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Suicidal Tendencies

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Suicidal Tendencies
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1980 in Venice, California, United States
FounderMike Muir
Headquarters
Venice, California
,
United States
ProductsStudio albums, EPs, split albums, compilation albums, videos

Suicidal Tendencies is a crossover thrash band from the United States, originating in 1980 in Venice, California. The group was founded by vocalist Mike Muir, who remains the only founding member still active in the band. The current roster features Muir alongside guitarists Dean Pleasants and Ben Weinman, bassist Tye Trujillo, and drummer Jay Weinberg. Among previous members, notable musicians include guitarists Rocky George and Mike Clark; bassists Louiche Mayorga, Bob Heathcote, Robert Trujillo, Ra Díaz, Josh Paul, and Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner; as well as drummers Amery Smith, Jimmy DeGrasso, Brooks Wackerman, and Dave Lombardo, among others.

Together with groups such as D.R.I. and Corrosion of Conformity, Suicidal Tendencies is recognized as a foundational act in the crossover thrash genre. Their discography comprises fourteen studio albums—including four that feature re-recorded or previously issued tracks—two EPs, four split albums, four compilation albums, and two long-form video releases. Their 1983 debut album, self-titled Suicidal Tendencies, included the single "Institutionalized," which became one of the earliest hardcore punk videos to gain substantial rotation on MTV. The 1987 release Join the Army marked their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart and introduced a heavier musical direction that helped shape crossover thrash.

The band’s initial three major-label releases under Epic Records—namely How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988), Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit... Déjà Vu (1989), and Lights...Camera...Revolution! (1990)—were met with acclaim within thrash and heavy metal communities. The latter two albums achieved RIAA gold certification. Their sixth studio effort, The Art of Rebellion (1992), reached number 52 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured popular tracks such as "Asleep at the Wheel" and "Nobody Hears." During this era, the band explored elements of thrash, progressive metal, and funk metal.

Following their breakup in 1995 after parting ways with Epic Records, Muir reassembled Suicidal Tendencies in 1996 with an entirely new lineup. This incarnation released Freedumb (1999) and Free Your Soul and Save My Mind (2000). Throughout the 2000s, the group concentrated primarily on live performances while occasionally issuing new material on split or compilation albums like Friends & Family, Vol. 2 (2001) and Year of the Cycos (2008). Studio album production resumed in the 2010s beginning with re-recorded tracks on No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family (2010), followed by original works 13 (2013) and World Gone Mad (2016), both widely praised as successful returns. More recent releases include the EP Get Your Fight On! alongside the album Still Cyco Punk After All These Years, both released in 2018. The band is currently engaged in creating their fifteenth studio record.

Formation and Early Years: Suicidal Tendencies (1980–1986)

Established in Venice, California in 1980, Suicidal Tendencies initially consisted of Mike Muir on vocals, Mike Ball handling guitar duties, Carlos "Egie" Egert on drums, and Mike Dunnigan playing bass. After recording their first demo, Egert departed and was replaced by Sean Dunnigan. Originally conceived as a "party band," Suicidal Tendencies soon became Muir’s central focus. Despite encountering early obstacles—including being labeled "Worst Band/Biggest Assholes" by the fanzine Flipside in 1982—they gained recognition by 1983 when voted "Best New Band." Their live shows became notorious for violent incidents and alleged ties to local gangs.

Drummer Amery Smith was pictured wearing a hat emblazoned with "V13" on the debut album’s cover photo; this symbol is associated with Venice 13 gang members. However, Smith himself was not involved with any gang activity. Subsequently, a gang named Suicidal Cycos formed with chapters across Southern California and Texas.

The band expanded its audience through increasingly larger performances and recorded a demo in 1982 that appeared on Mystic Records’ compilation Slamulation. After personnel changes involving the Dunnigan brothers and guitarist Rick Battson, Grant Estes joined as guitarist for their debut record.

In 1983, Suicidal Tendencies signed to independent label Frontier Records and released their self-titled first album. Critics highlighted its themes of alienation and depression delivered with a sense of humor. The album featured "Institutionalized," whose music video received substantial MTV airtime, significantly broadening their audience. This exposure represented a strategic step toward mainstream recognition despite some backlash from fans. The track also appeared in the 1984 movie Repo Man as well as a 1986 episode of Miami Vice, which showcased a performance by the band.

Following this release, Estes departed and Jon Nelson took over guitar duties. The band then entered a four-year period without recording new material during which Muir and bassist Louiche Mayorga established Suicidal Records and formed Los Cycos. They recorded "It's Not Easy," which was included on the compilation Welcome to Venice, marking Suicidal Records’ first release; unfortunately, original master tapes were destroyed in a fire later on. This song was re-recorded for Suicidal Tendencies’ 1989 album Controlled By Hatred/Feel Like Shit... Déjà Vu. Another Los Cycos track titled "A Little Each Day" was featured across several Suicidal Tendencies releases from 1987 through 2008.

