Blanks 77
Encyclopedia
Blanks 77 is an American street punk
band active from 1990–2001, and again from 2004 onward. Originally based in Hillside, New Jersey
, they are currently located in Denville
.
The band has maintained a prolific career, having released three albums and numerous EPs, appeared on numerous compilations, toured Europe twice, the U.S. countless times, and shared the stage with other well-known punk acts such as The Misfits, Rancid
, Dwarves
, The Business
, Bad Brains
, The Bouncing Souls
, One Way System
, Anti-Nowhere League
, Anti-Heros
, Dropkick Murphys
, GBH
, the Criminals
, UK Subs
, and Total Chaos
.
The original line-up remained until Brendan left in 1992. He was replaced by Geoff Kresge
, who left the band after a six month tenure to rejoin his band AFI
. (Kresge would later go on to play in Tiger Army
and HorrorPops
.) He was replaced in Blanks 77 by Tim from the Broken Heroes, who began performing live with the band after a single rehearsal. The band recorded their first album, Killer Blanks
, which was released first in Germany on the Nasty Vinyl label in 1995, and in the U.S. a year later in 1996 on Radical Records with four extra tracks.
. Chad left the band in late 1997 and was replaced by Paul Russo from The Unseen, who filled in for two tours; the group ultimately settled on drummer Kid Lynch (formerly of Warzone
and SFA). Their third full length, C.B.H.
, was released in 1998.
After an ill-fated tour in 1999, the band began to dissolve, finally doing so in 2001 upon Renee's departure. Mike, Tim and Chad formed The S.D.A.B.s (Sex Drugs Alcohol Band), while Renee, Lynch and longtime roadie Dean Digaetano formed Dean Dean and the Sex Machines who released a LP. Renee also joined the long-standing founding street punk group U.S. Chaos
, replacing her deceased brother in the band. Tim went on to play bass, and then later became the guitarist, for the New York hardcore
punk band Murphy's Law
, as well as continuing with the Broken Heroes.
Street punk
Street punk is a working class-based genre of punk rock which took shape in the early 1980s, partly as a rebellion against the perceived artistic pretensions of the first wave of British punk. Street punk emerged from the Oi! style, performed by bands such as Sham 69, Angelic Upstarts, Cockney...
band active from 1990–2001, and again from 2004 onward. Originally based in Hillside, New Jersey
Hillside, New Jersey
Hillside is a township in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 21,404.Hillside was incorporated as a township on April 3, 1913, from portions of Union Township, based on the results of a referendum held on April 29, 1913.The town...
, they are currently located in Denville
Denville, New Jersey
Denville is a township in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 16,635. Denville is known as the "Hub of Morris County" for its location along major transportation routes at the center of the county...
.
The band has maintained a prolific career, having released three albums and numerous EPs, appeared on numerous compilations, toured Europe twice, the U.S. countless times, and shared the stage with other well-known punk acts such as The Misfits, Rancid
Rancid (band)
Rancid is an American punk rock band formed in Berkeley, California in 1991. Founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, both of whom previously played in the ska punk band Operation Ivy, Rancid is credited—along with Green Day and The Offspring—for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the...
, Dwarves
Dwarves (band)
Dwarves is an American punk band formed in Chicago, Illinois, as The Suburban Nightmare, in the mid-1980s. They are currently based in San Francisco, California. Formed as a garage punk band, their career subsequently saw them move in a hardcore direction before settling into an eclectic punk rock...
, The Business
The Business (band)
The Business are an English Oi!/punk rock band formed in 1979 in Lewisham, South London. Their album Suburban Rebels became influential in the Oi! movement...
, Bad Brains
Bad Brains
Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of...
, The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls are a punk rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, formed in 1987. By the time of their acknowledgment by the national punk rock scene, they had reignited a "pogo" element to New Jersey punk rock by playing fast light-hearted songs, a model followed by various other local...
, One Way System
One Way System
One Way System is a street punk band formed in the Fleetwood area of Lancashire, England in 1979.-Career:One Way System had an initial line-up of Craig Halliday , Gavin Whyte , Tez Mcdonald and Gaz Buckley...
, Anti-Nowhere League
Anti-Nowhere League
Anti-Nowhere League is an English punk band, formed in 1980 by lead singer Animal , guitarist Magoo , Tony "Bones" Shaw on drums and Chris "Baggy" Elvy on bass.-Early days:...
, Anti-Heros
Anti-Heros
Anti-Heros were an American Oi!/street punk band formed in 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. They took a hiatus from 1989–1993, but continued to record and play concerts through the early 2000s. Anti-Heros are one of the first and most popular American Oi! bands. The original lineup...
, Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys are an Irish-American punk rock band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996. The band was initially signed to independent punk record label Hellcat Records, releasing five albums for the label, and making a name for themselves locally through constant playing and yearly St....
, GBH
Charged GBH
Charged GBH are an English Street punk band, formed in 1978 by vocalist Colin Abrahall, guitarist Colin "Jock" Blyth, bassist Sean McCarthy and Drummer Andy " Wilf" Williams. GBH were early pioneers of English street punk, often nicknamed "UK82", along with Discharge, Broken Bones, The Exploited...
, the Criminals
The Criminals
The Criminals were a punk rock band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1994. The lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jesse Luscious and bassist Mike Sexxx throughout the bands' existence...
, UK Subs
UK Subs
The U.K. Subs are an English punk rock band, among the earliest in the first wave of British punk. Formed in 1976, the mainstay of the band has been vocalist Charlie Harper, originally a singer in Britain's R&B scene. They were also one of the first street punk bands.-Career:The U.K...
, and Total Chaos
Total Chaos
Total Chaos is an American street punk band from Pomona Valley, California, formed in 1989. Lead vocalist Rob Chaos is also co-owner of SOS Records with Ezzat Soliman, owner of the Showcase Theater, having released albums by classic Punk and Oi! bands like The Exploited, Vice Squad, Sham 69,...
.
Formation, early years, first record (1990–1996)
The band formed in 1990 when high school friends Mike (vocals) and Chad (drums) were joined by guitarist Renee, whom they had met through a musician wanted ad. Their first bassist was a friend of Renee's named Brendan. The new group named themselves The Blanks after finding their minds blank as to what to name the band. Shortly thereafter, another band informed them that the Blanks name was already taken; to avoid conflict, they added '77 to their name in reference to punk rock's canonically accepted year of origin.The original line-up remained until Brendan left in 1992. He was replaced by Geoff Kresge
Geoff Kresge
Geoff Kresge is a songwriter, guitarist, bassist, who played with AFI for most of their early career, from 1992 through 1997, and co-wrote the majority of their early material alongside frontman Davey Havok. During an AFI hiatus in 1993, he briefly moved to New York to join Blanks 77...
, who left the band after a six month tenure to rejoin his band AFI
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
. (Kresge would later go on to play in Tiger Army
Tiger Army
Tiger Army is an American psychobilly band that was formed in 1995 in Berkeley, California. Its constant member and lead song writer is Nick 13. The band have released a total of four studio albums.-History:...
and HorrorPops
HorrorPops
HorrorPops are a Danish punk band that formed in 1996. The band's sound is rooted in psychobilly, pop punk, rockabilly, and new wave.-History:...
.) He was replaced in Blanks 77 by Tim from the Broken Heroes, who began performing live with the band after a single rehearsal. The band recorded their first album, Killer Blanks
Killer Blanks
Killer Blanks was the debut full-length from punk band Blanks 77. It was originally released on Nasty Vinyl in Germany in 1995, but released in the U.S. in 1996 on Radical Records with four more tracks. Most tracks are from earlier singles the band put out....
, which was released first in Germany on the Nasty Vinyl label in 1995, and in the U.S. a year later in 1996 on Radical Records with four extra tracks.
Further releases, lineup changes and breakup (1997–2001)
In 1997 Blanks 77 released a second album, Tanked and PogoedTanked and Pogoed
Tanked And Pogoed was the second full length release from punk band Blanks 77. It was released in 1997 on Radical Records.-Track listing:1. Losing My Brain2. Void3. No One Cares4. Dog5. Watch You Drown6. Burn It Down7. I Don't Wanna Be8. Suburbia...
. Chad left the band in late 1997 and was replaced by Paul Russo from The Unseen, who filled in for two tours; the group ultimately settled on drummer Kid Lynch (formerly of Warzone
Warzone (band)
Warzone was an American hardcore punk band formed on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1982. The band helped develop the New York hardcore sound, the hardcore skinhead style and the youth crew subgenre...
and SFA). Their third full length, C.B.H.
C.B.H.
C.B.H. is the third and final full length release from punk band Blanks 77. Released in 1998 on Radical Records.-Track listing:#Long Paper#Radio Hits#Off the Wagon#We Are the Punks#Time's Up#Little Girl Blue#Car 24#I'll Be First...
, was released in 1998.
After an ill-fated tour in 1999, the band began to dissolve, finally doing so in 2001 upon Renee's departure. Mike, Tim and Chad formed The S.D.A.B.s (Sex Drugs Alcohol Band), while Renee, Lynch and longtime roadie Dean Digaetano formed Dean Dean and the Sex Machines who released a LP. Renee also joined the long-standing founding street punk group U.S. Chaos
U.S. Chaos
U.S. Chaos are an American punk rock band from New Jersey, formed in 1981. They were one of the first American bands to play in an Oi!/street punk style....
