The Queers
Encyclopedia
The Queers are a punk band formed in 1981 by Portsmouth, New Hampshire
native Joe King (A.K.A. Joe Queer). The band originally broke up in 1984, but reformed with Joe Queer and a new line-up in 1986. In 1990, the band signed with Shakin' Street Records and released their first album Grow Up. The album earned the band notoriety within New England
, but with the release of their next album 1993's Love Songs for the Retarded
, on Lookout! Records
, their following grew larger.
In 2006, after releasing six albums on Lookout!, the band rescinded their master rights from the label, citing breach of contract over unpaid royalties. Later that year they signed with Asian Man Records
.
The Queers' cover
of "Wipe Out" was featured in the 2007 Columbia Pictures
and ImageWorks Studios
mockumentary
film Surf's Up
, produced by Sony Pictures Animation
and National Geographic Films.
-derived style of pop punk
. Much like the Ramones, common lyrical themes are girls, drugs, alcohol and having fun. Musically the band deviates slightly from the driving rhythm guitar sound of the Ramones and augments their songs with harmony vocals, handclaps, keyboards and guitar solos. They have been described as "The Ramones meets The Beach Boys". Ben Weasel
of Screeching Weasel
frequently collaborates with Joe Queer to write their songs. The band is well-known for the variety of cover versions they include on their records and during live performances. Bands/artists covered by The Queers include The Beach Boys
, The Ramones (including a complete re-recording of the Rocket to Russia
album), The Nobodys, Angry Samoans
, The Mr T Experience, Skeeter Davis
, The Fantastic Baggys
, The Who
, The Undertones
, The Hobos
, Tommy James and The Shondells, Helen Love, The Catalogs (from Hawaii, featuring Les Hernandez of The Quintessentials), Unnatural Axe, and many more.
Former members
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
native Joe King (A.K.A. Joe Queer). The band originally broke up in 1984, but reformed with Joe Queer and a new line-up in 1986. In 1990, the band signed with Shakin' Street Records and released their first album Grow Up. The album earned the band notoriety within New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, but with the release of their next album 1993's Love Songs for the Retarded
Love Songs for the Retarded
Love Songs for the Retarded is the second full length album by pop punk band The Queers. Released in 1993 by Lookout! Records, this would be a big step toward music structure from their last album Grow Up, making it sound more Pop Punk than raw Punk Rock....
, on Lookout! Records
Lookout! Records
-History:Larry Livermore and David Hayes formed the label in 1987. From the start, Lookout released punk rock records, but over time expanded its scope to include various types of pop rock, reggae fusion, acoustic rock, pop punk, and indie rock...
, their following grew larger.
In 2006, after releasing six albums on Lookout!, the band rescinded their master rights from the label, citing breach of contract over unpaid royalties. Later that year they signed with Asian Man Records
Asian Man Records
Asian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:...
.
The Queers' cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of "Wipe Out" was featured in the 2007 Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It is one of the leading film companies...
and ImageWorks Studios
Sony Pictures Imageworks
Sony Pictures Imageworks, Inc. is a visual effects and character animation company headquartered in Culver City, California, USA. SPI is a division of Sony Pictures Digital Productions, which oversees the digital production and online entertainment assets of Sony Pictures Entertainment.The company...
mockumentary
Mockumentary
A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself...
film Surf's Up
Surf's Up (film)
Surf's Up is a 2007 American computer-animated mockumentary family comedy film directed by Ash Brannon and Chris Buck. It stars the voices of Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder among others....
, produced by Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation is an American computer-animated film production company owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, founded in May 2002. It is working closely with Sony Pictures Imageworks, which takes care of the digital production...
and National Geographic Films.
