Redd Kross
Encyclopedia
Redd Kross, a rock
band from Hawthorne, California
had their roots in 1978 in a band called The Tourists begun by Jeff
and Steve McDonald
while the brothers were still in middle school
. With the addition of friends Greg Hetson
and Dave Keller
on guitar and John Stielow on drums, the band's first gig was opening for Black Flag
.
. Ron Reyes
became the drummer. Eventually, Hetson left to join the Circle Jerks
(and later Bad Religion
) and Reyes left for Black Flag. Keller left to join Trixie and the Doorknobs as its guitarist and singer. To complete the lineup on their first full-length album, Born Innocent, they assembled a revolving door
of musicians including original drummer John Stielow and drummer Janet Housden. Full of the brothers' pop culture obsessions, Born Innocent featured odes to Linda Blair
(who starred in a television movie of the same name), a cover of "Look on Up from the Bottom" by the Carrie Nations from Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
, and Charles Manson
(whose song "Cease to Exist" they covered). The album also contains nods to Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Tatum O'Neal
, and Lita Ford
. Not long after the release of the album, the group was threatened with a lawsuit
from the International Red Cross and changed their name to Redd Kross, allegedly being inspired by Redd Foxx
.
, an album featuring songs originally by such artists as KISS
, David Bowie
, The Rolling Stones
, and The Shangri-Las
.
In 1984, lead guitarist Robert Hecker
joined the band, as Redd Kross embarked on tour in support of Teen Babes from Monsanto.
In that same year, they were featured on the soundtrack of Desperate Teenage Lovedolls with their cover of the Brady Bunch Kids
"It's a Sunshine Day". Jeff and Steve appear in the movie, along with Robert in the sequel Lovedolls Superstar
which the brothers co-wrote with Dave Markey
and Jennifer Schwartz. Both movies are available now on DVD.
In 1985, drummer Roy McDonald (formerly of The Things, and no relation to the brothers) joined the band.
In 1987, Redd Kross released Neurotica
, an album reportedly influenced by Saturday morning cartoons and breakfast cereal
(one of the songs was called "Frosted Flake"). Although the album itself was successful, the band's label, Big Time Records
folded. The band continued to tour during these years however, and in 1988, drummer Victor Indrizzo
joined the band.
and Michael Quercio
from The Three O'Clock
and released Alien Sleestaks from Brazil, the title a tribute to the series Land of the Lost
. Another cover collection, it included songs originally by Queen
and Yoko Ono
, and featured a cover of The Beatles
' "I've Just Seen A Face" with lead vocals by guest Danny Bonaduce
. The second Tater Totz album, in 1989, included Cherie Currie
of The Runaways
, and Pat Smear
. A third Tater Totz album was released called Tater Comes Alive. A side project, Anarchy 6 had two releases, Hardcore Lives! and a cassette only album Live Like a Suicidal, and was featured in Lovedolls Superstar
.
show "Decoupage" with Summer Caprice.
In 1990, Redd Kross signed with Atlantic Records
, releasing Third Eye, and appeared with David Cassidy
in the film Spirit of '76
, and issued several singles, including "Annie's Gone", which had some mild success on college radio. Former Red Hot Chili Peppers
/ future Pearl Jam
drummer Jack Irons
joined for the Third Eye tours, and appears in the promotional video for "Annie's Gone", which saw some light rotation on MTV. Brian Reitzell
succeeded Irons as drummer in the band, and appears in the promotional video for "1976".
In 1991, Robert Hecker
took leave from the band.
The album Phaseshifter
was released in 1993, with new band members Eddie Kurdziel, Gere Fennelly, and Brian Reitzell. The videos for "Jimmy's Fantasy" and "Lady In The Front Row" were both shown on MTV's 120 Minutes
. They toured on Phaseshifter for over a year, headling their own shows as well as tours supporting The Lemonheads
and The Spin Doctors in late 1993 and Stone Temple Pilots
in 1994. In 1995, Jeff and his wife, Charlotte Caffey
(from The Go-Go's
), had a daughter, named Astrid
.
In 1997, Redd Kross released Show World
, produced by Chris Shaw (who also produced albums for Weezer
and Soul Asylum
) and toured supporting The Presidents of the United States of America
. The band took an indefinite hiatus after the Show World
tour, and their future was uncertain after the untimely death of guitarist Eddie Kurdziel on June 6, 1999.
(Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater) at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. The band has subsequently gone on to play at the Azkena Festival in Spain, the Detour Festival in Los Angeles, give a performance of their entire first EP in honor of Rodney Bingenheimer's
being awarded a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and a set consisting of the entire Born Innocent album opening for Sonic Youth
(who performed Daydream Nation
) at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. They toured Spain and England in January, 2007. They have played a number of one-off shows including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. In 2008 they played the Coachella Festival in Coachella, California; ATP vs Pitchfork festival in Sussex, England; and NXNE Festival in Toronto, Ontario. In 2010, Redd Kross will be headlining the Turbo Rock Festival in Spain. The band has been recording a new album for the last 6 years.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from Hawthorne, California
Hawthorne, California
Hawthorne is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County, California. The city at the 2010 census had a population of 84,293, up from 84,112 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
had their roots in 1978 in a band called The Tourists begun by Jeff
Jeff McDonald
Jeff McDonald is a rock and roll singer and guitarist who co-founded the alternative rock, power pop band Redd Kross with his younger brother Steven Shane McDonald and remains in the band. In the early 2000s he played in Ze Malibu Kids, with his wife, Charlotte Caffey, of The Go-Go's, his brother,...
and Steve McDonald
Steven Shane McDonald
Steven Shane McDonald is the bass player in the Los Angeles alternative rock/power pop band Redd Kross. He is also a member of the hardcore punk band OFF!, which formed in late 2009. Other projects included The SMG and Green and Yellow TV - both were Los Angeles-based groups from the 2000s...
while the brothers were still in middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
. With the addition of friends Greg Hetson
Greg Hetson
Greg Hetson is an American guitarist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and has lived in Los Angeles, California since he was 2 years old...
and Dave Keller
Dave Keller
Dave Keller was a minor league baseball player, coach and manager and major league coach for the Cleveland Indians. He is currently the minor league hitting coordinator for the Chicago Cubs farm system....
on guitar and John Stielow on drums, the band's first gig was opening for Black Flag
Black Flag (band)
Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. The band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band...
.
Red Cross
At the time of their first self-titled EP, in 1980, the band changed their name to Red Cross, which was allegedly inspired by the masturbation scene in the film, The ExorcistThe Exorcist (film)
The Exorcist is a 1973 American horror film directed by William Friedkin, adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty and based on the exorcism case of Robbie Mannheim, dealing with the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother’s desperate attempts to win back her...
. Ron Reyes
Ron Reyes
Ron Reyes is an American musician most noted as the second singer for the Los Angeles punk rock group Black Flag. Reyes, who is of Puerto Rican descent, joined Black Flag after original vocalist Keith Morris had quit to form the Circle Jerks...
became the drummer. Eventually, Hetson left to join the Circle Jerks
Circle Jerks
The Circle Jerks are an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. It was formed by Black Flag's original singer, Keith Morris, and future Bad Religion guitarist Greg Hetson. They were among the preeminent hardcore punk bands of the L.A. scene in the late 1970s.The band...
(and later Bad Religion
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
) and Reyes left for Black Flag. Keller left to join Trixie and the Doorknobs as its guitarist and singer. To complete the lineup on their first full-length album, Born Innocent, they assembled a revolving door
Revolving door
A revolving door typically consists of three or four doors that hang on a center shaft and rotate around a vertical axis within a cylindrical enclosure. Revolving doors are energy efficient as they prevent drafts, thus preventing increases in the heating or cooling required for the building...
of musicians including original drummer John Stielow and drummer Janet Housden. Full of the brothers' pop culture obsessions, Born Innocent featured odes to Linda Blair
Linda Blair
Linda Denise Blair is an American actress. Blair is best known for her role as the possessed child, Regan, in the 1973 film The Exorcist, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award and two Golden Globes, winning one. She reprised her role in 1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic.-Biography:Blair...
(who starred in a television movie of the same name), a cover of "Look on Up from the Bottom" by the Carrie Nations from Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is a 1970 American schlock melodrama film starring Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, Marcia McBroom, John LaZar, Michael Blodgett and David Gurian...
, and Charles Manson
Charles Manson
Charles Milles Manson is an American criminal who led what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune that arose in California in the late 1960s. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit the Tate/LaBianca murders carried out by members of the group at his instruction...
(whose song "Cease to Exist" they covered). The album also contains nods to Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Tatum O'Neal
Tatum O'Neal
Tatum Beatrice O'Neal is an American actress best known for her film work as a child actress in the 1970s. She is the youngest to win a competitive Academy Award, at the age of 10, which she won for her performance as Addie Loggins in Paper Moon opposite her father Ryan O'Neal...
