Rocket from the Crypt
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Biography
Formed after the breakup of local band Pitchfork by frontman and lead singer Speedo (John Reis) in 1990. Other original band members included N.D. (Andy Stamets), guitar; Petey X (Pete Reichert), bass; and Atom (Adam Willard), drums.
Named after 1970s underground punk band Rocket from the Tombs, they were originally conceived as a back-to-basics rock and roll band and produced their debut, Paint as a Fragrance in 1991.
The departure of two founding members soon after nearly led to the band's demise, but instead they reinvented themselves as a punk-inspired rock'n'roll band with a horn section with the arrival of saxophone player Apollo 9 (Paul O'Beirne). The band released many seven inch vinyl singles around this time and began to attract a dedicated underground following. Their second album, Circa: Now! was released in 1992, and RFTC scored the first of many "minor" hits with "Hippy Dippy Do." Circa:Now! was re-released with four extra tracks in 2004.
The band signed to a major label, Interscope, in late 1992 and added a new member to the brass section, JC 2000 (Jason Crane). Following a hiatus while Speedo worked with his other band, Drive Like Jehu, 1995 saw a flurry of activity with the release of several seven-inches, the EP The State of Art is on Fire, and the critically acclaimed album Hot Charity. This album was accompanied by a free tour around the United States.
They also released the seven-inch vinyl record Tattoo, which was given to any fan with a RFTC tattoo anywhere on their body (RFTC also maintained a policy whereby anyone with a tattoo of the band's logo was admitted free of charge to their shows). Around this time RFTC, engaged in many interesting, and at times, seemingly ludicrous, stage antics and gimmicks. This included hosting "Tiger Feet Tonight" which was a variety show that aired on German national television. Other stage gimmicks/antics included: a raffle during a live performance, a game show wheel, which was spun to select the night's songs, lead singer Speedo breathing fire, and annual Halloween and New Year's shows. Another interesting aspect of RFTC's stage show would feature the band dressing in ornate stage costumes, which grew progressively more ornate with time.
In 1995 the band released the album Scream, Dracula, Scream, named after a Wesley Willis song. Containing the hit single On A Rope, as well as other singles Born in '69 and Young Livers, the album began to get the band recognised on a wider stage. "On A Rope" achieved considerable airplay throughout Great Britain and Europe, and "On A Rope" entered the British music charts at #4, and was #12 on MTV Europe. The following year saw a large headlining tour, supporting tours with Rancid and Soundgarden, and increased airplay.
Their fourth full length, RFTC, was released in 1998, and featured more of a 50's Greaser style than previous efforts. Around this time, RFTC were joined by Chris Prescott from Tanner, No Knife who performed as percussionist and keyboardist, although Prescott would shortly leave to play drums in San Diego band No Knife.
In 2000 Atom announced that he was leaving the band. During the year-long search for a new drummer, the band had landed a new record deal with Vagrant Records and had started working on a new release. Until a permanent drummer could be found, Superchunk drummer Jon Wurster stepped in to help record Group Sounds. After a long and extensive search, local drum hero and professional skateboarder Mario Rubalcaba took over the job as drummer. Rubalcaba - under the stage name Ruby Mars - would step in and help complete the recording of "Group Sounds."
This was followed by the studio album Live from Camp X-Ray in 2002, after which Rocket From the Crypt continued to record and play on a more infrequent basis.
In early September 2005 Reis/Speedo/The Swami announced the retirement of the band in a posting on the Swami Records and official Rocket From The Crypt websites as well as by email to fans:
"On Halloween night in San Diego, Rocket from the Crypt will be playing our farewell show. After 16 years of scars and ear damage all in the name of spreading goodwill and the Rock N Roll doctrine, we will take the stage for the last time on our favorite day of the year."
RFTC played an emotional yet typically raucous farewell show before a capacity crowd on Halloween 2005 at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel in San Diego. The band was introduced by the Mexican Elvis impersonator "El Vez", and was joined onstage by Jon Wurster who played tamborine. The band played two encores with a costume change before each, ending wearing white mariachi outfits they had worn during the mid-1990's.
Discography
Albums and EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
| 1991 | Paint as a Fragrance | Headhunter |
| 1991 | Circa: Now! | Headhunter |
| 1993 | All Systems Go | Headhunter |
| 1995 | The State of Art is on Fire | Sympathy for the Record Industry |
| 1995 | Hot Charity | Perfect Sound |
| 1995 | Scream, Dracula, Scream! | Interscope |
| 1998 | RFTC | Interscope |
| 1999 | All Systems Go II | Swami |
| 1999 | Cut Carefully and Play Loud | Flapping Jet |
| 2001 | Group Sounds | Vagrant |
| 2002 | Live from Camp X-Ray | Vagrant |