Music
The Queers play a RamonesRamones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
-derived style of pop punk
Pop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
. Much like the Ramones, common lyrical themes are girls, drugs, alcohol and having fun. Musically the band deviates slightly from the driving rhythm guitar sound of the Ramones and augments their songs with harmony vocals, handclaps, keyboards and guitar solos. They have been described as "The Ramones meets The Beach Boys". Ben Weasel
Ben Weasel
Ben Weasel is a punk rock musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of bands Screeching Weasel and The Riverdales...
of Screeching Weasel
Screeching Weasel
Screeching Weasel is an American punk rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1986 by Ben Weasel and John Jughead.Since their formation, Screeching Weasel have broken up and reformed numerous times with numerous line-up changes. Ben Weasel has been the only constant...
frequently collaborates with Joe Queer to write their songs. The band is well-known for the variety of cover versions they include on their records and during live performances. Bands/artists covered by The Queers include The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
, The Ramones (including a complete re-recording of the Rocket to Russia
Rocket to Russia
Rocket to Russia is the third studio album by the American punk rock band The Ramones. It was released on November 4, 1977 through Sire Records. It was their last with original drummer Tommy Ramone. The album incorporates surf rock and other influences. It includes some of the Ramones' best-known...
album), The Nobodys, Angry Samoans
Angry Samoans
The Angry Samoans are an American punk rock band in the first wave of American punk. Formed in August 1978 in Los Angeles, California by early 1970s rock writer "Metal" Mike Saunders and his sibling lead guitarist bonze blayk, along with co-conspirator Gregg Turner and original recruits bassist...
, The Mr T Experience, Skeeter Davis
Skeeter Davis
Mary Frances Penick , better known as Skeeter Davis, was an American country music singer best known for crossover pop music songs of the early 1960s. She started out as part of The Davis Sisters as a teenager in the late 1940s, eventually landing on RCA Records. In the late '50s, she became a solo...
, The Fantastic Baggys
The Fantastic Baggys
The Fantastic Baggys were an American surf and hot rod group, created by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri. The studio group released several successful singles under the leadership of Sloan and Barri, most well-known for the more popular duo Jan & Dean...
, The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, The Undertones
The Undertones
The Undertones are a punk rock/new wave band formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975.The original line-up of the Undertones released thirteen singles and four studio albums — The Undertones , Hypnotised , Positive Touch and The Sin of Pride — before disbanding in July 1983.Music guide Allmusic...
, The Hobos
The Hobos
The Hobos are a Latvian rock group formed in 1991 by Rolands Ūdris , Mārtiņš Burkēvics , Egons Kronbergs and Vilnis Krieviņš...
, Tommy James and The Shondells, Helen Love, The Catalogs (from Hawaii, featuring Les Hernandez of The Quintessentials), Unnatural Axe, and many more.
Band members
Since its formation, the band has gone through many line-up changes, with Joe Queer as the only constant member. The band currently consists of Joe Queer (Guitar/Vocals), Dangerous Dave (Bass), and Lurch Nobody (Drums).- Current members
- Joe Queer (aka Joe King) - guitar, lead vocals(1981–1984, 1986, 1990–present)
- Dangerous Dave - bass, backing vocals (1998–2002, 2007–present)
- Lurch Nobody - drums, backing vocals (2000–2001, 2006–present)
Former members
- Tulu (aka Kevin Gildersleeve) (bass/drums) (1981–1984)
- Wimpy Rutherford (aka John Hayes) (drums/lead vocals) (1981–1984)
- Keith Hages (bass) (1983–1984)
- Bobby Goodreau (lead vocals) (1986)
- Kevin Kecy (bass, backing vocals) (1986)
- Hugh O'Neill (drums, backing vocals) (1986-1993, 1995-1998) (deceased, 1/19/1999)
- J.J. Rassler (lead guitar, backing vocals) (1987-1988)
- Evan Shore (bass, backing vocals) (1987-1988)
- Greg Urbaitis (bass) (1987-1988)
- Magoo Pirhana (bass, backing vocals) (1987-1988)
- Jeebs Pirhana (drums) (1987-1988)
- Young Sean Rowley (guitar) (1987-1988)
- B-Face (bass, backing vocals) (1990–1998)
- Jay (drums) (1993)
- Harlan (guitar) (1993)
- Dan VapidDan VapidDan Schafer is a punk rock musician from Chicago, Illinois best known for his participation in Screeching Weasel, The Riverdales, The Methadones, and various other pop punk bands.-Generation Waste:...
