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The Gun Club

From Alfawiki
The Gun Club
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979
FounderJeffrey Lee Pierce
Defunct1996
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Jeffrey Lee Pierce (vocals, guitar), Kid Congo Powers (guitar)
ProductsRock music albums

The Gun Club was a Los Angeles-based American rock group active from 1979 until 1996, founded and fronted by vocalist and guitarist Jeffrey Lee Pierce. They stood out as one of the earliest punk ensembles to blend elements of blues, rockabilly, and country music. The band has been characterized as a "tribal psychobilly blues" outfit and recognized as trailblazers of punk blues and cowpunk, with Pierce notably transforming traditional pre-war acoustic blues through a punk lens, distinct from the common punk influences prevalent during that era.

Formation years (1979–1980)

Jeffrey Lee Pierce (vocals and guitar) established The Gun Club alongside Brian Tristan, also known as Kid Congo Powers, a fellow music aficionado and former head of the Ramones fan club.[1] Prior to this, Pierce had been involved with the Blondie fan club in Los Angeles and participated in several bands including the Red Lights, the E-Types, and the Cyclones.[2]

Initially called the Creeping Ritual towards the end of 1979, the original roster consisted of Pierce (vocals, guitar), Tristan (lead guitar), Don Snowden (bass), who was then a critic for the Los Angeles Times, and Brad Dunning (drums), now known for his work as a designer and writer.[3] The group adopted the name "The Gun Club" in April 1980, a suggestion from singer Keith Morris, who was both Pierce's roommate and vocalist for Circle Jerks.[4] Kid Congo reflected on this period as being "too arty for rock people, far too rock for arty people, too cuckoo for the blues crowd and too American for punk".[5] Snowden and Dunning departed in June 1980, succeeded by ex-members of the Bags, with Rob Ritter taking over bass duties and Terry Graham joining on drums.[3] Ritter was briefly replaced by Anna Statman in the autumn of 1980. Kid Congo amicably left in November 1980 to join the Cramps, with Ward Dotson (formerly of Der Stab) stepping in as lead and slide guitarist. During this phase, The Gun Club regularly opened for bands such as X, the Bags, Circle Jerks, and the Blasters.

Fire of Love and Miami era (1981–1982)

Following their signing with Ruby Records, an imprint of Slash, The Gun Club released their debut album Fire of Love on August 31, 1981. Produced by Tito Larriva and Chris D., the record featured distinctive lyrical content, garnered critical acclaim, and achieved respectable sales. Billy Persons from the Weirdos temporarily filled in on bass during late 1981 performances while Ritter was unavailable.

In April 1982, the band inked a deal with Chris Stein's Animal Records, a branch of Chrysalis Records, relocating to New York City to record their sophomore album Miami. Stein took on production duties, with Blondie's Debbie Harry contributing backing vocals. Ritter departed in June 1982 to concentrate on his own project 45 Grave, recommending Patricia Morrison as his successor. For West Coast gigs starting in August, Annie Ungar was added as a second guitarist. Released on September 20, 1982, Miami received favorable critiques but faced some dissatisfaction regarding Stein's somewhat sparse production style. Internal tensions led Pierce to dismiss Graham and Dotson by December 1982.

The Las Vegas Story era and initial dissolution (1983–1985)

In January 1983, Jim Duckworth took over guitar duties alongside drummer Dee Pop, replacing Graham and Dotson. An unplanned recording session resulted in the Death Party EP, which was released on April 13, 1983, featuring bassist Jimmy Joe Uliana and backing vocals by Linda "Texacala" Jones. At this time, Pierce concentrated exclusively on vocals. After about eight months, Graham returned to replace Pop on drums; nevertheless, both Duckworth and Graham departed prior to the Australian tour in October 1983. To fill the lineup, Pierce enlisted drummer Billy Pommer Jr. and guitarist Spencer P. Jones from the supporting band the Johnnys, with former member Powers rejoining as well. Upon returning to the United States in November, Graham resumed his role behind the drum kit.