In 1986, Suicidal Tendencies entered into a contract with Caroline Records, signifying a new chapter in their recording career.

Shift in musical style and lineup changes (1987–1989)

During the period with Muir, Louiche Mayorga, George, and Herrera, Suicidal Tendencies unveiled their sophomore album, Join the Army (1987). This record embraced a heavier metal sound, largely influenced by George’s direction, which created a divide among fans who had anticipated a punk approach. Nonetheless, it included standout tracks such as "War Inside My Head" and "Possessed to Skate," the latter accompanied by a memorable music video.

The band's sound continued to develop thereafter. Inspired by George’s metal influence, Muir brought in Mike Clark, previously of the speed metal group No Mercy, to serve as rhythm guitarist and principal songwriter. Clark’s inclusion steered the band toward thrash metal, prompting Mayorga’s exit and subsequent replacements by Ric Clayton and later Bob Heathcote. Under the guidance of producer Mark Dodson, known for his work with Anthrax, they secured a contract with Epic Records.

Their initial release on Epic, How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988), leaned into thrash metal with intricate arrangements and technical proficiency while preserving melodic traces from their punk origins. Tracks like "Trip at the Brain" helped increase their fanbase. Notably, country musician Hank Williams Jr. publicly recognized the band at the 1988 CMA Awards because of his son's admiration for them.

In early 1989, Heathcote departed to focus on family responsibilities and was succeeded by Robert Trujillo, who joined prior to a European tour supporting Anthrax. Later that year, Suicidal Tendencies released Controlled By Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà Vu, a compilation merging two EPs. Although Trujillo appeared in promotional videos, bass duties on the album were performed by George and Clark. The record featured dual versions of "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow," original songs such as "Just Another Love Song," covers from No Mercy, and a rendition of Los Cycos' "It's Not Easy." The progressive track "Waking the Dead" received considerable MTV airplay on Headbangers Ball. Controlled By Hatred... became the band's first album to be certified gold, one of only two to achieve this milestone.

Peak success and incorporation of funk elements (1990–1993)

In 1990, Suicidal Tendencies released what many consider their pinnacle work, Lights...Camera...Revolution!, marking their breakthrough into mainstream rock. Retaining the lineup from Controlled By Hatred... with Trujillo on bass, this album featured more sophisticated compositions that fused progressive metal with Trujillo’s funk-inspired bass lines. The release was complemented by the home video Lights...Camera...Suicidal and spawned popular singles including "You Can't Bring Me Down", "Send Me Your Money", and "Alone". These songs enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV's Headbangers Ball, broadening their audience beyond hardcore followers despite some criticism regarding commercialism. Achieving gold certification and earning a Grammy nomination, the album elevated their status through major U.S. tours alongside Pantera, Exodus, and Jane's Addiction, participation in Europe’s Clash of the Titans tour, and supporting Queensrÿche during their Empire tour.

Muir adopted the funk style introduced by Trujillo and formed the side project Infectious Grooves, enlisting Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins and guitarist Adam Siegel. Their 1991 debut album, The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves, featured guest vocals from Ozzy Osbourne and helped extend Suicidal Tendencies’ influence into alternative rock circles where funk metal was gaining traction.

Following drummer Herrera's departure in 1991 due to personal conflicts, the band continued as a quartet, employing session drummer Josh Freese for their 1992 album The Art of Rebellion. This release marked a stylistic evolution by dialing back thrash elements in favor of melodic alternative metal infused with funk and progressive rock influences. Despite grunge dominating the music scene at that time, it became their highest-charting record, peaking at number 52 on the Billboard 200. It produced successful singles such as "Asleep at the Wheel", "Nobody Hears", and "I'll Hate You Better". The subsequent global arena tour included performances alongside prominent acts like Metallica, Megadeth, Kiss, and Guns N' Roses. During this era, former White Lion and Y&T drummer Jimmy DeGrasso joined as Herrera’s permanent successor.

At their commercial zenith, Suicidal Tendencies issued Still Cyco After All These Years in 1993—a re-recorded version of their debut album supplemented with three new tracks. Singles from this project achieved notable commercial success. That same year also saw Infectious Grooves release their sophomore effort, Sarsippius' Ark, which combined fresh material with demos and live recordings, further establishing their foothold within the funk metal genre.

