The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs
Encyclopedia
The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs are a southern speed rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, originally formed in 1989. The lineup for 2011 is Mike Nickerson (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Smedley (lead guitar), Keefe Justice (drums, backing vocals) and Dom Totino (bass, backing vocals).
(bass), Michael Messer (guitar), Mark Warbington (drums), and Grant Nickerson in a managerial role. They released their first LP, "From Hell", in 1990, and began playing shows in the Northeast Georgia region. Michael Messer left the band to record a solo project with Mark Warbington, and Clay Browning joined the band on guitar.
In 1994, James T. Warbington (guitar) and Mike Nickerson (vocals) had brought in new members Dom Totino (bass) and Chad "Spanky" Black (drums), whom they had met at a local Waffle House
. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs began playing at Punkfests and at numerous shows around Atlanta, mostly at the infamous Somber Reptile and the Wreck Room. They recorded the "The Red Tape" as a demo for the new inception of the band, and to gain local support for shows. Soon after this, Chad "Spanky" Black and James T. Warbington had left the band. This helped Mike Nickerson bring aboard friends, Keith Xenos (Smedley and the Space Cadets) on guitar and Adam Funari (A Quart Low) on drums. Within months of resolving personal issues, James T. Warbington returned to the lineup as a rhythm guitarist.
(Issue 736), Maximum Rocknroll
, Flagpole Magazine
(Athens, GA), and Creative Loafing
(Atlanta, GA).
In 1996, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs recorded their first 7 inch E.P. "Can of Whoop Ass", and they began playing memorable shows around Atlanta before embarking on a 15 date tour throughout the Southeastern United States, also known as the Olympics Suck Tour, as the worldwide 1996 Olympic
events were hosted by Atlanta that year. Tipping off the tour, the Pig-Dogs headlined one of the biggest punk rock festivals in Atlanta, and they earned a headlining spot at Scumfest in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In the Summer of 1996, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs embarked on the Olympics Suck Tour around the Southeastern United States. Once returning home, they were welcomed back to Atlanta by playing at the Point in Little Foint Points, and reconciled with the Somber Reptile for a show. After many triumphs and heartbreaks, Adam Funari had decided to leave the band, and later joined 12 Ounces. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs reformed with Keith Xenos on drums, James T. Warbington on guitar, and Mike Nickerson on vocals and guitar, while Dom Totino eventually left the band to battle drug addictions and finish college. He was replaced by Elliot Goff on bass.
In 1998, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs were signed to a small record deal through Smash It Up Records and Simple Things Records, and recorded a Split CD with No Class from Rome, Georgia, entitled "Saved by the Bail". After this, Josh Chambers, of No Class, formed the Sloppy Meateaters
, who were featured on the USA Network
's now cancelled Farmclub.com. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs embarked on another small East Coast tour, playing two shows in Chicago, enlisting the help of Jason Wilson (Round Ear Spock, Stopper) on bass.
, a professional minor league hockey team. Keith Xenos continued his education and moved to New York, where he writes and records his own music. Adam Funari is drummming for Narwhal in Hawaii. Mike Nickerson and Dom Totino resurrected the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs in 2009 with Elliot Goff on guitar and long time friend Keefe Justice on drums, and began playing shows around Atlanta and the Southeast again.
In late 2010, Elliot Goff left to band to pursue other endeavors, so Keefe Justice recruited Drew Smedley (Smedley and the Space Cadets) on guitar. The band recorded new material, enginereed by Chris Nix of The Letmedowns, in Helen, Georgia, for an upcoming EP to be released on Polly's House Records. They also are in the works to shoot a video with the Emmy Award
winning, and former band member, Jason Wilson.
The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs were featured at the inaugural Naughty List Christmas Party in 2009, and the Second Annual Naughty List Christmas Party in 2010, events they help initiate at Sweetwater Live; and played at the 2011 Sleazy Easter Party hosted by the infamous Clermont Lounge. Their 2011 performance at the Friday the 13th Horrorbash at Loco's in Gainesville, GA is one of their wildest shows to date.
In 2011, The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs continued to electrify audiences. In early March, they headlined at the Star Community Bar in Little Five Points of Atlanta, and in May 2011, they headlined at the Highlander in midtown Atlanta.
