The Chop Tops
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz , United States |
| Products | Rockabilly, psychobilly, punk, teddy boy, surf music |
The Chop Tops form a rockabilly trio originating from Santa Cruz, California, comprising Sinner (vocals and standing drums), Shelby (guitar), and Brett Black (upright bass). Established by Sinner in 1995, Shelby became part of the group in 1999, followed by Brett joining in 2008. The band created the term "Revved-Up Rockabilly" to characterize their dynamic fusion of rockabilly, psychobilly, punk, teddy boy, and surf music influences. They have led national tours, shared the stage with bands such as Mad Sin and the Nekromantix, and served as opening acts for renowned artists including the Dead Kennedys, Suicidal Tendencies, Dick Dale, John Lee Hooker, and Chuck Berry.
Their tracks were included in the soundtrack of the video game Wet, and they appeared at several Warped Tour festivals as well as the annual Viva Las Vegas rockabilly event. In April 2012, The Chop Tops conducted an international tour across Australia, returning for another tour in June 2013. The group received sponsorship from Murray's Pomade—one of only two bands endorsed by this brand alongside the Stray Cats—and also maintained endorsements with Gretsch guitars, Jim Dunlop products, and T.U.K. footwear.
The band's concluding live show took place on April 3, 2015, during the 18th Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, featuring special guests Chantilly Lace Vincent (granddaughter of Gene Vincent) and Mario Valens (brother of Ritchie Valens).
Discography
- Revved-Up Rockabilly (1997) Swillbilly Music
- Tales of Hot Rods, Hot Broads & Lucky Odds! (1999) Swillbilly Music; produced by Deke Dickerson
- Always Wild (2000) Rollin' Rock Records
- Evil Six (2001) Swillbilly Music
- Triple Deuces (2006) Split 7 Records
- Deadly Love (2010) Swillbilly Music; produced and assistant engineered by Kim Nekroman, mastered by Maor Appelbaum
- Evil Six: Revisited (2012) Swillbilly Music
- Fabrikate (2025) Swillbilly Music
Compilation albums
- Good Rockin’ Tonight! Volumes I & II (2000) Purist Records
- Someday Coming Down: A Deviant Twang Sampler (2004) Warning Sign Records
- Hicks with Sticks – A Town North Of Bakersfield (2005) Cracked Piston Recordings
- Return Of The Hot Rod Zombies (2005) Split 7 Records
- Clash of The Billys Rumble #1 (2007) Terror .45 Records
- Revenge Of The Hot Rod Zombies (2008) Boss Beat
- Rebels of Rock 'N' Roll, Vol. 1 (2008) Straight Razor Records
- Rebels of Rock N Roll No. 2 (2009) Straight Razor Records
Film appearance
- Flying Saucer Rock 'N' Roll (2006)