The No WTO Combo
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Krist Novoselic |
Key people | Jello Biafra, Kim Thayil, Krist Novoselic, Gina Mainwal |
| Products | Live from the Battle in Seattle (album) |
The No WTO Combo was a singular punk rock ensemble brought together by Krist Novoselic, the former bassist of Nirvana. The lineup featured Jello Biafra, previously the lead vocalist of Dead Kennedys, guitarist Kim Thayil from Soundgarden, alongside Gina Mainwal on drums, with Novoselic handling bass duties, also known for his work with Sweet 75.
Initially planned to take place at the Showbox on November 30, 1999—the evening preceding the Seattle WTO Ministerial Conference—the performance was ultimately canceled due to law enforcement restrictions in the vicinity.
The event was rearranged for December 1, when Biafra and Novoselic delivered a short acoustic performance at The Central Tavern. During this session, producer Mark Cavener proposed recording their subsequent Showbox appearance. This concert represented Thayil’s first official live performance since the dissolution of Soundgarden and was only Biafra’s second intended live show following the breakup of Dead Kennedys in 1986.
Novoselic brought in Jack Endino to mix these recordings, resulting in their only release, Live from the Battle in Seattle, which was issued through Biafra’s label, Alternative Tentacles.
Band members
- Jello Biafra – vocals
- Kim Thayil – guitar
- Krist Novoselic – bass
- Gina Mainwal – drums