, and Lita Ford
Lita Ford
Lita Ford is a British-born, American rock musician and singer who was the lead guitarist for The Runaways and achieved popularity for her solo career between the 1980s and late 2000s.-Early life:...
. Not long after the release of the album, the group was threatened with a lawsuit
Lawsuit
A lawsuit or "suit in law" is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint...
from the International Red Cross and changed their name to Redd Kross, allegedly being inspired by Redd Foxx
Redd Foxx
John Elroy Sanford , better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, was an American comedian and actor, best known for his starring role on the sitcom Sanford and Son.-Early life:...
.
Redd Kross
In 1984, Redd Kross returned with drummer Dave Peterson to record Teen Babes from MonsantoTeen Babes from Monsanto
Teen Babes From Monsanto is a 7 song 12" record of cover songs released by Redd Kross in 1984 on Gasatanka Records. This LP has never been reissued, but all 7 songs were included on the Australian tour CD Trance.-Track listing:#"Deuce"...
, an album featuring songs originally by such artists as KISS
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, and The Shangri-Las
The Shangri-Las
The Shangri-Las were an American pop girl group of the 1960s. Between 1964 and 1966 they charted with often heartbreaking teen melodramas, and remain best known for "Leader of the Pack" and "Remember ".- Early career :...
.
In 1984, lead guitarist Robert Hecker
Robert Hecker
Robert Hecker , is the lead guitarist of the current 2006-2011 line-up of Redd Kross.Hecker was born in Hermosa Beach, California. He played lead guitar and sang with Redd Kross from 1984 to 1991, in addition to occasional on-stage reunions throughout the 1990s...
joined the band, as Redd Kross embarked on tour in support of Teen Babes from Monsanto.
In that same year, they were featured on the soundtrack of Desperate Teenage Lovedolls with their cover of the Brady Bunch Kids
The Brady Bunch
The Brady Bunch is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz and starring Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, and Ann B. Davis. The series revolved around a large blended family...
"It's a Sunshine Day". Jeff and Steve appear in the movie, along with Robert in the sequel Lovedolls Superstar
Lovedolls Superstar (film)
Lovedolls Superstar is a 1986 low budget underground film, shot on super-8 film.It is the direct sequel to 1984's Desperate Teenage Lovedolls. It was made on a budget of approximately $10,000...
which the brothers co-wrote with Dave Markey
Dave Markey
Dave Markey is an American film director.As a self-taught filmmaker and musician, Markey directed, produced, edited, and photographed most of his films, the majority of which has been self-funded and distributed. His work documents the punk scene in Southern California throughout the 1980s and 1990s...
and Jennifer Schwartz. Both movies are available now on DVD.
In 1985, drummer Roy McDonald (formerly of The Things, and no relation to the brothers) joined the band.
In 1987, Redd Kross released Neurotica
Neurotica
Neurotica is the fourth record from the band Redd Kross. It was released on Big Time Records in 1987.- Track listing :All songs written by Jeff McDonald, except where noted....
, an album reportedly influenced by Saturday morning cartoons and breakfast cereal
Breakfast cereal
A breakfast cereal is a food made from processed grains that is often, but not always, eaten with the first meal of the day. It is often eaten cold, usually mixed with milk , water, or yogurt, and sometimes fruit but sometimes eaten dry. Some cereals, such as oatmeal, may be served hot as porridge...
(one of the songs was called "Frosted Flake"). Although the album itself was successful, the band's label, Big Time Records
Big Time Records (label)
Big Time Records was an independent record label based in Sydney, Australia. The label was owned by Lance Reynolds and Fred Bestall, who managed Air Supply in their early days among others. From 1979 up until 1981 Big Time was distributed by Wizard Records, who were purchased by EMI Ltd...
folded. The band continued to tour during these years however, and in 1988, drummer Victor Indrizzo
Victor Indrizzo
Victor Indrizzo is an American session musician, primarily known for playing the drums, as well as a songwriter and producer.Indrizzo was born in Freeport, Long Island, New York...
joined the band.
