2000 - now 1999-2003 1994 1990-1992 1990 1987-1990 1986 1983-1985 1983 1982-1986 1980-1982 1976-1980 1976 1976 1976 1975-1976 1973-1974 1972-1973 1967-1970 1967 1967 1966 |
Fuzztones Rudi Protrudi & the Killbillies Rudi Protrudi & The Midnight Plowboys Fuzztones Braindrops line-up Head Hunters Fuzztones In Heat line-up L.A. Link Protrudi & The Jaymen Fuzztones Lysergic Emanation line-up The Drive-Ins Vulcan Death Grip Fuzztones original line-up N.Y.C. Tina Peel Possum Boys Suite Danger Dognappers Bush Mad Hatter Springhead Motorshark Rigor Mortis Venom Inner Mind King Arthur's Quart |
|
2000-NOW 
The Fuzztones official disbanded in 1992, and after the "In Heat"
line-up's reunion show at NY's Cavestomp in 1997 (their only NY appearance),
they played a few more shows in Los Angeles. The
"Lysergic Emanations" line-up followed suit in 1998, reuniting for
Cavestomp and a biker festival in Matera, Italy. In 2000, Rudi officially
resurrected the band, adding former Fuzztone/Bombora
organist Jake Cavalierre, former Bombora Johnny Deville on guitar,
former Outta Place drummer Andrea Kusten, and Lords of Altamont bassist
Gaybe Hammond. Jake and Johnny quit in 2001, and
were replaced by former Fuzztones Phil Arriagada on lead guitar and Deb
O' Nair on organ. This line-up toured Europe three times, and recorded
the album "Salt For Zombies" as well as the "Help
Murder Police" EP on Misty Lane. In 2004 The Fuzztones were featured as
one of the headliners on the star-studded Little Steven's Underground
Garage Festival, this time replacing Andrea with
Ramiro Nieto, and Phil (now "Batlord") with former Fuzztone Jordan
Tarlow. In 2005 Deb was replaced by Bonniwell Music Machine keyteaser Lana
Loveland, and former Tommyknocker Roger Ward
was added on drums. This line-up recorded 2 tracks which later appeared
on the Greg Shaw tribute album, "Who Put The Bomp?" and Ansia De Color
magazine CD insert. Since then the band has
included "Screamin'" Bo Pille on bass, Lenny Silver on guitar, and the
former rhythm section for Link Protrudi & the Jaymen, as well as Link
Wray, Eric Danno on bass and Rob Louwers on drums. For
the 2007 "Horny As Hell Tour", The Fuzztones introduced a 3 piece horn
section which included Lars Bonfire, Rollo Völter, as well as Stefan
Kapitzke and Steffen Zimmer, who alternated. Another
tour highlight was the return of "Mad" Mike Czekaj on drums.
The band is now in it's 28th year of existence, and is currently
finishing a new album, and plans to tour USA, Israel, Italy and Mexico are
in the works.For more info please visit www.fuzztones.net Fuzztones on Myspace 
 This Country band lasted 4 years, playing murder ballads in bars, street fairs and watermelon festivals in So. Cal. Recorded Rudi's second solo album, "Ladykiller," in 1999. Rudi released it on his Sin label in 2003. Recently re-released as part of Twist Records 2 album set, which also includes "(It's A) White Trash Thing." For more info please visit Rudi Protrudi & The Tujunga Killbillies.html Rudi Protrudi & The Tujunga Killbillies on Myspace 1994 
After flirting with the idea for two years, Rudi decided to record a
solo album and in 1994 he assembled a talented arsenal of musicians from
L.A.'s thriving Country and Rockabilly scene, named
them the Midnight Plowboys, and recorded "(It's A) White Trash Thing."
