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The Screamers

From Alfawiki
The Screamers
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1975
FounderTomata du Plenty, Tommy Gear
Defunct1981
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Area served
United States
ProductsElectropunk music, live performances

The Screamers emerged as an American electropunk ensemble established in 1975, integral to the initial surge of Los Angeles' punk rock movement. In 1978, the Los Angeles Times characterized their sound as "techno-punk." Vocalist Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys acknowledged the Screamers as a significant influence and one of rock’s most notable unrecorded acts in the 2005 documentary Punk: Attitude.

Distinguished by their unconventional lineup—featuring a drummer alongside two keyboardists typically playing ARP Odyssey synthesizers and Fender Rhodes electric pianos—the band sometimes expanded with additional musicians, including violinists and female singers. Their performances were marked by the dramatic presence of frontman Tomata du Plenty, while songwriting duties were mainly handled by DuPlenty and keyboardist/vocalist Tommy Gear.

History

The group was initiated by Tomata du Plenty (born David Xavier Harrigan) and Tommy Gear, who first joined forces in Seattle in 1975 under the name the Tupperwares. This initial formation included Tommy Gear, nicknamed "Melba Toast," Tomata du Plenty, vocalist Rio de Janeiro, supported by Pam Lillig, Ben Witz (later associated with Girls), Bill Rieflin (who would join Ministry), and young Eldon Hoke (later known as "El Duce" from the Mentors).

After receiving cease-and-desist demands from the owners of the Tupperware trademark in late 1976, they adopted the name Screamers. Tomata, Tommy, and Rio relocated to Los Angeles; Rio departed shortly thereafter due to artistic disagreements. The lineup expanded with David Brown and drummer K. K. Barrett. Brown soon left to establish the influential punk label Dangerhouse Records, with Paul Roessler stepping in as his replacement.

Before performing live, the Screamers cultivated a strong visual identity; studio photographs showcasing the band appeared in publications prior to assembling a full live lineup. The iconic screaming head logo designed by artist Gary Panter became a symbol within punk culture.

From 1977 through 1979, the Screamers achieved sold-out runs at the Whisky a Go Go, becoming the first unsigned act to headline at the renowned Roxy on Sunset Boulevard. Their brief tours included New York City venues such as CBGB and Hurrah during 1978 and 1979.

A July 1979 show earned acclaim from Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn, who praised Tomata’s electrifying stage energy and noted his symbolic breakdown during their intense 40-minute performance.

Although successful on stage, the Screamers never issued an official album; only rehearsal and live bootlegs are available. They intended to pioneer a debut release as a video album—a forward-thinking concept predating MTV and widespread VCR use—and invested resources into creating a small film studio. However, this plan was never fulfilled as the band disbanded. Paul Roessler went on to join L.A.'s synthpunk group Nervous Gender; other members transitioned into careers outside music. Drummer K.K. Barrett reunited with Roessler for tribute shows in 2000 following Tomata du Plenty’s passing that August in San Francisco.

Recordings

Their most recognized track, "122 Hours of Fear", drew inspiration from the hijacking incident involving Lufthansa Flight 181. Another prominent song is "Vertigo", which explores themes related to mental instability.

In 2004, Target Video issued a DVD featuring a 1978 Screamers concert recorded at Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco, complemented by early music videos filmed at Target’s studio. Unauthorized live tapes and demo recordings continue to circulate as bootleg material.

The track "Peer Pressure" is included on the 2010 compilation Black Hole: Jon Savage Presents/California Punk 1977–1980.

In popular culture

Tomata du Plenty appeared in the 1986 punk rock musical titled Population: 1. The DVD edition released in 2008 contains uncommon footage of Screamers live performances.

A concert poster of the Screamers is prominently displayed in the movie Laurel Canyon.

The band left a mark on hardcore groups such as Dead Kennedys and the Germs, along with synthpunk bands including the Units and Mindless Self Indulgence.

Releases

  • The Scream (Acetate) 1979 – Created for the Rodney on the ROQ radio program; only two copies are known to exist.
  • Live In San Francisco (VHS) – A Target Video release capturing a September 2, 1978 performance at Mabuhay Gardens.
  • Screamers Demo Hollywood 1977 (EP) – Issued by Superior Viaduct in 2021.

Notes


External links

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