Suicidal for Life, breakup, and reunion (1994–2001)

Concerned that their recent commercial achievements might undermine their underground credibility, Suicidal Tendencies released Suicidal for Life in 1994. Designed to be their most challenging album to date, it contained four back-to-back tracks featuring the word "fuck" in the title and embraced a more intense sound compared to the previous release. While critics largely expressed disappointment, critiquing Muir for overly simplistic lyrics, fan opinions were more divided.

Muir’s approach yielded some commercial results. The album peaked at number 82 on the Billboard 200 chart—marking their second-best ranking—but overall sales were weaker than earlier efforts. The single "Love Vs. Loneliness" received limited radio exposure due to its somber video, whereas "What You Need's a Friend" enjoyed moderate airplay on album-focused stations such as KNAC.

During this period, Suicidal Tendencies’ contract with Epic Records ended, and escalating internal conflicts culminated in their dissolution following a 1995 tour. Muir and Trujillo continued their work with Infectious Grooves, releasing Groove Family Cyco that same year before disbanding. Trujillo later joined Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, and eventually Metallica. Muir embarked on a solo path as Cyco Miko, issuing Lost My Brain! (Once Again). Concurrently, Rocky George founded Samsara and subsequently became part of Fishbone, Mike Clark joined Creeper, and Jimmy DeGrasso rejoined Y&T before moving on to Megadeth.

In 1996, Suicidal Tendencies reformed with Muir and Clark bringing in lead guitarist Dean Pleasants (formerly of Infectious Grooves), bassist Josh Paul, and drummer Brooks Wackerman. Their former label released the greatest hits collection Prime Cuts in 1997, reportedly without the band’s approval.

The group’s first new recordings in nearly five years appeared as the Six the Hard Way EP in 1998 via Suicidal Records. This release marked a return to their punk metal and skatepunk origins and included covers of Cyco Miko’s songs. While this direction disappointed some fans of their metal phase, it was embraced by those who preferred their earlier punk sound.

Their 1999 album Freedumb continued this trend. Despite unfavorable reviews accusing the band of musical and lyrical oversimplification, it was welcomed by fans as a successful comeback, with tracks like "Cyco Vision" becoming fan favorites—even though no singles were officially issued.

In 2000, Suicidal Tendencies delivered Free Your Soul and Save My Mind, which combined elements of punk and thrash metal alongside a distinctly funkier vibe. Both fans and critics responded positively to this album, supported by the single "Pop Song".

Meanwhile, Infectious Grooves released Mas Borracho in 2000, followed by Muir’s solo project as Cyco Miko with Schizophrenic Born Again Problem Child in 2001.

After contributing a new song to the compilation Friends & Family, Vol. 2 in 2001, Suicidal Tendencies entered another phase of dormancy.

Touring years and lineup shifts (2001–2012)

By 2001, during an ongoing tour, Wackerman, who had joined Bad Religion, departed from Suicidal Tendencies. Subsequently, Greg Saenz stepped in before Ron Bruner assumed drumming duties, and by the following year, Paul was succeeded by his brother Steve. The band remained active with tours throughout 2003 but halted activities in 2004 due to Mike Muir undergoing back surgery.

Although no new studio albums emerged during this period, Suicidal Tendencies maintained a steady touring schedule starting in 2005. Their live show on October 29, 2005, at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles was recorded. Early in 2007, they secured performances at Australia's metal and punk-oriented Soundwave Festival, appearing in Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. Additional appearances included the Artefact Festival in France on April 29 and a concert in Istanbul on May 29. On June 8, they headlined the Tuborg Stage at the UK's Download Festival and later supported select dates of the Sounds of the Underground tour across California and Arizona in August.

On August 1, 2008, with Eric Moore now on drums, Suicidal Tendencies headlined Brasília’s Porão do Rock Festival before an audience of 15,000. That autumn saw them touring alongside Madball, Terror, and Death by Stereo, while promoting their compilation Year of the Cycos, which featured material from Suicidal Tendencies as well as affiliated acts. The original song "Come Alive" was highlighted through a music video. They also stepped in for As I Lay Dying for the initial five shows of the No Fear Energy Music Tour alongside Lamb of God. Their European tour occurred between June and July 2009.

The band's inaugural DVD release, Live at the Olympic Auditorium, showcasing their complete 2005 Los Angeles performance, was made available on January 26, 2010 via Fontana Distribution under their Suicidal Records label. Simultaneously, Sony BMG released a greatest hits compilation as part of its Playlist series.

September 2010 marked the release of No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family, containing re-recorded tracks from Join the Army, selections from No Mercy, along with "Come Alive".