(guitar, backing vocals) (1994, 2002) - Danny Panic (drums) (1994)
- Metal Murf Cretin (guitar) (1995)
- Erick Coleman (guitar) (1995–1996)
- Hunter Oswald (drums) (1995)
- Geoff UselessGeoff UselessGeoffrey Palmer is an American pop-punk musician from Portsmouth, New Hampshire best known for his participation in The Queers, The Nobodys and The Guts where he performs under the pseudonym Geoff Useless...
(bass, backing vocals) (1998, 2006–2007) - Rick Respectable (drums, backing vocals) (1998)
- Chris Cougar Concentration Camp (guitars, backing vocals) (1997–1999)
- Steve Stress (drums) (1998–2000)
- Isaac Lane (bass) (2001)
- Matt Drastic (drums) (2002–2003) (2007–2008)
- Phillip Hill (bass, backing vocals) (2002–2006, 2007)
- Dusty WatsonDusty WatsonDusty Watson is an independent American drummer who has played in a number of notable bands, as well as backed up famous solo artists.Earning a scholarship to Stan Kenton Band Clinics and joining the Musicians Union at age 17 allowed Dusty to become a professional drummer at a young age...
(drums, backing vocals) (2004) - Dave Trevino (drums) (2004–2006)
- Andrew Griswold (drums) (2005)
- Ben Vermin (bass) (2006, 2007)
- Ryan Kwon Doe (drums) (2006)
- Jeff Dewton (guitar) (2007)
- Jonathon Mackey (drums) (2010)
- Adam Woronoff (drums) (2007) (2009–2010)
Studio albums
- Grow Up 1990, Shakin' Street (UK) / reissue 1994, Lookout! RecordsLookout! Records-History:Larry Livermore and David Hayes formed the label in 1987. From the start, Lookout released punk rock records, but over time expanded its scope to include various types of pop rock, reggae fusion, acoustic rock, pop punk, and indie rock...
/ reissue 2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Love Songs for the RetardedLove Songs for the RetardedLove Songs for the Retarded is the second full length album by pop punk band The Queers. Released in 1993 by Lookout! Records, this would be a big step toward music structure from their last album Grow Up, making it sound more Pop Punk than raw Punk Rock....
1993, Lookout! / reissue 2006, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:...
/ reissue 2009, Gonna Puke Records Italy - Beat OffBeat OffBeat Off is the third full length album by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:All tracks written by Joe King except as noted.# "Steak Bomb"# "Drop The Attitude Fucker"# "You Make Me Wanna Puke"...
1994, Lookout! / reissue 2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Rocket to RussiaRocket to Russia (Queers album)Rocket to Russia is a Ramones cover album by pop punk band The Queers. This one of a series of full-length Ramones cover albums Rocket to Russia is a Ramones cover album by pop punk band The Queers. This one of a series of full-length Ramones cover albums Rocket to Russia is a Ramones cover album...
1994, Selfless RecordsSelfless RecordsSelfless Records is a record label that releases punk rock music. The label was notable for putting out a number of albums that were covers of entire Ramones albums, including Leave Home, Ramones and Rocket to Russia.-Artists:*Antischism*Big Boys*Dag Nasty... - Move Back HomeMove Back HomeMove Back Home is the fourth album by pop punk band The Queers released on Lookout! Records. The 2007 Asian Man Records reissue includes new album art and four tracks from the out of print EP Surf Goddess.-Track listing:...
1995, Lookout! / reissue March 2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Don't Back DownDon't Back Down (Queers album)Don't Back Down is the fifth album by pop punk band The Queers released on Lookout! Records. It was remastered by Mass Giorgini and reissued by Asian Man Records in 2007 with 3 songs from the Bubblegum Dreams EP....
