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Revision as of 14:30, 4 August 2006 edit128.83.205.135 (talk) Tim Kerr and Mike Carroll started Poison 13 and Chris was asked to join.Poison 13 was not a substitution for The Big Boys.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 04:46, 13 January 2025 edit undoRMCD bot (talk | contribs)Bots, Template editors1,003,426 edits Notifying subject page of move discussion on Talk:Big Boys 
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{{for|the British television sitcom|Big Boys (TV series)}}
The '''Big Boys''' were a pioneering ] who are credited with helping introduce the new style of ] that became popular in the 1980s.
{{Short description|American punk rock band}}
<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=Big Boys (band)|2=Talk:Big Boys#Requested move 13 January 2025}}
</noinclude>{{Refimprove|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Big Boys
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| origin = ], United States
| genre = ], ], ], ], ]
| years_active = 1979–1984
| label = Moment Productions<br>Wasted Talent<br>]
| website =
| past_members = ]<br>]<br>Chris Gates<br>Steve Collier<br>Greg Murray<br>Fred Schultz<br>]
}}


'''Big Boys''' were an American pioneering ] band who are credited with having helped to create and introduce ] as a new style of music, which became popular in the 1980s. They also were famous for bringing elements of ] into their hardcore punk style.
Based in ] the band members were ] on vocals, Tim Kerr on ] and Chris Gates on ]. Over the years the group played with four ] in all; Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Shultz and ]. The hardcore punk style, a development from the earlier ] sound, arose spontaneously in various cities but in Austin it was represented by ], Big Boys and ]. The bands often played with each other, and Big Boys and The Dicks released a split single and an LP, ''Live At Raul's'', together. Big Boys shows were legendary, frequently involving food fights, 'Biscuit' in a tutu or dress, and invitations to the audience to come up and sing along, which often occurred. At the end of early shows the band was famous for yelling, "OK y'all, go start your own band". The Big Boys are credited as well with the introduction of ] rhythms to hardcore, producing ], an innovation influential on later bands such as ]. They were also involved in the ] scene, featured in ''Thrasher'' skateboarding magazine and videos, and had their own Big Boys ]. After a ] show in Austin that ended badly and controversy involving Biscuit (and later inspired the song "Pay to Come Along" by ]) conflicts began to arise within the band, specificly between Biscuit And Chris. The Big Boys played their last show very unexpectedly. Biscuit and Chris never spoke to each other again.


==History==
Tim Kerr went on to play with many bands, including ],Bad Mutha Goose,Monkeywrench,Jack O Fire,Lord High Fixers and, in ], ].He has also been involved with recording lots of bands. Chris Gates was also with Poison 13 and ] but his last outfit was ]. Of their drummers, Rey Washam has played consistently with such groups as ], ], and ]. Randy Turner has performed with ], Cargo Cult, and ], the latter band contributing the song "All Broke Down" to ]' ''Outpunk Dance Party'' compilation. In ] the ] band ] released the song "Ode", a homage to Randy 'Biscuit' Turner and Gary Floyd of The Dicks and, as well, ] of ] as inspirational openly ] men in the hardcore punk scene. Big Boys were innovative in many ways and were influential in the direction music and music scenes would take in their wake. Randy Turner was found dead from ] complications in his home on August 18, 2005.
===Formation===
Formed in 1977 in ], United States,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cummings |first=Chris |date=March 1985 |title=Big Boys Interview |url=https://archive.org/details/BombFactoryNumber3AnchorageAK/mode/1up |journal=Bomb Factory |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> the original band members were ] on vocals, ] on ] and Chris Gates on ]. The key members of the band were childhood friends for a decade before the band was started.<ref name=flip>Al Kowalewski and Holly Duval Cornell, "Big Boys," ''Flipside,'' whole no 32 (August 1982), pg. 12.</ref> Over the years the group played with five ]s in all; Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Schultz, ] and Kevin Tubb who played only one show (the band's first) because Collier was sick.


The hardcore punk style, a development from the earlier ] sound, arose spontaneously in various cities, but in Austin it was represented by ], Big Boys, the Huns, ] and ]. The bands often played together; Big Boys and the Dicks jointly released a split single and an LP, ''Live At Raul's''.

Big Boys shows were legendary, frequently involving food fights, with "Biscuit" frequently sporting a pink ] and pink cowboy boots.<ref name=flip /> Invitations would be made to the audience to come up and sing along, which often occurred. At the end of early shows, the band was famous for yelling, "OK y'all, go start your own band."