Tater Totz
As The Tater Totz, the McDonalds teamed with Pat Fear of White FlagWhite Flag (band)
White Flag is an American punk rock band currently based in Los Angeles. Their current lineup consists of frontman Pat Fear , Mike Mess , Jello B. Afro , and Trace Element . All of these members have been in the band since 1982, though many have rotated in and out...
and Michael Quercio
Michael Quercio
Michael Quercio was the founder, bassist and lead singer of The Three O'Clock. He is also notable for being the apparent source of the genre name Paisley Underground, originally a joke. The Three O'Clock were among the most successful artists of the neo-psychedelic movement of the 1980s...
from The Three O'Clock
The Three O'Clock
The Three O'Clock were a United States alternative rock group associated with the Los Angeles 1980s Paisley Underground scene. Lead singer and bassist Michael Quercio is credited with coining the term "Paisley Underground" to describe a subset of the 1980s L.A...
and released Alien Sleestaks from Brazil, the title a tribute to the series Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost (1974 TV series)
Land of the Lost is a children's television series co-created and produced by Sid and Marty Krofft. During its original run, it was broadcast on the NBC television network....
. Another cover collection, it included songs originally by Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
and Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono
is a Japanese artist, musician, author and peace activist, known for her work in avant-garde art, music and filmmaking as well as her marriage to John Lennon...
, and featured a cover of The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
' "I've Just Seen A Face" with lead vocals by guest Danny Bonaduce
Danny Bonaduce
Dante Daniel "Danny" Bonaduce is an American radio/television personality, comedian, professional wrestler, and former child actor...
. The second Tater Totz album, in 1989, included Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie is an American singer, actress and chainsaw artist. Currie was the lead vocalist of The Runaways, a hard rock band from Los Angeles in the mid-to-late 1970s.-Life and career:...
of The Runaways
The Runaways
The Runaways were an American all-girl rock band that recorded and performed in the second half of the 1970s. The band released four studio albums and one live set during its run. Among its best known songs: "Cherry Bomb", "Queens of Noise", "Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin", "California Paradise"...
, and Pat Smear
Pat Smear
Pat Smear is a rock musician who has been a guitarist in several well-known bands including The Germs and Nirvana. He is currently a guitarist for the Foo Fighters...
. A third Tater Totz album was released called Tater Comes Alive. A side project, Anarchy 6 had two releases, Hardcore Lives! and a cassette only album Live Like a Suicidal, and was featured in Lovedolls Superstar
Lovedolls Superstar (film)
Lovedolls Superstar is a 1986 low budget underground film, shot on super-8 film.It is the direct sequel to 1984's Desperate Teenage Lovedolls. It was made on a budget of approximately $10,000...
.
1990s
On February 20, 1990, Redd Kross appeared on Episode 2 of the cult Public-access televisionPublic-access television
Public-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
show "Decoupage" with Summer Caprice.
In 1990, Redd Kross signed with Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
, releasing Third Eye, and appeared with David Cassidy
David Cassidy
David Bruce Cassidy is an American actor, singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known for his role as the character of Keith Partridge in the 1970s musical/sitcom The Partridge Family. He was one of pop culture's most celebrated teen idols, enjoying a successful pop career in the 1970s, and...
in the film Spirit of '76
Spirit of '76 (1990 film)
The Spirit of '76 is a 1990 comedy film that spoofs American culture of the mid-1970s. It stars David Cassidy, Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner, Olivia d'Abo, and the rock groups Redd Kross and Devo. The movie was initially released October 12, 1990...
, and issued several singles, including "Annie's Gone", which had some mild success on college radio. Former Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
/ future Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
drummer Jack Irons
Jack Irons
Jack Steven Irons is an American musician who is best known as the original drummer of the American rock band The Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as the former drummer for Eleven and Pearl Jam. He has also worked with Joe Strummer and The Latino Rockabilly War, Redd Kross, Raging Slab, Spinnerette...
joined for the Third Eye tours, and appears in the promotional video for "Annie's Gone", which saw some light rotation on MTV. Brian Reitzell
Brian Reitzell
Brian Reitzell is a musician, composer, producer and music supervisor best known for his contributions to several film soundtracks. He was formerly the drummer for the punk band Redd Kross. He has also collaborated with the French electronica duo Air, having performed drums on their 2001 album 10...
succeeded Irons as drummer in the band, and appears in the promotional video for "1976".
In 1991, Robert Hecker
Robert Hecker
Robert Hecker , is the lead guitarist of the current 2006-2011 line-up of Redd Kross.Hecker was born in Hermosa Beach, California. He played lead guitar and sang with Redd Kross from 1984 to 1991, in addition to occasional on-stage reunions throughout the 1990s...
took leave from the band.