1996, Lookout! / reissue 2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Punk Rock ConfidentialPunk Rock Confidential (Queers album)Punk Rock Confidential is the sixth full length album by pop punk band The Queers and the first album released on Hopeless Records.-Track listing:# "Tamara is a Punk" - 2:03# "Everything's Okay" - 2:12# "I Didn't Puke" - 1:05# "Mrs...
1998, Hopeless - Beyond The Valley...Beyond the Valley...Beyond The Valley... is the seventh full length album released in 2000 by pop-punk band The Queers and the second album released on Hopeless Records....
2000, Hopeless - Pleasant ScreamsPleasant ScreamsPleasant Screams is the eighth album by pop punk band The Queers and the sixth album released on Lookout! Records before they rescinded their master rights from the label...
2002, Lookout! / reissue July 2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Munki BrainMunki BrainMunki Brain is an album by pop-punk band The Queers. It was released by Asian Man Records in 2007.-Track listing:...
2007, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:... - Back to the Basement 2010, Asian Man RecordsAsian Man RecordsAsian Man Records is a small, DIY record label run by Mike Park in Monte Sereno, California. Park started a record label and began releasing music in 1989 under the name Dill Records, with the Asian Man label established May 1996.-Artists:...
EPs
- Love Me 7", 1982, Doheny Records
- Webelos 7", 1984, Doheny Records
- A Proud Tradition (reissue of the first two 7") 2x7", 1992, Doheny Records, 2x7", 1993, Selfless Records Reissue
- Too Dumb To Quit! (featuring Wimpy on guest vocals) - 7", 1993, Doheny Records, 7", 1994, Selfless Records Reissue
- My Old Man's a Fatso (featuring Wimpy on guest vocals) - 7", 1994, Wound Up Records
- Look Ma No Flannel (featuring Wimpy on guest vocals) - 7", 1995, Clearview Records
- Surf GoddessSurf GoddessSurf Goddess is an EP by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:# "Surf Goddess"# "Mirage" # "Get Over You" # "Quit Talkin'"-Personnel:*Joe King - Guitar, Vocals*B-Face - Bass, Vocals...
7"/CD, 1995, Lookout! Records - Bubblegum DreamsBubblegum DreamsBubblegum Dreams is an EP by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:# "Punk Rock Girls" # "Never Ever Ever"# "Little Honda"# "End It All"-Personnel:*Joe King - Guitar, Vocals*B-Face - Bass*Hugh O'Neill - Drums...
7"/CD, 1996, Lookout! Records - Everything's OKEverything's OKEverything's O.K. is an EP by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:# "Everything's O.K." # "Queerbait"# "Get A Life And Live It Loser"# "I Enjoy Being A Boy"-Personnel:*Joe Queer - Guitar, Vocals...
CD, 1998, Hopeless RecordsHopeless RecordsHopeless Records is an independent record label located in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. The label was started in 1993 by Louis Posen and financed by a group of private investors. Hopeless's artists are generally considered punk rock, pop punk, post-hardcore, or alternative rock, but some... - Today CD, 2001, Lookout!
Compilations
- A Day Late And A Dollar ShortA Day Late and a Dollar Short- Song origins :* Tracks 1-6 originally appeared on Love Me 7", * Tracks 7-13 originally appeared on Webelos 7", * Tracks 14-17, 21, 23 originally appeared on Look Ma No Flannel 7"...
1996, Lookout! - Summer Hits No. 1Summer Hits No. 1Summer Hits No. 1 is a greatest hits album by pop punk band The Queers performed by a new line-up. Cover art by Takayuki Hashimoto.-Track listing:# "This Place Sucks"# "Monster Zero"# "You're Tripping"# "Kicked Out Of The Weblos"# "Love Love Love"...
2004 Suburban Home Recordings - Later Days And Better LaysLater Days and Better LaysLater Days And Better Lays is compilation album of demo versions, alternate versions, and unreleased songs by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:All tracks written by Joe Queer, except as noted.# "Granola Head"# "I Hate Everything"...
