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The Butthole Surfers: A Unique and Controversial Band
Founded in 1981, the Butthole Surfers are an American rock band hailing from San Antonio, Texas. They are known for their unique blend of punk, psychedelic, and experimental music, as well as their wild and often controversial live performances. Over the years, they have released a number of critically acclaimed albums and gained a cult following among fans of alternative and underground music.
The Butthole Surfers were founded by vocalist Gibby Haynes and guitarist Paul Leary, who met while attending Trinity University in San Antonio. They were joined by bassist Jeffrey Pinkus and drummer King Coffey, and soon began performing at local clubs and bars. In 1983, they released their first single, "Butthole Surfers," on their own record label, Latino Buggerveil. The single quickly gained attention for its provocative name and sexually explicit lyrics, and the band soon became known for their controversial and often shocking music.
In 1984, the Butthole Surfers released their first full-length album, "Psychic... Powerless... Another Man's Sac." The album was recorded in a converted warehouse, and featured a raw and lo-fi sound that was heavily influenced by punk and psychedelia. It included songs like "The Shah Sleeps in Lee Harvey's Grave" and "Human Cannonball," which were characterized by distorted guitars, abrasive vocals, and absurdist lyrics. The album was met with mixed reviews, but it established the Butthole Surfers as a unique and provocative band.
Commercial Success and Controversy
In 1986, the Butthole Surfers signed with Touch and Go Records and released their second full-length album, "Rembrandt Pussyhorse." The album featured a more polished sound and included songs like "Graveyard" and "Something," which showcased the band's ability to blend punk, psychedelia, and experimental music. The album was well-received by critics and helped the Butthole Surfers gain a wider audience.
In 1987, the Butthole Surfers released their third album, "Locust Abortion Technician," which was their most commercially successful to date. The album included the single "Pittsburgh to Lebanon," which received airplay on college radio stations, and the band embarked on a tour to promote the album. However, their live performances were often controversial and featured explicit lyrics, nudity, and simulated sex acts, which led to several shows being shut down by the authorities.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Butthole Surfers continued to release albums and tour, but their music became increasingly experimental and avant-garde. They released albums like "Hairway to Steven" and "Double Live" which featured unconventional song structures and unconventional instrumentation. They also experimented with electronic music and collaborated with artists like John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and William Burroughs.