By the time it was released on Germany's Music Maniac label, the band
had already played three shows and disbanded. It would
be 5 more years before Rudi would form another Country band, which
would go on to record "Ladykiller," his second solo album. Both albums have
been re-released as a two-disc CD set
("Ladykiller") on the UK label, Twist. After it's 2007 release, Rudi
assembled a European line-up, again under the moniker "The Midnight
Plowboys," and toured Italy, Germany and Austria.For more info please visit Rudi Protrudi & The Midnight Plowboys.html Rudi Protrudi & The Midnight Plowboys on Myspace 1990-1992 
After securing Chris Barfly ne; Barfield, Rudi fired the "In Heat"
line-up (onstage at London's legendary Marquee Club) and he, Mike and Chris
went about resurrecting The Fuzztones. They recorded
"Braindrops" almost entirely as a 3 piece, which they also became, as
they resurrected Link Protrudi & The Jaymen at the same time. when the
album was nearly completed, Phil Arriagada joined,
sharing lead and rhythm guitar duties with Rudi (he only appears on 3
tracks). Although organist Jake Cavalierre's photo appears on the cover,
he joined after the album was recorded, and doesn't
appear until this line-ups following albums, "Monster A Go-Go" and
"Lysergic Ejaculations." For more info please visit www.fuzztones.net Fuzztones on Myspace 1990 
When certain members of the "In Heat" line-up started going astray
musically, Rudi assembled this Garage supergroup, in an effort to set them
straight by example. The Headhunters consisted of
Rudi and "Mad Mike," as well as Tommyknockers frontman Rich Coffee on
guitar and Chris Barfield on bass. Organ duties were handled by Groovie
Ghoulies guitarist John Rudgers. The Headhunters
played three or four well-received shows,
and looked and sounded more like The Fuzztones than The Fuzztones did
at the time,inspiring at least one reviewer to state his preference for
the Headhunters over The Fuzztones, Tommyknockers
and Ghoulies!
1987-1990 
Formed after Rudi and "Mad" Mike moved to L.A. in
1987. Although they weren't able to ressurect The
Fuzztones in NYC after their demise in 1985, most of
the L.A. line-up ended up consisting of transplanted
New Yorkers. Jordan Tarlow had been the guitarist for
NY caveteens, the Outta Place (and later San Diego's
Morlochs). Bassist John Carlucci had been with Tina
Peel's Power Pop rivals, the Speedies. The only native
Californian was organist Jason Savall.
 This line-up
was the only band from the so-called "Garage Revival"
to land a major label record deal (Beggar's
Banquet/RCA) and was a major attraction in Europe,
often headlining
large festivals. Recorded "In Heat" album, as well as
"Nine Months Later" and "Hurt On Hold" EPs.
For more info please visit www.fuzztones.net Fuzztones on Myspace 
 
1986 
After securing dream drummer "Mad" Mike Czekaj (who
Rudi had been hounding for 7 years!), Michael Jay and
Rudi began auditions for future Fuzztones, with less
than successful results. Although they auditioned
almost every musician in NY's "Garage" scene, the
right replacements could not be found. During this
time the trio started playing Link Wray covers for
their own amusement. Upon hearing them, several
musicians encouraged them to play a gig. They named
themselves after Link Wray and the Raymen, with
"Jaymen" being an obvious reference to the group's
bassist. Their debut show, opening for the A-Bones at
the Southern Funk Cafe, was an epiphany of sorts.
There were absolutely NO instrumental bands on NYC's
garage scene, and absolutely no Link Wray tribute
bands ANYWHERE. In fact, at that point, hardly anyone
had ever heard of the Godfather of Grunge! The show
went over so well they were asked to tour Canada. They
immediately wrote several originals, set up a
two-night recording session in their rehearsal studio.
Mike and Rudi left for California shortly after in
hopes of reforming The Fuzztones. Michael Jay chose to
stay behind. After the L.A. Fuzztones were formed,
Germany's Music maniac released Link Protrudi's "Drive
It Home," which initiated the band's first European
tour. Since then the band has released 5 albums and
has toured Europe extensively. For more info please visit linkprotrudi.html Link Protrudi & The Jaymen on Myspace 
1983-1985 
Reformed in 1983 at the irritating insistence of one
Michael Jay, the "Lysergic Emanations" line-up was
born. This version of the band was the only one to
ever tour America, as an opening act for the Lords of
The New Church in 1983. A live vinyl document, Leave
Your Mind At Home, served as the band's first album.
Their follow-up studio album, Lysergic Emanations, has
become a classic of the genre, and their successful
1985 tour with punk pioneers, The Damned, sent the
album to #2 on the British charts. Shunning two
interested major labels, this line-up disbanded almost
immediately after the UK tour, with Deb joining
punk-polka princesses Das Furlines, and Ira and Elan
forming the Headless Horsemen.For more info please visit www.fuzztones.net Fuzztones on Myspace 
1983 
Known primarily for having the highest
Esquirita-inspired pompadours in the entire NYC
rockabilly scene, this roots-style combo was already a
top drawing headliner in clubs like the Peppermint
Lounge when Rudi joined as bassist. Although there are
no known photos, a live video does exist. Future
Fuzztones bassist Michael Jay (who had seen The
Fuzztones at the huge Psychedelic Weekend show held at
NYC's Cavern Club) approached Rudi while he was with
the Drive-Ins, and convinced him to reform The
Fuzztones with himself on bass and his pal Elan
Portnoy on guitar. Rudi stole Drive-Ins drummer Ira
Elliot, and in 1983 The Fuzztones reformed.