1999, Lookout! - Killed By Death #3Killed By Death (albums)Killed By Death is a series of bootleg albums compiling rare punk rock songs primarily from the late 1970s and early 80s. The first four of these compilations, , were issued in 1989 by the Swedish label Redrum Records and featured tracks by obscure North American and European punk groups, as well...
1989, Redrum
Split albums
- Live At Some Prick's HouseLive At Some Prick's HouseLive At Some Prick's House is a split 7" single featuring The Queers and Pink Lincolns.The Queers side was recorded live on WMBR , Cambridge, MA - 6/8/91.Pink Lincolns side was recorded live at The Sombre Reptile, Atlanta, GA - 10/30/93...
(split album with the Pink LincolnsPink LincolnsThe Pink Lincolns are a punk rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1986 by vocalist Chris Barrows and guitarist Dorsey Martin. The rest of the lineup has frequently changed and currently includes bassist Kevin Coss and drummer Jeff Fox. The band has released five studio albums and six EP's as well...
) 1994, Just Add Water Records - Love Aint Punk (split 7" with Sinkhole) 1995, Ringing Ear Records
- Right On TargetRight on TargetRight on Target was a 1982 single by Paul Parker. It was also the lead single from his debut album Too Much To Dream. The single was the first and most successful dance chart entry for Parker. "Right on Target" hit number one for two weeks. and was the first of two singles to make it to the top...
(split album with 88 Fingers Louie) 2004, Stiffen Records - Acid BeatersAcid BeatersAcid Beaters is a split album featuring American pop punk band The Queers and Italian pop punk band the Manges. The album's title is a play on words of the Ramones album Acid Eaters.-Track listing:#"Chewy Chewy"- The Queers#"Ft...
(split album with the MangesMangesThe Manges are an Italian pop punk band who formed in La Spezia in 1993.The band is closely associated with The Queers, having gone on a European tour with the band, and having recorded the split album Acid Beaters with them. Former Queers bassist Phillip Hill produced the Manges latest album Go Down...
) 2003, Stardumb Records - Split Disc from Japan and USA (split album with the Disgusteens) 2004, Stiffen Records
- Three Way Split (split album with Consider the Meek and the Vickers) 2006, Leek Records
- untitled (split 7" with The HotlinesThe HotlinesThe Hotlines are a British pop punk band who formed in the United Kingdom in 2007. They released a split 7" record with American pop punk band The Queers in 2008, followed by a self-titled debut album in 2009. Both releases were on Devil's Jukebox records. During this time they have toured all...
) 2008, Devil's Jukebox Records - untitled (split 7" with the Atom Age) 2009, Asian Man Records
- untitled (split 7" with Killtime) 2011, Gonna Puke Records
Live albums
- Shout At The Queers 1994, Selfless Records
- Suck ThisSuck ThisSuck This is a live album by punk rock band The Queers released in 1995. The vinyl release was unusual because all the tracks were on one side of the record and an etching was on the other side...
1995, Clearview Records - Live In West HollywoodLive in West HollywoodLive In West Hollywood is a live album recorded at the Troubadour by pop punk band The Queers.-Track listing:# "We'd Have a Riot Doing Heroin" - 1:56# "This Place Sucks" - 0:40# "Tulu Is a Wimp" - 0:58# "I Want Cunt" - 0:21# "Monster Zero" - 2:00...
2001, Hopeless Records - Weekend at Bernie'sWeekend at Bernie's (album)Weekend At Bernie's is a live album by pop punk band The Queers. The original lead singer, Wimpy Rutherford, joins the Queers on ten tracks.-Track listing:# "Ursula Finally Has Tits"# "No Tit"# "Brush Your Teeth"# "Love Love Love"...
2006, Doheny Records - CBGB OMFUG Masters: Live February 3, 2003 2008
- The Queers Alive In Hollyweird 2009, Punk Rock Social