“And for a spicy downtown dinner, try the Somber Reptile’s Cajun Kitchen…a former punk club that hosted bands like the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs.” – Rolling Stone
, Issue 736
“While we’re on the subject of snotty, fast HC-punk bands that fly in the face of political correctness, give a listen to the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs.” – Maximum Rocknroll
, 155th Edition
“Humor, out of tune, horn blowing jive, aggressive punk, and a multi-untalented attempt at music. The overall picture is beautiful.” – Maximum Rocknroll
, 155th Edition
“About time a record came across my path that I didn’t want to break into a million pieces.” – Maximum Rocknroll
, 155th Edition
"Such irresistible toe-tapping favs as 'Puke'...were recorded in what the packaging describes as 'Stereocolonic 360-degree dual monophonic sound'." - Gregory Nicholl, Creative Loafing
“Great Production. Snotty nosed punk that brings to mind the California scene of the early ‘80’s.” – DUHHH! (U.K. Fanzine)
“This is great comedy punk.” – Puppy Love Fanzine
“They're an anti-band from Atlanta, GA. It's amazing they've lasted some 15+ years.” – Talkbass.com, The Infamous Band Name Thread
“Bringing back fond memories of those Tone-Deaf Pig-Dogs singles you used to spin in high school.” – 29-95.com, Singles Roundup May 2010
The Original Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs
The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs are a punk rock anti-band from Norcross, Georgia, formed in 1989 by Mike Nickerson (vocals), James T. WarbingtonAugusta Lynx
The Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena...
(bass), Michael Messer (guitar), Mark Warbington (drums), and Grant Nickerson in a managerial role. They released their first LP, "From Hell", in 1990, and began playing shows in the Northeast Georgia region. Michael Messer left the band to record a solo project with Mark Warbington, and Clay Browning joined the band on guitar.
The Reformation of the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs
After a two year hiatus, Mike Nickerson, James T. Warbington and Michael Messer (recording as Mike Blade at the time and had released "Blessed Annihilation" on Youth Band Records) re-formed in 1993 and recorded "Tone Deaf and Disorderly".In 1994, James T. Warbington (guitar) and Mike Nickerson (vocals) had brought in new members Dom Totino (bass) and Chad "Spanky" Black (drums), whom they had met at a local Waffle House
Waffle House
Waffle House is a restaurant chain with over 1600 locations found in 25 states in the United States. Most of the locations are in the Southern United States, where the chain remains a regional cultural icon...
. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs began playing at Punkfests and at numerous shows around Atlanta, mostly at the infamous Somber Reptile and the Wreck Room. They recorded the "The Red Tape" as a demo for the new inception of the band, and to gain local support for shows. Soon after this, Chad "Spanky" Black and James T. Warbington had left the band. This helped Mike Nickerson bring aboard friends, Keith Xenos (Smedley and the Space Cadets) on guitar and Adam Funari (A Quart Low) on drums. Within months of resolving personal issues, James T. Warbington returned to the lineup as a rhythm guitarist.
The Year of the Pig-Dogs and The Olympics Suck Tour
In December 1995, the Wreck Room hosted the largest one day punk rock festival in Atlanta that featured bands such as the Anti-Heros, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs, Round Ear Spock, the Oswalds, Smedley and the Space Cadets, & Victim 9. The Wreck Room officially ran out of beer by 7pm. The Pig-Dogs were getting a lot of press from fanzines, newspapers and magazines such as Rolling StoneRolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
(Issue 736), Maximum Rocknroll
Maximum RocknRoll
Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors...
, Flagpole Magazine
Flagpole Magazine
Flagpole Magazine, often abbreviated to simply Flagpole, is an American alternative newsweekly that focuses on the cultural scene of Athens, Georgia and its surrounding communities. It was founded by Jared Bailey and Dennis Greenia in 1984 and is currently edited and published by Pete McCommons...
(Athens, GA), and Creative Loafing
Creative Loafing
CL Inc. is the Tampa, Florida-based publisher of three city newsweeklies and their associated websites. Each of the papers focuses on local news, politics, arts and entertainment, and restaurants...
(Atlanta, GA).
In 1996, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs recorded their first 7 inch E.P. "Can of Whoop Ass", and they began playing memorable shows around Atlanta before embarking on a 15 date tour throughout the Southeastern United States, also known as the Olympics Suck Tour, as the worldwide 1996 Olympic
1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics of Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, was an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States....
events were hosted by Atlanta that year. Tipping off the tour, the Pig-Dogs headlined one of the biggest punk rock festivals in Atlanta, and they earned a headlining spot at Scumfest in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In the Summer of 1996, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs embarked on the Olympics Suck Tour around the Southeastern United States. Once returning home, they were welcomed back to Atlanta by playing at the Point in Little Foint Points, and reconciled with the Somber Reptile for a show. After many triumphs and heartbreaks, Adam Funari had decided to leave the band, and later joined 12 Ounces. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs reformed with Keith Xenos on drums, James T. Warbington on guitar, and Mike Nickerson on vocals and guitar, while Dom Totino eventually left the band to battle drug addictions and finish college. He was replaced by Elliot Goff on bass.
