J Church
J Church was an American punk rock band from San Francisco, California. Formed in 1979, the band was one of the first to emerge from the city's burgeoning punk scene. J Church was known for their energetic live performances and their eclectic mix of musical influences.
The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Joey Vanzandt, guitarist Paul "Flounder" Curran, bassist Peter Lauffer, and drummer John "Hellmouth" Curry. J Church quickly gained a reputation for their wild live shows, which often featured stage diving, moshing, and other forms of audience participation. The band's music was also eclectic, drawing on influences from punk, rockabilly, and even country music.
In 1980, J Church released their debut album, "The Art of Self-Defense". The album was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish the band as one of the leading lights of the San Francisco punk scene. J Church followed up with two more albums, "Embarrassment" (1981) and "Pre-Conceived" (1982).
J Church disbanded in 1983, but the band's legacy continued to live on. The band's music has been praised by critics and fans alike for its originality and energy. J Church has also been credited with helping to pave the way for other San Francisco punk bands, such as Dead Kennedys and Flipper.
In 2008, J Church reunited for a series of live shows. The band also released a new album, "The Great American Lost Cause", in 2010.
J Church's music is characterized by its energetic punk rock sound, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. The band's lyrics often dealt with social and political issues, such as nuclear disarmament, racism, and homophobia. J Church was also known for their sense of humor, which was often evident in their lyrics and stage banter.
J Church was a pioneering punk rock band that helped to define the sound of the San Francisco punk scene. The band's music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.