1982-1986 
Around the same time that Rudi joined the Drive-Ins,
he also became involved in performance artist Ann
Magnuson's heavy metal satire band, Vulcan Death Grip.
Originally consisting of Fuzztones drummer Ira Elliot
(as Vlad the Impaler) and bassist Randy Pratt (as
Wolverine), as well as Rudi (K-Zar the Man-Beast) and
Ann (Raven). Before Spinal Tap even existed, VDG was
performing one show a year, usually at NYC's
Limelight. Their over-the-top performances always
drew for SRO crowds. During one show at the Cat Club,
K-Zar accidentally kicked a dwarf across the room. Ira
was eventually replaced with actual metal drummer Marc
Anthony as Rabid Bat, and the band was featured in Ann
Magnuson's Cinemax special, "Vandemonium." Memorable
tunes included "Eat Shit and Die," "I'm On A Holiday
In Hell and I'm Wasted," "Dusted" (about Satan teens
on Angel Dust), "Pigs Squeal In Fear," and "History of
Torture (part 2)."
By the time the Grip did their last
show (opening for Jesus and Mary Chain at the Ritz)
the band had become so believable, most of the
audience didn't realize it was a satire.
Raven was
attacked onstage by an insulted female Chain fan, who
tore her wig off during "Pigs Squeal."
 At that moment
the satire ended, as a furious Ann stuffed several
sausage links down her assailant's throat. It took
two mammoth security guards to drag the screaming
perpetrator out of the club. Press reviewers, taking
the show seriously, panned it big-time, and Ann pulled
the plug on the world's first metal satire band.
1980-1982 
 Rudi's most notorious band began as a side project for Tina Peel. In fact, the Fabulous Fuzztones, as they were first named, was Tina Peel, but in different stage attire. The Fabulous Fuzztones actually opened for Tina Peel for at least one gig. When Tina Peel had run it's course, The "Fabulous" was dropped and The Fuzztones were born. The rest of Tina Peel went off to other pursuits and Randy Pratt (bass) and Michael Phillips (drums) became the nucleus for the original version of The Fuzztones. There wasn't much interest in NYC's only 60's style garage band, and after two years this line-up broke up. For more info please visit www.fuzztones.net Fuzztones on Myspace 1976-1980 
Rudi's bubblegum-punk band started in
Harrisburg, and moved to NYC in 1977. Headlined major
NYC clubs such as the Mudd Club, CBGB, Irving Plaza,
and Hurrah. Very big on the Washington, DC scene.
Opened for the Misfits, 999, Cherry Vanilla,
Stranglers, Slits, Wreckless Eric,Split Enz, D.L. Byron, and
Gary U.S. Bonds. With their clashing black & white
polka dot & striped stage attire, and their Farfisa
organ and 3 part harmonies, Tina Peel were one of the
first bands to initiate the look and sound that would
later be defined as "New Wave." Released 2 singles in
the late 70's. In 2003, italy's Misty Lane released a
vinyl album, which included many unreleased studio
tracks. Of special note: Before the band was officially
formed, Tina Peel's demos were recorded in
Pennsylvania in 1976 by a group of local musicians
that included future Rat At Rat R voclaist Victor
Poisontette and future Punk Rock Janitors (and
ex-Springhead Motorshark) drummer Jack Bertolette.
Victor's girlfriend, Carol Krautheim was one of the
three backing singers. She went on to become the
band's organist, Deb O' Nair. For more info please visit tinapeel.html Tina Peel on Myspace 
1976  Although Rudi was not actually IN this bluegrass band, he and Deb would often sing harmonies for them at their gigs, and Rudi played bass on their recording of "Flushin' My Blues Away." Band pictured at Westa Recording Studio. 1976 
Rudi played guitar with the Dognappers during the day
and bass for two terrible cover bands on the weekends,
to save money to move from Pennsylvania to NYC. Suite
Danger played the current top 40 hits. It paid the
rent.
 1976 
Rudi and Deb O' Nair joined bluegrass folkie Don Judy
to form this band, which played country, hillbilly,
folk, rock & roll and standards to captive audiences
(nursing homes, prisons, mental institutions) as part
of a government sponsored CETA program. An old lady
died in her wheelchair while the band played "You Are
My Sunshine." Rudi had told Lux Interior about their
gigs at the loony bin, which inspired the Cramps to
play NAPA State mental hospital a year later.
