Wipers

Wipers were an American punk rock band formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1977. The band was led by guitarist and vocalist Greg Sage, who was the group's only constant member throughout its existence. Wipers are considered to be one of the most influential punk bands of their era.

The band's early sound was characterized by its raw, distorted guitars, driving bass, and Sage's distinctive vocals, which were often described as "whining" or "wailing." Wipers' lyrics were often dark and introspective, dealing with themes of alienation, isolation, and existential dread.

The band's debut album, Is This Real?, was released in 1980. The album was a critical and commercial failure, but it has since been hailed as a classic of the punk genre. Wipers continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including Youth of America (1981), Over the Edge (1983), and Land of the Lost (1986).

In the late 1980s, Wipers began to experiment with a more polished sound. The band's 1989 album, Follow Blind, featured a more melodic approach, and the band's lyrics became more overtly political. Wipers continued to release albums into the 1990s, but the band's popularity began to decline.

Wipers disbanded in 2000, but Sage continued to record and tour as a solo artist. He released several albums in the 2000s, including Just Men (2001), Straight Ahead (2003), and A Sides (2006).

Sage died in 2012 at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential figures in punk rock history. Wipers' music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and their albums are considered to be essential listening for anyone interested in the history of punk rock.

Here are some of the things that made Wipers such an influential band:

• Their raw, distorted sound was a major influence on the development of punk rock.
• Sage's distinctive vocals were unlike anything else in punk rock at the time.
• The band's lyrics were dark and introspective, and they dealt with themes that were often overlooked by other punk bands.
• Wipers were one of the first punk bands to experiment with a more polished sound.
• The band's influence can be heard in the music of many other punk and alternative rock bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney.

Wipers were a truly unique and groundbreaking band, and their music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.