The album Phaseshifter
Phaseshifter
Phaseshifter is a 1993 album by rock band Redd Kross. Three singles were released from the album -"Jimmy's Fantasy", "Lady In The Front Row" and "Visionary". "Crazy World" was originally recorded by Frightwig.-Track listing:# "Jimmy's Fantasy"...
was released in 1993, with new band members Eddie Kurdziel, Gere Fennelly, and Brian Reitzell. The videos for "Jimmy's Fantasy" and "Lady In The Front Row" were both shown on MTV's 120 Minutes
120 Minutes
120 Minutes is a television show in the United States dedicated to alternative music, originally airing on MTV from 1986 to 2000, and then on MTV's sister channel MTV2 from 2001 to 2003....
. They toured on Phaseshifter for over a year, headling their own shows as well as tours supporting The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band first formed in 1986 by Evan Dando, Ben Deily and Jesse Peretz. Dando has remained the band's only constant member....
and The Spin Doctors in late 1993 and Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
in 1994. In 1995, Jeff and his wife, Charlotte Caffey
Charlotte Caffey
Charlotte Irene Caffey is an American rock and roll guitarist and songwriter, best known for her work in the Go-Go's in the 1980s, including writing "We Got the Beat."...
(from The Go-Go's
The Go-Go's
The Go-Go’s are an all-female American rock band formed in 1978. They made history as the first all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard album charts....
), had a daughter, named Astrid
Astrid
Astrid, Estrid, Æstriðr, Ástríðr or Aestrith is a given name of North Germanic origin.People*Queen Astrid Eiriksdottir, daughter of Eirik Bjodaskalle and mother of Olaf I of Norway, who ruled Norway from 995-1000...
.
In 1997, Redd Kross released Show World
Show World
Show World is a 1997 album by rock band Redd Kross.Three singles were issued in the U.K. from Show World - "Get Out Of Myself", "Mess Around" and "Secret Life".The U.S...
, produced by Chris Shaw (who also produced albums for Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
and Soul Asylum
Soul Asylum
Soul Asylum is an American alternative rock band that formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1983.The band originally formed in 1981 under the name Loud Fast Rules, with the original line-up consisting of Dan Murphy, Dave Pirner, Karl Mueller and Pat Morley. The latter was replaced by Grant Young in...
) and toured supporting The Presidents of the United States of America
The Presidents of the United States of America (band)
The Presidents of the United States of America, commonly referred to as Pot USA or "PUSA" or The Presidents, are a twice Grammy-nominated American alternative rock band. The band formed in Seattle, USA, in 1993. The three-piece group currently comprises vocalist and "basitarist" Chris Ballew,...
. The band took an indefinite hiatus after the Show World
Show World
Show World is a 1997 album by rock band Redd Kross.Three singles were issued in the U.K. from Show World - "Get Out Of Myself", "Mess Around" and "Secret Life".The U.S...
tour, and their future was uncertain after the untimely death of guitarist Eddie Kurdziel on June 6, 1999.
Current
On July 1, 2006, Redd Kross returned to the live stage after almost a decade's absence. The Neurotica-era line up of Jeff McDonald, Steven McDonald, Robert Hecker and Roy McDonald performed a career-spanning set at the REDCATREDCAT
Opened November 2003, REDCAT is a contemporary arts center that is an extension of CalArts campus, and serves as the professional presenting arm of the Institute...
(Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater) at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. The band has subsequently gone on to play at the Azkena Festival in Spain, the Detour Festival in Los Angeles, give a performance of their entire first EP in honor of Rodney Bingenheimer's
Rodney Bingenheimer
Rodney Bingenheimer, born December 15, 1947, is a radio disc jockey on the long-running Los Angeles rock station KROQ who is notable for helping numerous iconic bands become successful in the American market. His contribution to the music business has been described as important...
being awarded a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and a set consisting of the entire Born Innocent album opening for Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
(who performed Daydream Nation
Daydream Nation
Daydream Nation is the fifth studio album by the American alternative rock band Sonic Youth. It was released in October 1988 by Enigma Records in the United States, and by Blast First in the United Kingdom....
) at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. They toured Spain and England in January, 2007. They have played a number of one-off shows including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. In 2008 they played the Coachella Festival in Coachella, California; ATP vs Pitchfork festival in Sussex, England; and NXNE Festival in Toronto, Ontario. In 2010, Redd Kross will be headlining the Turbo Rock Festival in Spain. The band has been recording a new album for the last 6 years.
