Lunachicks
| Company type | Punk rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Theo Kogan, Gina Volpe, Sydney "Squid" Silver |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States, Europe, United Kingdom, Japan |
| Products | Studio albums, singles, EPs, live recordings |
Lunachicks is a punk rock group originating from New York City, established in 1987 and reuniting in 2019 after a break that began in 2001.[1] Drawing inspiration from bands such as Ramones, Kiss, and MC5, they carved out a notable reputation within the punk community.
History
The band was formed by Theo Kogan, Gina Volpe, and Sydney "Squid" Silver, who connected while attending New York City's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, later joined by Sindi Benezra. Their initial practice sessions were held in Volpe's bedroom. Their debut performance took place in 1988, featuring Theo's boyfriend Mike on drums.
Early backing came from Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, who played a role in securing a contract with Blast First. With drummer Becky Wreck (Susan Rebecca Lloyd), they released a self-titled EP in 1989 followed by their first album Babysitters on Acid, both produced by Wharton Tiers. Initially available only in Europe, the album was reissued by Go-Kart Records in 2001. The band later expressed dissatisfaction with the album’s production quality and the lack of financial returns from Blast First. In 1991, they toured alongside the Dictators.
Their sophomore album, Binge & Purge, was released in 1992. After drummer Becky Wreck left following increased attention from a television appearance, she was temporarily replaced by Kate Schellenbach, and then Chip English became the permanent drummer. During their inaugural tour of Japan, they issued the six-track EP Sushi A La Mode (1993), which included a rendition of Boston’s "More Than a Feeling".
After signing with New York-based Go Kart Records, Lunachicks released Jerk of All Trades (1995) and Pretty Ugly (1997), with production credits to Ryan Greene and Fat Mike of NOFX. The latter album features their most recognized song "Don't Want You," supported by a music video. Following guitarist Sindi's exit, the band continued as a four-piece ensemble. They released their first live recording, Drop Dead Live (1998), as well as their final studio album Luxury Problem. By this time, they were headlining venues across the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Japan, sharing stages with groups like Ramones, Buzzcocks, No Doubt, Rancid, NOFX, and participating in the Vans Warped Tour.[1]
Lunachicks took part in the Warped Tour during 1999 and 2000 as one of the few female-led bands alongside the Donnas and Bif Naked. Chip English departed in 1999 and was succeeded by 18-year-old Helen Destroy (currently known as Gus Morgan), who remained until the band's hiatus began in 2001. Although they never formally disbanded, activity ceased except for reunion performances in 2002 and 2004.[1]
Lead vocalist Theo Kogan also developed a modeling career with brands like Calvin Klein and Burberry, managing it alongside her musical endeavors.[2]
In 2021, Lunachicks returned to live performance at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas—their first concerts after a 17-year absence.[3]
Other activities
On September 1, 2021, Hachette Books released the band's memoir titled Fallopian Rhapsody: The Story of the Lunachicks, co-authored with Jeanne Fury.
Kirkus Reviews characterized it as "Trashy rock ’n’ roll fun—a Thunderbird alternative to typical rock-memoir Chardonnay." Meanwhile, New Noise commended it for being "a candid and deeply sincere account of the Lunachicks’ journey, including all imperfections."
In 2023, the documentary film Pretty Ugly: The Story of the Lunachicks, directed by Ilya Chaiken, debuted at the DOC NYC festival. It earned runner-up status for the Audience Award and ranked among the event’s most-streamed films. The documentary features interviews with prominent figures such as Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Noodles and Dexter Holland of the Offspring, as well as Donita Sparks and Jennifer Finch from L7, among others.
Film Appearances
The group made several cinematic appearances, beginning with the modestly budgeted gore film Blue Vengeance (filmed in 1989 and released in 1992). They were featured in the riot grrrl documentary Not Bad For A Girl (1995), the film Rockstar (produced in 1996 but released in 2004), and High Times' Potluck (2002), with lead vocalist Kogan taking on principal roles. Additionally, they appeared in Terror Firmer, contributing the track "Say What You Mean" to its soundtrack. Both Kogan and Silver held starring roles in Hair Burners.
Their songs have been utilized in various other media projects: Kogan appeared dancing in the Offspring's music video for "I Choose" (1997), their video for "Don't Want You" was featured in the film Boys Don't Cry, and "Say What You Mean" was included on the soundtrack of the Olsen twins' movie Getting There. Furthermore, C.J. Ramone has been spotted wearing a Lunachicks shirt, notably during the music video for "Poison Heart".
Reunions
On April 6, 2002, the Lunachicks reunited for a brief 20-minute performance at CBGB's, featuring Benezra on guitar and English on drums. Another reunion took place at the March for Women's Lives Benefit in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2004, where they performed as a four-piece ensemble with English on drums. In November 2019, the band announced their first reunion after a 15-year hiatus, scheduling two sold-out shows at Webster Hall set for April 2020. These dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently rescheduled for November 26 and 27, 2021.
On September 26, 2021, Lunachicks appeared on the main stage at the Punk Rock Bowling festival in Las Vegas, opening for Devo. They also played a sold-out afterparty on September 24. These performances marked their first live appearances in 17 years.
Other Projects
- Vocalist Theo Kogan married Toilet Böys guitarist Sean Pierce and together they formed the band Theo & the Skyscrapers, releasing two albums: their self-titled debut in 2006 and So Many Ways to Die in 2007. Kogan has also pursued careers as a fashion model and actress and currently dedicates herself full-time to her work as a makeup artist.
- Guitarist Gina Volpe established and led the power trio Bantam, releasing two albums under her label Heavy Nose Records. She composed music and lyrics for Homo the Musical and created scores for independent films including Lola Rocknrolla's Nefertitty series. In 2017, she collaborated with producer Barb Morrison to launch her debut solo EP titled Different Animal.
- Bassist Sydney Silver has experience as a tattoo artist and restaurant proprietor. In 2017, she founded Doc's Natural, a health food company, and also started a private business coaching practice.
- Becky Wreck performed drums for the Blare Bitch Project (2002) and was involved with Dirty Cakes from 2019 to 2021.
- Chip English played drums with Suicide King and 1-900-BOXX.
- Helen Destroy (now Gus Morgan) served as drummer for Lez Zeppelin, an all-female tribute band to Led Zeppelin.
- Sindi B (DJ Sindi Halfrats) is active on internet radio Sojournradio.com promoting punk music worldwide, DJs live events in NYC, and plays guitar for Corporate Plants.
Studio Albums
- Babysitters on Acid (1990) (Blast First)
- Binge & Purge (1992) (Safe House)
- Jerk of All Trades (1995) (Go Kart Records) – Reached No. 53 on US CMJ charts
- Pretty Ugly (1997) (Go Kart Records)
- Drop Dead Live (1998) (Go Kart Records)
- Luxury Problem (1999) (Go Kart Records) – Peaked at No. 72 on US CMJ charts
Singles and Extended Plays
- Lunachicks Double 7" (1989)
- "Cookie Monster" / "Complication" 7" release (1990)
- "C.I.L.L." / "Plugg" 7" (1992)
- Apathetic EP (1992)
- "F.D.S." / "Light as a Feather" 7" (1993)
- Sushi A La Mode EP (1993, exclusive to Japan)
- "Edgar" promotional CD single (1995), ranked No. 1 on US CMJ Alternative Video chart
- "Don't Want You" promotional CD single (1997)
Video Releases
- XXX Naked (1999), a home video featuring music clips and interviews