, replacing her deceased brother in the band. Tim went on to play bass, and then later became the guitarist, for the New York hardcore
New York hardcore
New York hardcore refers to hardcore punk and metalcore music created in New York City and to the subculture associated with that music. New York hardcore grew out of the hardcore scene established in Washington, D.C., by bands such as Bad Brains and Minor Threat. Hardcore '81 is an album by the...
punk band Murphy's Law
Murphy's Law (band)
Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
, as well as continuing with the Broken Heroes.
Reformation (2004–present)
In 2004, Blanks 77 reunited around the "classic lineup" of Mike, Renee, Tim, and Chad. Although they ceased extensive touring, they remained active on the East Coast while playing occasional West Coast concerts. They have stated that they are working on new material.Current members
- Mike Blank – vocals (1990–2001, 2004–present)
- Renee Wasted – guitar (1990–2001, 2004–present)
- Chad 77 – drums (1990–1997, 2004–present)
- Tim "TJ" Blank – bass (1992–2001, 2004–present)
Past members
- Brendan – bass (1990–1992)
- Geoff KresgeGeoff KresgeGeoff Kresge is a songwriter, guitarist, bassist, who played with AFI for most of their early career, from 1992 through 1997, and co-wrote the majority of their early material alongside frontman Davey Havok. During an AFI hiatus in 1993, he briefly moved to New York to join Blanks 77...
– bass (1992) - Paul Russo – drums (1997–1998)
- Kid Lynch – drums (1998–2000)
Studio albums
- 1995: Killer BlanksKiller BlanksKiller Blanks was the debut full-length from punk band Blanks 77. It was originally released on Nasty Vinyl in Germany in 1995, but released in the U.S. in 1996 on Radical Records with four more tracks. Most tracks are from earlier singles the band put out....
(German Release-Nasty Vinyl) - 1996: Killer BlanksKiller BlanksKiller Blanks was the debut full-length from punk band Blanks 77. It was originally released on Nasty Vinyl in Germany in 1995, but released in the U.S. in 1996 on Radical Records with four more tracks. Most tracks are from earlier singles the band put out....
(US Release-Radical Records) - 1997: Tanked and PogoedTanked and PogoedTanked And Pogoed was the second full length release from punk band Blanks 77. It was released in 1997 on Radical Records.-Track listing:1. Losing My Brain2. Void3. No One Cares4. Dog5. Watch You Drown6. Burn It Down7. I Don't Wanna Be8. Suburbia...
- Radical Records - 1998: C.B.H.C.B.H.C.B.H. is the third and final full length release from punk band Blanks 77. Released in 1998 on Radical Records.-Track listing:#Long Paper#Radio Hits#Off the Wagon#We Are the Punks#Time's Up#Little Girl Blue#Car 24#I'll Be First...
- Radical Records
Compilation appearances
- 1998: What Were We Fighting for?What Were We Fighting for?What Were We Fighting for? is a tribute album to the punk rock band Dead Kennedys.-Track listing:#"Government Flu"- Arson Family#"Terminal Preppy"- GOB#"Your Emotions"- Electric Frankenstein#"Police Truck"- Das Klown#"Moon Over Marin"- The Dread...
(cover of "Too Drunk To FuckToo Drunk to Fuck"Too Drunk to Fuck" was the fourth single by the Dead Kennedys. The record was released in May 1981 on Cherry Red Records with "The Prey" as the b-side...
") - 1999: Smells Like Bleach: A Tribute to Nirvana (cover of "Smells Like Teen SpiritSmells Like Teen Spirit"Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a song by the American grunge band Nirvana. It is the opening track and lead single from the band's second album, Nevermind , released on DGC Records...
") - 2000: Never Mind the Sex Pistols, Here's the TributeNever Mind the Sex Pistols, Here's the TributeNever Mind the Sex Pistols, Here's the Tribute is a tribute album to the punk rock band the Sex Pistols.-Track listing:#"Holidays in the Sun" – The Booked#"Bodies" – Les Stitches#"No Feelings" –The Generators#"Liar" – Submachine...
(cover of '"Anarchy in the UK") - 2001: Ramones ManiacsRamones ManiacsRamones Maniacs is a 26-band salute to the Ramones. This is a track-by-track cover of the Ramones Mania album, by bands from across the US, plus one from Australia and one from Canada.Album artwork by Tim Bradstreet....
(cover of "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg")
External links
- [ Blanks 77's Allmusic.com entry]
- Blanks 77's MySpace page