1975-1976 
Rudi switches from guitar to bass for this
Pennsylvania cover band, specializing in ZZ Top, Robin
Trower, Flash, and Tubes covers.
Played many bars and nightclubs.Tony Uhrich-lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar;
Don Intrieri-lead & rhythm guitar, vocals; Brad Farnsler-drums, vocals; Rudi Protrudi-bass, vocals
1973-1974 
Cover band specializing in Aerosmith, 10cc, Lynrd
Skynrd and David Bowie tunes.
Played loads of high school dances. From top to
bottom: Tony Uhrich-lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar; Dave-drums; Rudi Protrudi-lead guitar, vocals; Ray Rossi-bass,lead & backing vocals
1972-1973 
As much a gang as a band, these bunch of juvenile
delinquents featured an ex-Pagans motorcycle gang
member as singer/flautist. Every member had done jail
time, Rudi's "stay" being the shortest (one night).
Played the college circuit, as well as festivals.
repertoire consisted mostly of Jethro Tull, Alice
Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult and Bloodrock covers, with a
few originals thrown in when they could get away with
it. They recorded a single in 1972, "Rapa's Little
Schoolgirl," b/w "Rock On 18" on the Baldwin Studios
label. From left to right: Tony Uhrich-lead & rhythm guitar, vocals; Jim Lane-bass, vocals; Dan O'Hara-keyboards; Brad Farnsler-drums; Rapa-lead vocals, flute, sax;
Rudi Protrudi-lead & rhythm guitar, vocals 
1967-1970 
This band was way ahead of their time. Bigler, the
singer, did Iggy Pop's whole act TWO YEARS before the
Stooges debuted! Original songs included "Penis
Between Us, " and "Crotch Rot," the latter being the
band's "finale" where Bigler would strip to the waist,
drag P.A. columns to the floor and hump them, jump
into the audience and crawl on his belly, hump girls
up against the wall and run out of the venue
screaming. The band was banned from almost every place
it played until Bigler's parents had him committed to
a "special school." He was replaced with Craig
Stouffer who sang with them from late 1967 to 1970,
when they appeared on Hershey, PA. TV show "Weekend."
 Band played many local bars, usually accompanying
topless go-go girls. Another version of the band
played up until 1971, and even ventured to Asbury
Park, New Jersey to play the Upstage Club, where, at
the time, Little Steven Van Zandt worked as a talent
booker. An in-depth article on the band appears in a
back issue of Misty Lane magazine, and Misty Lane
Records included the live track, "Bandit," on their
"Basementsville compilation. First line-up: Bigler Brandt-lead vocals, gyrations; Ben Stuart-bass; Barry Cupp-lead guitar; Bruce Meglio-drums,Rudi Protrudi:lead guitar; Second line-up: Steve Graf-lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Linda-organ; Ben Stuart-bass; Bruce Meglio-drums; Rudi Protrudi:lead guitar; Third line-up: Al Cook-bass; Craig Stouffer-lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Rudi Protrudi-lead guitar; Bruce Meglio-drums; Scott Killian-organ Fourth line-up: Kevin Murphy: lead vocals, blues harp;Rudi Protrudi-lead & rhythm guitar; Jeff Patterson-lead & rhythm guitar; Ben Stuart-bass; Howard Wetzel-drums 
1967 
Even more short lived than the Inner Mind, this band
rehaearsed one or two times and broke up. Luckily
Rudi's dad had a camera. From left to right: Bigler Brandt-lead vocals Dennis Aucker-drums Mark Bitting-bass Rudi Protrudi-rhythm guitar 1967 
This short lived band formed almost immediately after the demise of King Arthur's Quart, and played only once, at a parade on a truck. Steve Graf-lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Rudi Protrudi-lead guitar; Ben Stuart-bass; Bruce Meglio-drums; Mac-backing vocals, tambourine. 1966 
Rudi's first band, which played junior high school sock hops, fire hall teen dances and parties in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Their set consisted mostly of covers of cover versions, usually 3 chord top Forty hits like "Hang On Sloopy," "Gloria" and "Louie Louie," although they did play Rudi's first original song, "Penis Between Us," as well as a few more that would later be transformed into Fuzztones songs. In 2004, Misty Lane released "KING ARTHUR'S QUART - LIVE AT ALLEN JR. HIGH 1966," a 5 song 45. A full length CD is available through Sin Records. Bigler Brandt-lead vocals, tambourine; Dan Devincent-lead vocals, tambourine; Rudi Protrudi-lead & rhythm guitar; Barry Cupp-lead & rhythm guitar; Dana Patterson-bass; Paul Adjan-drums; Mike-organ. |