Verbal Abuse (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk, crossover thrash music |
Verbal Abuse is a hardcore punk and crossover thrash band originating from Houston, established in 1981. As trailblazers within the hardcore punk movement, they relocated to San Francisco in 1983, where they produced a significant hardcore album. By 1985, after several personnel changes, their style evolved into crossover thrash, positioning them as influential figures in California’s burgeoning scene and ultimately leading them to settle in Oakland, California.
Formation and early period (1981–1983)
The band was initiated in 1981 by 17-year-old vocalist and songwriter Nicki Sicki, who had previously been part of Sick Pleasure and Legionnaire's Disease. The founding members included Radi Kilowatt on bass, his brother General Electric on guitar, and John Glenn handling drums. General Electric departed due to ideological differences and was replaced by Joie Mastrokalos on guitar. Occasionally, Jason Riquelmy of Skate Death stepped in as drummer.
In early 1983, John Glenn declined to travel for a Mardi Gras performance because of superstitions and was consequently dismissed. Bitchy Bill from Toxin III was brought in initially as a temporary drummer and soon became a permanent member after moving to Houston with the band.
Subsequently, the band relocated to San Francisco. Radi Kilowatt remained behind for personal reasons, prompting Mastrokalos to recruit his acquaintance Brett Dodwell as bassist despite his limited experience and without informing the rest of the group.
Conflict arose when Bitchy Bill rented an apartment while other members lived out of their van. Eventually, the band abandoned Bill by unloading his drum kit on a sidewalk in San Francisco and leaving him there. They endured difficult living conditions by residing and rehearsing in a semi-abandoned warehouse known as the San Francisco Beer Vats, which featured primitive restroom facilities.
Throughout this phase, all members maintained shaved heads; Nicki Sicki also shaved his eyebrows, creating a unique visual identity. Upon encountering drummer Gregg James—who already sported a shaved head—they accepted him immediately without requiring an audition.
Just an American Band era and Nicki Sicki's departure
With the lineup consisting of Nicki Sicki, Joie Mastrokalos, Brett Dodwell, and Gregg James, Verbal Abuse signed with Fowl Records and recorded their debut album, Just An American Band, which was released in early 1984. After Dodwell left to enlist in the army, Dave "Koko" Chavez took over bass duties. The group toured throughout the United States and Canada for four months to promote the album, sharing stages with prominent bands such as Slayer, The Ramones, and Agnostic Front. Early in 1985, Nicki Sicki exited due to creative differences, citing Joie’s transition toward a glam metal style accompanied by flamboyant stage costumes. Nicki returned to Houston to form Afterbirth with original bassist Radi Kilowatt and new members, continuing a hardcore sound consistent with Just An American Band.
Scotty Wilkins era (1985–1995)
After Nicki Sicki’s departure left no founding members in Verbal Abuse, the band shifted toward thrash metal. Remaining musicians Dave Chavez, Joie Mastrokalos, and Gregg James enlisted vocalist Scotty Wilkins (formerly of Condemned to Death). Jason Shapiro briefly joined as a second guitarist before departing to concentrate on Celebrity Skin.
In 1986, they released V.A. Rocks Your Liver via Boner Records with production by Sylvia Massy. Although Joie Mastrokalos is credited as sole guitarist on the record, uncredited contributions came from Jason Shapiro as well as session musicians Tom Flynn (from Fang) and Bill Collins.
The band continued performing across California and toured North America extensively. In 1987 Mastrokalos left the group and was succeeded by Andy Schuman from Afterbirth. Gregg James temporarily stepped down due to family commitments; Mike Chubka served as his replacement until James returned.
By 1989 Chris Kontos became their full-time drummer. That year Verbal Abuse undertook an extensive European tour under Destiny Records as replacements for M.D.C., completing 38 shows over 42 days. The live album Passport – Verbal Abuse of America, recorded during this tour, was released subsequently; they returned to Europe in 1990 to support it.
In 1995 Verbal Abuse issued Red, White and Violent on Century Media Records. Following one final tour supporting this release, the band disbanded permanently.
Slayer's Verbal Abuse cover releases ignite renewed attention
In 1996, the thrash metal group Slayer unveiled Undisputed Attitude, an album composed of cover versions from their preferred punk bands. This release reached number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart and notably included five tracks originally from Verbal Abuse's first album, Just an American Band: "Disintegration," "Free Money," "Verbal Abuse," "Leeches," and "I Hate You." Slayer’s music video for "I Hate You" played a key role in introducing Verbal Abuse’s early catalog to a broader audience, sparking considerable revived interest in the band, which had been inactive at that time.
