving the members. Bassist Reginald Arvizu described their sound as "very heavy" and highlighted the enthusiastic response from audiences.
The band's image featured a "baggy hip-hop street" aesthetic, with Arvizu adopting dreadlocks to reinforce a masculine presentation. Early inspirations came from groups like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More, which influenced their musical approach.
L.A.P.D. is credited with paving the way for three future members of the nu metal band Korn. Drummer David Silveria acknowledged that L.A.P.D. provided essential lessons about navigating the music industry. Korn itself went on to inspire notable bands such as Slipknot, Saliva, Breaking Benjamin, Cold, and Flyleaf.
Discography
| Year | Title | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Love and Peace Dude | Triple X Records | Extended play |
| 1991 | Who's Laughing Now | Studio album | |
| 1997 | L.A.P.D. | Compilation album |
Band members
| Name | Active years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| James Shaffer | 1989–1992 | Guitarist |
| Reginald Arvizu | 1989–1992 | Bassist |
| David Silveria | 1989–1992 | Drummer |
| Richard Morrill | 1989–1992 | Vocalist |
See also
References
- Bibliography