Related projects/soundtracks
- In the summer of 2002, Steven McDonald mashed-up The White Stripes' album White Blood Cells. McDonald's album was entitled Redd Blood Cells, and featured the same track listing as the original, but with added bass tracks from McDonald. The album was an internet-only release, with 2 new songs appearing every week, along with a diary of liner notes from Steven as he worked through the process of being "Steven White". The album received very good reviews, and grew so popular that the server crashed when over 50,000 people went to download tracks on the same day.
- In addition to the Lovedolls films and Spirit of '76, members of Redd Kross have appeared in a few films of director Allison AndersAllison AndersAllison Anders is an American film and television director. Anders has directed many independent films, on which she frequently collaborates with fellow UCLA film school graduate Kurt Voss.-Biography:...
. Steve, Jeff, and Brian played members of Matt DillonMatt DillonMatthew Raymond "Matt" Dillon is an American actor and film director. He began acting in the late 1970s, gaining fame as a teenage idol during the 1980s.- Early life :...
's Beach Boys-esque rock band in Grace of My HeartGrace of My HeartGrace of My Heart is a 1996 film written and directed by Allison Anders, set in the pop music world, starting off in New York's Brill Building early 1960s era, weaving through the California Sound of the mid '60s and culminating with the adult-contemporary scene of the early 1970s.The plot follows...
. Jeff played a junkie songwriter in Sugar TownSugar Town (film)Sugar Town is a 1999 independent film written and directed by Allison Anders and Kurt Voss, concerning a tangled web of characters coping with ambition, fame, and the aftermath of fame...
. Jeff and Steve both featured in Things Behind The SunThings Behind the SunThings Behind the Sun is a 2001 film starring Kim Dickens and Gabriel Mann and directed by Allison Anders. Its title is taken from a song by Nick Drake....
. - Redd Kross songs appear on various on the soundtracks to Good BurgerGood BurgerGood Burger is a 1997 American comedy film by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Nickelodeon Movies, released by Paramount Pictures, directed by Brian Robbins, and starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell...
, PCU, Bordello of BloodBordello of BloodBordello of Blood is a 1996 comedy/horror film starring Dennis Miller, Erika Eleniak, Angie Everhart, Corey Feldman, and Chris Sarandon. It is based on the HBO television series Tales from the Crypt. It received an R rating for vampire violence, gore, language, and nudity...
, An American Werewolf in ParisAn American Werewolf in ParisAn American Werewolf in Paris is a 1997 horror/comedy film about werewolves. It was directed by Anthony Waller and stars Tom Everett Scott and Julie Delpy...
, and Varsity BluesVarsity Blues (film)Varsity Blues is a 1999 American drama/sport film directed by Brian Robbins that follows a small-town high school football team and their overbearing coach through a tumultuous season. The players must deal with the pressures of adolescence and their football obsessed community while having their...
. - Steven produced all of Imperial TeenImperial TeenImperial Teen is a San Francisco-based indie pop group made up of Roddy Bottum primarily on guitar/vocals, Will Schwartz primarily on guitar/vocals, Lynn Truell primarily on drums and backing vocals, and Jone Stebbins primarily on bass and backing...
's records, usually with the band and his wife, Anna Waronker. He was Beck'sBeckBeck Hansen is an American musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known by the stage name Beck...
bassist for the Sea Changes tour. Steven also has produced TurbonegroTurbonegroTurbonegro is a Norwegian punk rock band that was initially active from 1989 to 1998, and later reformed in 2002. Their style combines glam rock, punk rock and hard rock into a style the band describes as "deathpunk"....
's 2005 release Party Animals, and has had a hand in producing/recording with bands such as Be Your Own Pet, The FormatThe FormatThe Format was an American indie rock band formed by Arizona natives Nate Ruess and Sam Means. The band announced a hiatus on February 4, 2008. Their style can be considered a mixture of indie, alternative, punk and folk music, with elements of 1960s and 1970s pop music...
, and Neon. - Steven plays bass on the 2006 release "Hello Young Lovers" by SparksSparks (band)Sparks is an American rock and pop band formed in Los Angeles in 1968 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael , initially under the name Halfnelson...
and has also been their touring bassist. - The McDonald brothers also produced The DonnasThe DonnasThe Donnas are an American all-female rock band from Palo Alto, California. They draw inspiration from The Ramones, The Runaways, AC/DC, Bachman–Turner Overdrive and Kiss. Rolling Stone has stated that "the Donnas offer a guileless take on adolescent alienation; they traffic in kicks, not...
in 1999, on their album Get SkintightGet SkintightGet Skintight is the third studio album by the American rock band band The Donnas, released in 1999 on Lookout!.-Track listing:All songs written by The Donnas except as noted.#"Skintight" – 2:36#"Hyperactive" – 2:15...