Queried about his sexuality by ''Flipside'' magazine in 1982, "Biscuit" Turner replied:

<blockquote>
"I don't know if I want to answer that or not because it doesn't make any difference if I'm gay or not, I'm a human being and my sexual preference doesn't play into my lifestyle. It comes from my heart and I want people to look at me and say I'm a human being — don't ask me about what 5% of my life is."<ref name=flip /></blockquote>

===Musical importance===

Big Boys are credited as well with the introduction of ] rhythms to ], producing ], an innovation influential on later bands such as ], who actually opened up for the Big Boys in Hollywood, leading to Red Hot Chili Peppers being referred to as "the Little Big Boys". This credit is due in no small part to the addition of a horn section, the Impromptu Horns, spearheaded by Chris Gates' brother, Nathan. The Impromptu Horns played mainly local shows, and played on some of the funkiest tracks recorded by Big Boys. Horn players included Nathan Gates, David Kitto and ] on trombones; Brent Fawns and David Griffy on trumpets.

They were also one of the first bands involved in the ] scene, appearing in '']'' skateboarding magazine and on ''Thrasher'''s ] compilation records, and had their own Big Boys ], the artwork of which was designed by the members themselves and produced by ]. After a ] show in Austin that ended in controversy involving Biscuit (and later inspired the songs "Brickwall" by Big Boys and "Pay to Come Along" by ]), conflicts began to arise within the band, specifically between Biscuit and Chris. Big Boys played their last show very unexpectedly. Biscuit and Chris never spoke to each other again.{{Citation Needed|date=December 2024}}

===Aftermath===
Tim Kerr went on to play with many bands, including ], Bad Mutha Goose, Monkeywrench, Jack O Fire, Lord High Fixers and, in 2004, ].

Chris Gates was also with Poison 13, ] and ]. Gates can currently be heard fronting Big Chris Gates and Gatesville, a southern-fried country group based in Austin.

Horn player ] became an astronaut and commander of the ].

Drummer Rey Washam has played consistently with such groups as ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2005-11-04/306939/|title=STB/Jerryskids: Mars Needs Women and Other Big Hits Album Review|website=Austinchronicle.com|accessdate=16 September 2020}}</ref> ], ], and ]. Original drummer Steve Collier switched from drums to guitar and formed Doctors' Mob, whose first album was produced by Chris Gates, and later played in the Sidehackers and the Rite Flyers.

Randy Turner performed with ], ], and ], the latter band contributing the song "All Broke Down" to ]' compilation, '']''. Randy Turner was found dead from ] complications in his home on August 18, 2005, at the same time he was featured on the cover of that week's '']''.

The Big Boys also appeared in the well-reviewed 2006 ] film, '']''. Their song "]" appeared on the soundtrack.

Big Boys were innovative in many ways and were influential in the direction music and music scenes would take in their wake.

==Discography==
===Singles=== ===Singles===
*''Frat Cars'' 7" single (1980) on Big Boys Records *''Frat Cars'' 7" single (1980) on Big Boys Records
*''Wipe Out/ I'm Sorry'' ] ] promo 7" *''Wipe Out/I'm Sorry'' ] ] promo 7"
*''Recorded Live At Raul's Club'' a double 7" split with ] (1980) on ] *''Fun, Fun, Fun...'' 12" EP (1982) on ]
*''Fun Fun Fun'' 12" EP (1982) on ]


===Albums=== ===Albums===
*''Live At Raul's'' split LP with The Dicks (1980) on ] (1981) *'']'' split LP with the Dicks (1980) on ] (1981)
*''Where's My Towel/Industry Standard'' on ] (1981) *'']'' on ] (1981)
*''Lullabies Help The Brain Grow'' on Moment Productions (1983) *''Lullabies Help the Brain Grow'' on Moment Productions (1983)
*''No Matter How Long The Line At The Cafeteria, There's Always A Seat'' on Enigma (1984) *''No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat'' on Enigma (1984)


===See also=== ===Compilations===
*''Thrasher Magazine Skate Rock!, Vol.1'' (High Speed Productions, 1983)
*''Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 2'' (], 1984)
*''Wreck Collection'' LP on The Unseen Hand (1988) (reissued on CD by Gern Blandsten in 2002).
*''The Skinny Elvis'' CD on ] (1993)
*''The Fat Elvis'' CD on ] (1993)
*''Lullabies Help the Brain Grow/No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat'' double LP on X-Mist Records (2004)
*''Texas Funk Compilation'' Cass. on ] (1990)

==See also==
*] *]


==References==
⚫ ===External links===
{{Reflist}}

⚫ ==External links==
* *
* *
* - Big Boys interview from 1983
* at ]

{{Authority control}}


] {{DEFAULTSORT:Big Boys}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 04:46, 13 January 2025

For the British television sitcom, see Big Boys (TV series). American punk rock band
A request that this article title be changed to Big Boys (band) is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed.
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The Big Boys
OriginAustin, Texas, United States
GenresPunk rock, skate punk, funk punk, hardcore punk, post-punk
Years active1979–1984
LabelsMoment Productions
Wasted Talent
Enigma Records
Past membersRandy "Biscuit" Turner
Tim Kerr
Chris Gates
Steve Collier
Greg Murray
Fred Schultz
Rey Washam

Big Boys were an American pioneering punk rock band who are credited with having helped to create and introduce skate punk as a new style of music, which became popular in the 1980s. They also were famous for bringing elements of funk into their hardcore punk style.