Pierce took up guitar responsibilities again for their third studio release, The Las Vegas Story, which came out on June 25, 1984. The album included contributions from Dave Alvin of the Blasters and reflected a move toward a refined alternative rock style, diverging from their earlier punk roots. Following U.S. performances opening for Siouxsie and the Banshees, the band embarked on a European tour in September; after a show in Paris, Graham exited and was replaced without rehearsal by former roadie Peter Kablean (Desi Desperate). The Gun Club officially disbanded in January 1985, with Pierce staying in London alongside then-partner Romi Mori.

Following the breakup, Powers, Morrison, and Desperate formed the group Fur Bible; Morrison later became involved with the Sisters of Mercy and the Damned. Pierce pursued a solo path with the Jeffrey Lee Pierce Quartet—featuring ex-members of the Cure and Roxy Music—releasing Wildweed in 1985 and touring with Mori on guitar and Nick Sanderson handling drums.

Reunion phase (1986–1994)

After briefly exploring spoken word performances, Pierce revived the band in October 1986. Powers returned on guitar while balancing commitments with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Mori transitioned to bass, and Sanderson continued as drummer. This formation produced several albums, notably Mother Juno released on October 19, 1987, through Red Rhino Records with production by Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins. The album signified a strong comeback accompanied by favorable critical acclaim. Powers departed from the Bad Seeds in May 1990 following Nick Cave’s release of The Good Son to concentrate fully on the Gun Club.

Their fifth studio album, Pastoral Hide and Seek, self-produced by Pierce, was released on October 1, 1990 via Fire Records (UK). In December of that year, Sanderson left to join World of Twist. Desperate re-entered the lineup for the Divinity album issued in August 1991 on New Rose Records; however, subsequent inactivity occurred due to Pierce’s hospitalization during his travels through India and Vietnam. During this period, Pierce also collaborated with Cypress Grove (musician).

Simon Fish, having previously worked with Pierce, joined in March 1992. After touring Europe in May 1992, Powers exited to dedicate himself to Congo Norvell. In February 1993, the band recorded Lucky Jim as a trio consisting of Pierce, Mori, and returning Sanderson; guitarist Rainer Lingk joined for their spring European tour. Released by Triple X Records on September 20, 1993, the album was followed by Robert Marche (formerly of Subway Sect and JoBoxers) joining as guitarist.

By May 1994, Mori and Pierce ended their relationship; subsequently Mori and Sanderson departed to establish Freeheat in 1999 alongside members of the Jesus and Mary Chain. Sanderson and Marche went on to form Earl Brutus. Toward the end of 1994, Pierce assembled a fresh lineup featuring Marche, bassist Efe, and returning Fish until November.

Closing period (1995–1996)

Although his health was deteriorating, Pierce assembled a nearly final Gun Club ensemble for two performances in Los Angeles during August and September 1995. This group included Powers, Mike Martt (formerly of Tex & the Horseheads), along with bassist Randy Bradbury and drummer Brock Avery, both from Wayne Kramer’s rhythm section. The ultimate official lineup saw Elizabeth Montague take over bass duties from Bradbury; their concluding concert occurred at The Palace in Hollywood on December 18, 1995.

On March 25, 1996, Pierce was discovered unconscious at his father’s residence in Salt Lake City, Utah. He remained in a coma until he passed away due to a brain hemorrhage on March 31, marking the definitive end of the Gun Club’s activity.

Legacy

The White Stripes have performed live renditions of "For the Love of Ivy" and "Jack on Fire" from the album Fire of Love. Jack White has expressed admiration for tracks such as "'Sex Beat', 'She's Like Heroin to Me', and 'For the Love of Ivy'", questioning why these songs are not more commonly taught.

Swedish punk musician Joakim Thåström has paid tribute to the Gun Club and Pierce through multiple songs, including "Ingen sjunger blues som Jeffrey Lee Pierce", "Samarkanda", and "Beväpna dig med vingar".

Vocalist Mark Lanegan has named Miami as one of his preferred albums and included a cover of Pierce’s "Carry Home" on his 1999 covers record, I'll Take Care of You.

The Canadian rock duo Japandroids incorporated "For The Love of Ivy" into their sophomore album, Celebration Rock, with Brian King highlighting the importance of discovering The Gun Club.

Past members

  • Jeffrey Lee Pierce – vocals, guitar (1979–1996); deceased 1996
  • Kid Congo Powers – guitar (1979–1980, 1983–1996)
  • Don Snowden – bass guitar
  • Brad Dunning – drums (1979–1980)
  • Terry Graham – drums
  • Rob Ritter – bass guitar (1980–1982); deceased 1990
  • Anna Statman – bass guitar
  • Ward Dotson – guitar (1980–1982)
  • Billy Persons – drums
  • Anny Unger – guitar
  • Patricia Morrison – bass guitar (1982–1984)
  • Jim Duckworth – guitar (1983)
  • Dee Pop – drums (1983)
  • Jimmy Joe Uliana – bass guitar (1983)
  • Desi Desperate – drums
  • Romi Mori – bass guitar (1987–1994)
  • Derek Thompson – drums
  • Nick Sanderson – drums (1987–1996); deceased 2008
  • Simon Fish – drums (1994)
  • Rainer Lingk – guitar
  • Robert Marche – guitar
  • Efe – bass guitar (1994)
  • Mike Martt – guitar; deceased 2023
  • Randy Bradbury – bass guitar (1995)
  • Brock Avery – drums (1995)
  • Elizabeth Montague – bass guitar
  • Nigel Preston – drums (1991); deceased 1992

Studio releases

Singles and EPs

  • "Ghost on the Highway"/"Sex Beat" 7-inch single (1982, Beggars Banquet Records)
  • "Fire of Love" 7-inch single (1982, Animal Records)
  • Death Party 12-inch EP (1983, Animal Records)
  • Sex Beat 81 7-inch single (1986, Lolita)
  • "Breaking Hands" 7-inch/12-inch single (1988, Red Rhino Records)
  • "Sex Beat" CD single (1989, New Rose Records)
  • "The Great Divide" 7-inch/12-inch single (1990, New Rose Records)
  • "Pastoral, Hide & Seek (The Lost Song)" 7-inch/CD single (1991, New Rose Records)
  • "Cry to Me" 7-inch single (1993, Sympathy for the Record Industry)
  • "Walkin' With the Beast" 7-inch single (2004, Sympathy for the Record Industry)

Live albums

  • The Birth the Death the Ghost (1983, ABC Records; recorded 1980)
  • Sex Beat 81 (1984, Lolita; recorded 1981)
  • Love Supreme (1985, Offense Records; recorded 1982)
  • Danse Kalinda Boom – Live in Pandora's Box (1985, Megadisc; recorded 1984)
  • Death Party (1987, Revenge Records; recorded 1981–1982)
  • Ahmed's Wild Dream (1992, Solid Records; recorded 1992)
  • Live in Europe (1993, Triple X Records; recorded 1992)
  • Larger Than Live! (2008, Last Call Records; recorded 1990)
  • Destroy the Country (2014, Cleopatra Records; recorded 1983)
  • Moonlight Motel (2014, Cleopatra Records; recorded 1983–1984)

Compilation albums

  • Two Sides of the Beast (1985, Dojo Records)
  • In Exile (1992, Triple X Records)
  • Early Warning (1997, Sympathy for the Record Industry)
  • Pastoral Hide & Seek/Divinity (1997, 2.13.61 Records)
  • Da Blood Done Signed My Name (2007, Castle Communications)
  • The Life and Times of Jeffrey Lee Pierce and the Gun Club box set (2008, Retro Deluxe)
  • Mother Berlin (2014, Bang! Records)
  • In My Room (2017, Bang! Records)

Compilation appearances

  • "Devil in the Woods" featured on Keats Rides a Harley (1981, Happy Squid Records)
  • "Jack on Fire" included in Rockabilly Psychosis and the Garage Disease (1984, Big Beat Records)
  • "Sex Beat" appearing on Slash: The Early Sessions (1984, Slash Records)

Live videos

  • Live at the Hacienda VHS (1994, Visionary Communications/Jettisoundz; recorded 1983)
  • Preaching the Blues VHS (1995, Visionary Communications/Jettisoundz; recorded 1984)
  • Live at the Hacienda 1983/84 DVD (2006, Cherry Red Films; recorded 1983–1984)
  • Fire of Love DVD (2007, Cherry Red Films; recorded 1983/1985)
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  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ http://jeffreyleepierce.com/wpsite/biography/
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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