13 and World Gone Mad era (2013–2017)

On March 26, 2013, Suicidal Tendencies unveiled 13, their first album featuring new material after a thirteen-year hiatus. The band supported this release with extensive touring engagements alongside acts such as D.R.I., Sick of It All, Slayer, Exodus, Slipknot, Beartooth, Megadeth, Children of Bodom, and Havok. They also headlined the Persistence Tour in 2014 and participated in major festivals including Riot Fest (2013), Amnesia Rockfest (2014), Motörhead's Motörboat cruise, and Knotfest in 2015.

In March 2014, former drummer of the Mars Volta, Thomas Pridgen, joined but departed by fall; Eric Moore subsequently returned. Bassist Tim Williams passed away on August 27, 2014; he was later replaced first by Michael Morgan and then by Chilean bassist Ra Díaz.

Late in 2014, vocalist Mike Muir expressed willingness to record new material but indicated no immediate plans. By early 2016, Muir hinted at an upcoming politically charged EP followed by a full-length album that could potentially be their final release.

In February 2016, Suicidal Tendencies announced that former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo would join them for touring dates with Megadeth as well as European performances. Guitarist Nico Santora exited in May to concentrate on his band Lillake and was succeeded by Jeff Pogan.

By mid-2016, work was nearing completion on their follow-up to 13, titled World Gone Mad. This album included their first single in over two decades, "Clap Like Ozzy". To support the release, they toured alongside Megadeth, Amon Amarth, and Metal Church during the Dystopia U.S. tour late that year. In 2017, they led the Persistence Tour across Europe with support from Agnostic Front and also toured the U.S. with bands such as Crowbar and Havok.

Initially, Muir suggested that World Gone Mad might serve as their last studio album; however, he later withdrew this assertion.

Get Your Fight On!, Still Cyco Punk After All These Years, and the Upcoming Fifteenth Album (2018–Present)

On December 1, 2017, Suicidal Tendencies revealed they had finished recording a new EP with producer Paul Northfield, scheduled for release in early 2018. Muir characterized the project as "a reflection of the current era," potentially incorporating political subject matter. The EP, titled Get Your Fight On!, was launched on March 9, 2018, serving as the first of two releases planned for that year. The second release was the full-length album Still Cyco Punk After All These Years, which arrived on September 7, 2018, and is largely a reimagining of Cyco Miko's initial solo record Lost My Brain! (Once Again).

Guitarist Jeff Pogan exited the band on July 2, 2018, citing personal reasons.[1] In March 2019, Weinman announced that studio sessions for new material intended for the forthcoming album were underway; however, by July 2020 he indicated no compositions had yet been completed but maintained plans to develop music in the future.

On March 18, 2020, Muir disclosed that work was in progress on an "old-school vinyl release" featuring instrumental contributions from band members and collaborators. During this phase, drummer Brandon Pertzborn and bassist Tye Trujillo served as fill-in musicians. Pertzborn was later replaced by Greyson Nekrutman in April 2023. Nekrutman departed in February 2024 to join Sepultura, with his position taken over by Jay Weinberg, who currently performs with Infectious Grooves and previously played with Slipknot.

On July 5, 2024, Suicidal Tendencies unveiled a Portuguese rendition of their 1999 song "We Are Family," retitled "Nós Somos Família." This release marked the first recording featuring Weinman, Trujillo, and Weinberg together and included guest appearances from notable Brazilian artists such as Badauí (CPM 22), João Gordo (Ratos de Porão), B Negão (Planet Hemp), Rodrigo Lima (Dead Fish), Supla, Fernanda Lira (Crypta), Milton Aguiar (Bayside Kings), Mayara Puertas (Torture Squad), Felipe Ribeiro (Treva), Pirata Homes (Anjo dos Becos), Ya Amaral (Eskrota), Júnior Bass, as well as footballer Marinho and skateboarder Sandro Dias. Guitar parts were contributed by Thiago Castanho and Marcão Britto.

On April 18, 2025, Suicidal Tendencies released "Adrenaline Addict," their first original track in nine years. This coincided with their role as opening act for Metallica on select dates of the M72 World Tour.

Style and influence

Although their initial output—including their self-titled debut album—is categorized within hardcore punk, Suicidal Tendencies are widely recognized for fusing elements of thrash metal, funk, punk rock, and alternative rock. They have been hailed by critics as "the godfathers" of crossover thrash, a genre they helped establish alongside Texas-based D.R.I. and New York's Stormtroopers of Death.

A wide range of musicians have acknowledged Suicidal Tendencies as a key influence. Among these are Anthrax, Body Count, Children of Bodom, Green Day, Jane's Addiction, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth, NOFX, The Offspring, Rage Against the Machine, Sepultura, Sevendust, Skrillex, Slayer, Slipknot, Soulfly, Staind, and Terror.

Band members

Current lineup

Discography

External links

  1. ↑ Ben Weinman, formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan, stepped in to perform during the summer and fall tours of 2018.
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