While bands like Naked Raygun and The Effigies defined the “Chicago punk sound” in the 1980’s, bands such as The Bollweevils refined that sound one step further. Combining buzzsaw guitars and blistering drumming with snotty vocals, anthemic choruses, and a great melodic sensibility, the band rose to the top of the Chicago punk scene during their too brief career.
The Bollweevils began as a trio in (roughly) 1993 with Ken, Bob, and some guy named Joe playing drums. They then added Daryl and replaced Joe with Brian, and viola! you have The Bollweevils I came to know and love.
The band released some 7” records on (now defunct) Underdog Records and various other local labels, but in 1994 Dr. Strange Records released their debut full-length Stick Your Neck Out. In 1995, the band upped the ante and released Heavyweight which showed a more dynamic and (gasp!) mature side of the Bollweevils. It was followed up in 1996 with Weevilive, a record that documented their scorching live show and their die hard fans.
While I only saw the band live a handful of times, I remember them absolutely tearing it up in Elgin at The Big Show in maybe 95 or 96. I feel luck to have been one of a few hundred sweaty kids singing along to every word that night.
So after releasing Weevilive the band replaced Brian with a new drummer and went on tour, but because of Dr. Daryl’s obligations (he had just finished medical school and was about to start his residency) so in the fall of 1996, the band played their final show to an unsuspecting crowd at the Chicago’s Fireside Bowl.
Aside from one reunion show in November of 2003, the band has been dormant for almost ten years, but is there activity on the horizon? Maybe. The band says they will play again if they can get 1000 friends on their Myspace page. Go make a new friend.
MP3 | The Bollweevils – Talkpeople History Of The Bollweevils Part II
MP3 | The Bollweevils – 999 Stoney History Of The Bollweevils Part I
MP3 | The Bollweevils – John Doe Stick Your Neck Out
MP3 | The Bollweevils – Dehumanize Stick Your Neck Out
MP3 | The Bollweevils – Utopia Heavyweight
MP3 | The Bollweevils – Railroad Coaster 2005 Previously Unreleased
Oh you’ve struck a nerve with me with posting “Talkpeople.” Such a great love song!
We mustn’t forget THE FEDS. Ken’s other band.
I’m glad you’re doing these histories on chicago bands!
another great old band discovered!
heading down to myspace to make a friend