The Three Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs
In 1997, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs (Mike Nickerson, James T. Warbington, and Keith Xenos) recorded and released the 7 inch E.P. "Too Early to Tell, Too Late To Give A Shit" and followed this release with local and regional shows.In 1998, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs were signed to a small record deal through Smash It Up Records and Simple Things Records, and recorded a Split CD with No Class from Rome, Georgia, entitled "Saved by the Bail". After this, Josh Chambers, of No Class, formed the Sloppy Meateaters
The Sloppy Meateaters
Sloppy Meateaters was an American band from Rome, Georgia on Orange Peel Records.-Early history:Prior to forming The Sloppy Meateaters Josh Chambers had a band named NoClass with whom he released a few 7" records and a split CD with Atlanta punk band the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs...
, who were featured on the USA Network
USA Network
USA Network is an American cable television channel launched in 1971. Once a minor player in basic cable, the network has steadily gained popularity because of breakout hits like Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, White Collar, Monday Night RAW, Suits, and reruns of the various...
's now cancelled Farmclub.com. The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs embarked on another small East Coast tour, playing two shows in Chicago, enlisting the help of Jason Wilson (Round Ear Spock, Stopper) on bass.
The First Tone Deaf Pig-Dog Reunion Show
In 1999, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs played a benefit show for fighting Chron's disease, at Club 513 in Atlanta, featuring Mike Nickerson (vocals), James T. Warbington (guitar), and Keith Xenos (drums), with Dom Totino and Jason Wilson splitting duties on bass. Also at this show, current Tone Deaf Pig-Dog drummer, Keefe Justice, and former guitarist and bassist, Elliot Goff, performed with the Oswalds. After this show, the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs called it quits.The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs: Back on Track
James T. Warbington became the Director of Game Operations for the Augusta LynxAugusta Lynx
The Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena...
, a professional minor league hockey team. Keith Xenos continued his education and moved to New York, where he writes and records his own music. Adam Funari is drummming for Narwhal in Hawaii. Mike Nickerson and Dom Totino resurrected the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs in 2009 with Elliot Goff on guitar and long time friend Keefe Justice on drums, and began playing shows around Atlanta and the Southeast again.
In late 2010, Elliot Goff left to band to pursue other endeavors, so Keefe Justice recruited Drew Smedley (Smedley and the Space Cadets) on guitar. The band recorded new material, enginereed by Chris Nix of The Letmedowns, in Helen, Georgia, for an upcoming EP to be released on Polly's House Records. They also are in the works to shoot a video with the Emmy Award
Emmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
winning, and former band member, Jason Wilson.
The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs were featured at the inaugural Naughty List Christmas Party in 2009, and the Second Annual Naughty List Christmas Party in 2010, events they help initiate at Sweetwater Live; and played at the 2011 Sleazy Easter Party hosted by the infamous Clermont Lounge. Their 2011 performance at the Friday the 13th Horrorbash at Loco's in Gainesville, GA is one of their wildest shows to date.
In 2011, The Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs continued to electrify audiences. In early March, they headlined at the Star Community Bar in Little Five Points of Atlanta, and in May 2011, they headlined at the Highlander in midtown Atlanta.
Reviews
"The Pig-Dogs are always the Pig-Dogs. They aren't ever perfect, but they're always more fun to watch than anybody they play with. There's just a certain energy they bring to the stage that is unique to them. I believe I've heard it referred to as...electricity. Seriously, though - it's always a lot of fun to see the Pig-Dogs play...They have such a disregard for conventions that you can't help but like them." - El Phantasmas, Needless Things“And for a spicy downtown dinner, try the Somber Reptile’s Cajun Kitchen…a former punk club that hosted bands like the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs.” – Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
, Issue 736
“While we’re on the subject of snotty, fast HC-punk bands that fly in the face of political correctness, give a listen to the Tone Deaf Pig-Dogs.” – Maximum Rocknroll
Maximum RocknRoll
Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors...
, 155th Edition
“Humor, out of tune, horn blowing jive, aggressive punk, and a multi-untalented attempt at music. The overall picture is beautiful.” – Maximum Rocknroll
Maximum RocknRoll
Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors...