. - Ze Malibu Kids is a band featuring the McDonald brothers, Anna Waronker, and Astrid, that released an album entitled "Sound It Out" in 2002.
- Robert HeckerRobert HeckerRobert Hecker , is the lead guitarist of the current 2006-2011 line-up of Redd Kross.Hecker was born in Hermosa Beach, California. He played lead guitar and sang with Redd Kross from 1984 to 1991, in addition to occasional on-stage reunions throughout the 1990s...
has released two albums with the band IT'S OKIT'S OKIt's OK is a musical group formed by Redd Kross members Robert Hecker and Victor Indrizzo , along with bassist Abby Travis and the late Greg White on vocals...
, entitled "IT'S OK", and "Dream". Robert also appears as a special guest on a number of Chemical PeopleChemical PeopleChemical People were a punk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1986. The band toured the US, Canada and Europe and broke up in 1997.-History:...
records, featuring Dave NazDave NazDavid F. Nazworthy, professionally known as Dave Naz is an American pornographer and erotic photographer....
on drums. - Janet Housden went on to be in several popular and not-so-popular L.A. combos, including the Lovedolls, the Waifs, the Superkools, the Excessories, and currently plays with the Shakes and the Hi Ho's. She also starred in Desperate Teenage Lovedolls and its sequel, Lovedolls SuperstarLovedolls Superstar (film)Lovedolls Superstar is a 1986 low budget underground film, shot on super-8 film.It is the direct sequel to 1984's Desperate Teenage Lovedolls. It was made on a budget of approximately $10,000...
, as Patch "Christ" Kelly. - Roy McDonald has been playing with The MuffsThe MuffsThe Muffs are a rock band based in Southern California, formed in 1991 and led by Kim Shattuck.-History:The Muffs' leader is singer-songwriter Kim Shattuck...
(led by former The PandorasThe PandorasThe Pandoras were an all-female rock and roll band from Los Angeles, California from 1983–1991, who found a following in the Hollywood "Paisley Underground" scene and later adapted a more contemporary Sunset Boulevard, hard rock look and sound. The band ended when, on August 10, 1991 band leader...
member Kim ShattuckKim ShattuckKim Shattuck is the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Muffs. From 1983 to 1991, she was a member of The Pandoras. Since 2001, she also has been lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for The Beards, a superpop sideproject composed of Shattuck, Lisa Marr, and Sherri Solinger.She sang on a...
) since the mid 90s. - Jeff McDonald produced the Sympathy for the Record Industry debut (and only) release by The Beards, which features Kim Shattuck, and Lisa Marr.
- Steven McDonald plays bass with the new band OFF!OFF!OFF! is a well-known insect repellent brand from S. C. Johnson and produced in Finland. Its active ingredient is DEET . It was first sold in 1957.- Products :*OFF! Family Care*OFF! Active*OFF! Deep Woods...
featuring Keith MorrisKeith MorrisKeith Morris is an American singer and songwriter known for his role as frontman of the hardcore punk bands Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, and Off! Born and raised in Hermosa Beach, California, he formed Black Flag at the age of 21 with guitarist Greg Ginn and performed on the band's 1978 debut EP...
from the Circle JerksCircle JerksThe Circle Jerks are an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. It was formed by Black Flag's original singer, Keith Morris, and future Bad Religion guitarist Greg Hetson. They were among the preeminent hardcore punk bands of the L.A. scene in the late 1970s.The band...
. - They have done one song It's a Scream for the 2000 film Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday The ThirteenthShriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the ThirteenthShriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth is a 2000 American direct-to-video parody film directed by John Blanchard. Several mid and late '90s teen horror films are parodied, as are the slasher films of the '70s and '80s, including the Scream films , Friday the 13th , Halloween , A...
but no soundtrack or the song was ever released on CD. - Vicki PetersonVicki PetersonVicki Peterson is an American rock musician ....
performed one show with Redd Kross, playing guitar for them at the Pomona Valley Auditorium in the spring of 1984. This performance is captured in the documentary A History Lesson Part 1.