2000 reunion and Nicki Sicki benefit show
In the year 2000, Verbal Abuse regrouped featuring Wilkins, Chavez, Schuman, and Kontos for a benefit performance at Annie's club in San Francisco. This event was organized to support former vocalist Nicki Sicki amid his legal challenges.
Revival with original frontman Nicki Sicki (2004–present)
Following the resolution of his legal matters, Nicki Sicki reassembled Verbal Abuse in 2004 in Houston alongside Ed Loco on guitar, Ed Loco Jr. on drums (his son), and Nick Nobody handling bass duties. This formation embarked on numerous tours, including headlining the 2005 BOB Fest in Oakland. Bubba Dennis briefly joined as a second guitarist but was removed due to issues with substance abuse. Midway through a tour, Ed Jr. departed to complete his high school education and was succeeded by drummer Geza Szent-Galy. The band then moved to Oakland to record a cover track for the compilation Taking Out a Little Aggression, employing session musicians Greg Grimple and Dave Chavez. Despite not being formally reinstated, Chavez ultimately took over as the permanent bassist.
Guitarist Andy Schuman made a short return before being replaced by Jess Aaron; other guitarists who followed included Sean Sutton, Greg Elliot, Luke Skeels, and eventually Ed Loco returned. In 2014, guitarist "Sick" Scott Stanton joined alongside Ed Loco for a one-off show; after Ed's exit, Sick Scott remained as the sole guitarist.
By 2022, Verbal Abuse maintained regular live performances featuring setlists centered on classic tracks from Just An American Band, new songs created by the current lineup, and material from Nicki Sicki’s earlier projects. The band deliberately excludes songs recorded with former vocalist Scotty Wilkins. They are actively working on fresh material for an upcoming full-length release—the first album with Sicki since their 1983 debut.
As of 2023, Verbal Abuse is collaborating with Ed Reyes Sr. on new compositions.
Reissues
The band's inaugural album was reissued on vinyl in 1996 and later on CD in 2002 through Beer City Records, with the CD edition containing a full live recording from 1984. In 2014, the album saw another vinyl reissue pressed on red wax.
Current lineup
- Nicki Sicki – Vocals (1981–1984, 2004–present)
- Jason Friedman – Bass (2023–present)
- Ed Loco – Guitar (2004–2005, 2012–present)
- Ed Loco Jr. – Drums (2004–present)
Former members
Vocalists
- Scotty Wilkins (1984–1995, 2000)
Guitarists
- General Electric (aka G.E.) (1981–1982)
- Joie Mastrokalos (1982–1987)
- Jason Shapiro (1985–1986)
- Andy Schuman (1987–1995, 2006–2007)
- Ed Loco (2004–2005, 2012–2014)
- Bubba Dennis (2005)
- Jess Aaron (2007)
- Sean Sutton (2007)
- Greg Elliot (2007–2008)
- Luke Skeels (2009–2011)
Bassists
- Radi Kilowatt (1981–1983)
- Brett Dodwell (1983–1984)
- Nick Nobody (2004–2006)
- Dave Chavez
Drummers
- John Glenn (1981–1983)
- Brian "Damage" Keats (1983)
- Bitchy Bill (1983)
- Gregg James (1983–1989)
- Mike Chubka (1988–1989)
- Chris Kontos (1989–1995, 2000)
- Ed Loco Jr. (2004–2005)
Discography
Albums
- Just an American Band, released by Fowl Records in 1983
- Rocks Your Liver, issued through Boner Records in 1986
- Passport - Verbal Abuse of America Live in Berlin, distributed by Destiny Records in 1989
- Red, White & Violent, launched by Century Media Records in 1995
- Just an American Band, reissued by Beer City Records (LP: 1986, CD: 2002)
- Rocks Your Liver (and then some), brought out by Malt Soda Recordings in 2006
Compilation Appearances
- Featured on Them Boners Be Poppin compilation, Boner Records, 1985
- Included in Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 3, CD Presents, 1987
- Appeared on Thrasher Vol. 10 Compilation in 1988
- Contributed to Taking Out a Little Aggression compilation in 2007