The Fix (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | March 1980 |
| Headquarters | Lansing, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
The Fix was a pioneering hardcore punk group originating from Lansing, Michigan in the early 1980s and stood among the initial artists signed by Touch and Go Records.
History
Established in March 1980, the lineup featured Steve Miller on vocals, Craig Calvert handling guitar duties, Mike Achtenberg playing bass, and Jeff Wellman on drums. Their first release was the single "Vengeance" backed with "In this Town," issued by Touch and Go in March 1981 with a limited pressing of only 200 copies. This record has gained notoriety as one of the most collectible punk vinyls, commanding prices up to $3,500 on eBay. Additionally, The Fix contributed the track "No Idols" to the 1981 Touch and Go compilation EP titled Process of Elimination.
In January 1982, Touch and Go released their four-track 7-inch EP Jan's Rooms. Throughout their active period, The Fix shared stages with influential punk bands such as the Dead Kennedys, D.O.A., Flipper, and Black Flag before dissolving in early 1982.
Later projects
After disbanding, Miller and Achtenberg collaborated with Tesco Vee from the Meatmen to form Blight. This new group had a brief lifespan of about four months and posthumously released a self-titled 7-inch EP in 1983.
In that same year, Miller briefly became part of Strange Fruit alongside drummer Steve Shelley from Sonic Youth. They put out a three-song 7-inch single called "On Top of a Hill" through Babel Records.
Jeff Wellman moved into real estate in Boyne City, while Craig Calvert continued his musical career with various ensembles, most recently performing with a blues band based in Chicago.
Steve Miller transitioned into journalism based in Lansing and received a nomination for the 2001 Pulitzer Prize via his work at The New York Times. He has written eight books including Touch and Go: The Complete Hardcore Punk Zine '79-'83 (2010) and the bestselling Detroit Rock City: The Uncensored History of Rock 'n' Roll in America's Loudest City (2013).
Reissues
In 1990, the German label Lost and Found Records issued Cold Days, a double LP compiling six tracks from two singles, one compilation cut, four unreleased recordings, and twelve live performances.
Touch and Go re-released this collection on CD in 2006 under the title At the Speed of Twisted Thought..., supplementing it with additional outtakes and a live rendition of the Germs song "Media Blitz".
Band members
- Steve Miller – vocals
- Craig Calvert – guitar
- Mike Achtenberg – bass
- Jeff Wellman – drums
Singles and EPs
- "Vengeance" 7-inch single (1981, Touch and Go Records)
- Jan's Rooms 7-inch EP (1982, Touch and Go Records)
Compilation albums
- Cold Days LP (1990, Lost and Found Records)
- At the Speed of Twisted Thought... CD (2006, Touch and Go Records)