Albums
- Born Innocent (1982)
- Teen Babes From MonsantoTeen Babes from MonsantoTeen Babes From Monsanto is a 7 song 12" record of cover songs released by Redd Kross in 1984 on Gasatanka Records. This LP has never been reissued, but all 7 songs were included on the Australian tour CD Trance.-Track listing:#"Deuce"...
(1984) - NeuroticaNeuroticaNeurotica is the fourth record from the band Redd Kross. It was released on Big Time Records in 1987.- Track listing :All songs written by Jeff McDonald, except where noted....
(1987) - Third Eye (1990)
- PhaseshifterPhaseshifterPhaseshifter is a 1993 album by rock band Redd Kross. Three singles were released from the album -"Jimmy's Fantasy", "Lady In The Front Row" and "Visionary". "Crazy World" was originally recorded by Frightwig.-Track listing:# "Jimmy's Fantasy"...
(1993) - Show WorldShow WorldShow World is a 1997 album by rock band Redd Kross.Three singles were issued in the U.K. from Show World - "Get Out Of Myself", "Mess Around" and "Secret Life".The U.S...
(1997)
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
U.S. Modern Rock | U.S. Mainstream Rock | UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
|||
| 1990 | "Annie's Gone" | - | 16 | - | - | Third Eye |
| 1992 | "Trance" | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1993 | "Switchblade Sister" | - | - | - | - | - |
| "Jimmy's Fantasy" | - | - | - | - | Phaseshifter Phaseshifter Phaseshifter is a 1993 album by rock band Redd Kross. Three singles were released from the album -"Jimmy's Fantasy", "Lady In The Front Row" and "Visionary". "Crazy World" was originally recorded by Frightwig.-Track listing:# "Jimmy's Fantasy"... |
|
| "Lady in the Front Row" | - | - | - | - | ||
| 1994 | "Visionary" | - | - | - | 75 | |
| "Yesterday Once More" | - | - | - | 45 | If I Were a Carpenter | |
| 1997 | "Get Out Of Myself" | - | - | - | 63 | Show World Show World Show World is a 1997 album by rock band Redd Kross.Three singles were issued in the U.K. from Show World - "Get Out Of Myself", "Mess Around" and "Secret Life".The U.S... |
| "Mess Around" | - | - | - | - | ||
| "Secret Life" | - | - | - | - |
Compilation appearances
- Hell Comes to Your HouseHell Comes To Your HouseHell Comes to Your House is an American Deathrock and punk compilation that chronicles the emergence of Deathrock as a genre.The album was originally released in 1981 but reissued in 1998...
(1981)- Includes "Puss 'n' Boots"
- American Youth ReportAmerican Youth ReportAmerican Youth Report is an American punk compilation originally released in 1982 and reissued on CD in 1991.-Track listing:# "One for All" - Modern Warfare# "Only Gonna Die" - Bad Religion# "Catholic Boy" - Channel 3# "Losing Battle" - Adolescents...
(1982)- Includes "Notes and Chords Mean Nothing to Me"
- Enigma VariationsEnigma Variations (album)The Enigma Variations is a compilation album of newer artists that were on Enigma Records or one of its subsidiaries. It was originally released as a double LP and cassette, but was then subsequently also released as a CD with a reduced number of tracks. The album was compiled by Steve Pross and...
(1985)- Includes "Citadel"
- Shared Vision – The Songs Of The Beatles (1993)
- Band covers Beatles song "It Won't Be LongIt Won't Be Long"It Won't Be Long" is the opening track on With The Beatles, The Beatles' second UK album, and was the first original song recorded for it. Although credited to Lennon/McCartney, it was primarily a John Lennon composition, with Paul McCartney assisting with the lyrics and...
"
- Band covers Beatles song "It Won't Be Long
- If I Were a Carpenter (1994)
- Redd Kross performs a cover of "Yesterday Once MoreYesterday Once More (song)"Yesterday Once More", written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, is a hit song by The Carpenters from their 1973 album Now & Then. Composed in the key of E, "Yesterday Once More" preceded an "Oldies Medley" on the album, consisting of nine songs from the 1960s. At the end of the song a...
"
- Redd Kross performs a cover of "Yesterday Once More
- Poptopia! Power Pop Classics of the '90s (1997)
- Includes "Lady In The Front Row"
- KISS Tribute In Japan (1998)
- With Kanako Nakayama, Redd Kross performs a cover of "Hard Luck Woman"