, 155th Edition
“About time a record came across my path that I didn’t want to break into a million pieces.” – Maximum Rocknroll
Maximum RocknRoll
Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors...
, 155th Edition
"Such irresistible toe-tapping favs as 'Puke'...were recorded in what the packaging describes as 'Stereocolonic 360-degree dual monophonic sound'." - Gregory Nicholl, Creative Loafing
Creative Loafing
CL Inc. is the Tampa, Florida-based publisher of three city newsweeklies and their associated websites. Each of the papers focuses on local news, politics, arts and entertainment, and restaurants...
“Great Production. Snotty nosed punk that brings to mind the California scene of the early ‘80’s.” – DUHHH! (U.K. Fanzine)
“This is great comedy punk.” – Puppy Love Fanzine
“They're an anti-band from Atlanta, GA. It's amazing they've lasted some 15+ years.” – Talkbass.com, The Infamous Band Name Thread
“Bringing back fond memories of those Tone-Deaf Pig-Dogs singles you used to spin in high school.” – 29-95.com, Singles Roundup May 2010
LPs
| Year | Title | Label | Lineup | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | From Hell | Youth Band Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Bass, Vocals Mark Warbington - Drums, Vocals Mike Messer - Guitar | Cassette only release. Out of print. |
| 1993 | Tone Deaf and Disorderly | Youth Band Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Bass, Guitar, Vocals Mark Warbington - Drums, Vocals Mike Messer - Guitar Clay Browning - Guitar, Vocals | Cassette only release. Out of print. |
| 1998 | Saved By the Bail | Hospital Records, Simple Things Records, Smash It Up Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Bass, Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Drums, Guitar, Vocals | Split CD with No Class from Rome, GA. |
| 2006 | Smokey Rooms and Barbeques | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Drums, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Adam Funari - Drums Elliot Goff - Bass | D.I.Y. Release. Re-release of 7 Inch EPs due to popular demand. |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label | Lineup | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | The Red Tape | Youth Band Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass Chad "Spanky" Black - Drums | Promotional demo featuring "Puke", "Snot Nose Brat", "Gonna Kill Your Boyfriend", "Earl Nix". Out of Print. |
| 1996 | Can O' Whoop Ass | SHORT Records, Mood Swing Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Adam Funari - Drums | Received rave reviews from Maximum Rocknroll Maximum RocknRoll Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors... . Released on 7 Inch vinyl. Re-released on Smokey Rooms and Barbeques LP. |
| 1997 | Too Early To Tell...Too Late To Give A Shit | Hospital Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Drums, Vocals Elliot Goff - Bass | Follow up to "Can O Whoop Ass". Released on 7 Inch vinyl. Re-released on Smokey Rooms and Barbeques LP. |
| 2010 | Ill-Relevant | Mike Nickerson - Vocals, Guitar Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Keefe Justice - Drums, Vocals Elliot Goff - Guitar | D.I.Y. Release. Comeback demo of new material. Retro release on cassette. |
Compilations
| Year | Title | Label | Lineup | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Being In A Band Doesn't Really Get You Girls | Slap Happy Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Adam Funari - Drums | "I Met A Girl (And Her Name Was Beer)" |
| 1996 | Don't Attempt To Make An Effort | King Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Adam Funari - Drums | "Gonna Kill Your Boyfriend" |
| 1998 | Simple Music For Simple People | Simple Things Records | Mike Nickerson - Vocals James Warbington - Guitar, Vocals Keith Xenos - Guitar, Vocals Dom Totino - Bass, Vocals Adam Funari - Drums | "Turn Around", "Jerkin Da Gerkin" |
External links
- http://www.tonedeafpigdogs.com
- http://new.music.yahoo.com/tone-deaf-pig-dogs/tracks/
- http://maximumrocknroll.com/back-issues/old/
- http://phantomtroublemaker.blogspot.com/2011/02/last-not-so-great-watering-hole.html
- http://www.ox-fanzine.de/web/rev/6323/reviews.207.html
- http://www.29-95.com/music/story/singles-roundup-may-2010
- http://underthemuck.blogspot.com/2009/09/snot-nose-brat.html
- http://vimeo.com/12685433
- http://w.videowap.tv/pigdogs/
- http://www.last.fm/music/tone%20deaf%20pig%20dogs
- http://thehappenstance.com/2009/12/
- http://www.buzzle.com/articles/punk-rock-bands-list.html
- http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9702736
- http://www.rockmusiclist.com/rock_tom.htm
- http://www.thegoldbrick.net/2008/03/
- http://www.ranker.com/list/georgia-bands-and-musical-artists-from-here/reference