History

Formation

Formed in 1977 in Austin, Texas, United States, the original band members were Randy "Biscuit" Turner on vocals, Tim Kerr on guitar and Chris Gates on bass. The key members of the band were childhood friends for a decade before the band was started. Over the years the group played with five drummers in all; Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Schultz, Rey Washam and Kevin Tubb who played only one show (the band's first) because Collier was sick.

The hardcore punk style, a development from the earlier punk sound, arose spontaneously in various cities, but in Austin it was represented by MDC, Big Boys, the Huns, the Skunks and the Dicks. The bands often played together; Big Boys and the Dicks jointly released a split single and an LP, Live At Raul's.

Big Boys shows were legendary, frequently involving food fights, with "Biscuit" frequently sporting a pink ballerina's tutu and pink cowboy boots. Invitations would be made to the audience to come up and sing along, which often occurred. At the end of early shows, the band was famous for yelling, "OK y'all, go start your own band."

Queried about his sexuality by Flipside magazine in 1982, "Biscuit" Turner replied:

"I don't know if I want to answer that or not because it doesn't make any difference if I'm gay or not, I'm a human being and my sexual preference doesn't play into my lifestyle. It comes from my heart and I want people to look at me and say I'm a human being — don't ask me about what 5% of my life is."

Musical importance

Big Boys are credited as well with the introduction of funk rhythms to hardcore punk, producing funk metal, an innovation influential on later bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, who actually opened up for the Big Boys in Hollywood, leading to Red Hot Chili Peppers being referred to as "the Little Big Boys". This credit is due in no small part to the addition of a horn section, the Impromptu Horns, spearheaded by Chris Gates' brother, Nathan. The Impromptu Horns played mainly local shows, and played on some of the funkiest tracks recorded by Big Boys. Horn players included Nathan Gates, David Kitto and Tim Kopra on trombones; Brent Fawns and David Griffy on trumpets.

They were also one of the first bands involved in the skatepunk scene, appearing in Thrasher skateboarding magazine and on Thrasher's Skate Rock compilation records, and had their own Big Boys skateboard, the artwork of which was designed by the members themselves and produced by Zorlac Skateboards. After a Bad Brains show in Austin that ended in controversy involving Biscuit (and later inspired the songs "Brickwall" by Big Boys and "Pay to Come Along" by MDC), conflicts began to arise within the band, specifically between Biscuit and Chris. Big Boys played their last show very unexpectedly. Biscuit and Chris never spoke to each other again.

Aftermath

Tim Kerr went on to play with many bands, including Poison 13, Bad Mutha Goose, Monkeywrench, Jack O Fire, Lord High Fixers and, in 2004, the Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee.

Chris Gates was also with Poison 13, Junkyard and Charter Bulldogs. Gates can currently be heard fronting Big Chris Gates and Gatesville, a southern-fried country group based in Austin.

Horn player Tim Kopra became an astronaut and commander of the International Space Station.

Drummer Rey Washam has played consistently with such groups as Jerryskids, Scratch Acid, Rapeman, and Ministry. Original drummer Steve Collier switched from drums to guitar and formed Doctors' Mob, whose first album was produced by Chris Gates, and later played in the Sidehackers and the Rite Flyers.

Randy Turner performed with the Slurpees, Cargo Cult, and Swine King, the latter band contributing the song "All Broke Down" to Outpunk Records' compilation, Outpunk Dance Party. Randy Turner was found dead from Hepatitis C complications in his home on August 18, 2005, at the same time he was featured on the cover of that week's The Austin Chronicle.

The Big Boys also appeared in the well-reviewed 2006 Sundance film, American Hardcore. Their song "Brickwall" appeared on the soundtrack.

Big Boys were innovative in many ways and were influential in the direction music and music scenes would take in their wake.

Discography

Singles

Albums

Compilations

  • Thrasher Magazine Skate Rock!, Vol.1 (High Speed Productions, 1983)
  • Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 2 (CD Presents, 1984)
  • Wreck Collection LP on The Unseen Hand (1988) (reissued on CD by Gern Blandsten in 2002).
  • The Skinny Elvis CD on Touch and Go Records (1993)
  • The Fat Elvis CD on Touch and Go Records (1993)
  • Lullabies Help the Brain Grow/No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat double LP on X-Mist Records (2004)
  • Texas Funk Compilation Cass. on Rastaman Work Ethic Productions (1990)

See also

References

  1. Cummings, Chris (March 1985). "Big Boys Interview". Bomb Factory – via Internet Archive.
  2. ^ Al Kowalewski and Holly Duval Cornell, "Big Boys," Flipside, whole no 32 (August 1982), pg. 12.
  3. "STB/Jerryskids: Mars Needs Women and Other Big Hits Album Review". Austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 16 September 2020.

External links

Categories: