The Consumers
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music |
The Consumers hold the distinction of being the inaugural American punk rock group originating from Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly after their formation, the band members relocated to Los Angeles and became involved in the burgeoning L.A. punk movement.
History
Established in Phoenix in 1977, The Consumers consisted of David Wiley on vocals, Paul B. Cutler and Greg Jones handling guitar duties, Mikey Borens on bass, and Jim Allen on drums—who was soon replaced by Johnny Precious, formerly of The Liars.[1] Cutler and Borens infused their punk sound with avant-garde elements. Due to frequent hostility and violence encountered within Phoenix’s club circuit, the band moved to Los Angeles in early 1978.[2]
Once in L.A., they established connections with the "Pasadena Mafia," including collectives such as the Los Angeles Free Music Society and Bpeople; however, they received a tepid reaction from the local punk audience. A notable episode featured Cutler in a confrontation with producer Kim Fowley at The Whisky a Go Go.[3] The group dissolved after Jones returned to Phoenix toward the end of 1978.
Their only recording session occurred in 1977, during which they laid down enough tracks for a full album over eight hours, utilizing studio time secured by Cutler’s acquaintance Joey Dears. This material was eventually released posthumously in 1995 under the title All My Friends Are Dead.[4]
Following The Consumers’ breakup, Cutler went on to establish Vox Pop and later 45 Grave, incorporating numerous songs from The Consumers into 45 Grave’s catalog.[5][6] Additionally, he contributed as both producer and guitarist for The Dream Syndicate on their final albums before their disbandment in 1989.
Borens collaborated with Cutler again within 45 Grave and was also involved with The Romans, Chris Cacavas, and Cathedral of Tears until his passing in 2016.[7]
Wiley joined forces with members of the Pasadena Mafia to create Human Hands, an influential entity within L.A.’s art punk scene; he died in 1986.[8][9]
Allen later performed with Blue Shoes, a power pop outfit based in Phoenix.[10]
Vivier was active with bands such as The Feederz, Vox Pop, and Killer Pussy prior to his death in 1985.[11]
Members
- Past members
David Wiley – lead vocals (1977–1978)
Paul B. Cutler – guitarist (1977–1978)
Greg Jones – guitarist (1977–1978)
Mikey Borens – bassist (1977–1978)
Jim Allen – drummer (1977)
John "Johnny Precious" Vivier – drummer (1977–1978)
Studio albums
- All My Friends Are Dead (1995, released by In the Red Recordings)
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