The Fuzztones have achieved
legendary status as cult faves during their 27 year career. Their fiery
brand of Garage-Psych-Punk pre-dated the entire "Garage Revival" of the
1980's and has influenced hundreds of groups, some quite famous. Born in
the summer of 1980 in the bowels of NYC's Lower East side, The Fuzztones
were soon regulars at legendary NYC hotspots such as CBGB, and the Mudd Club.
By utilizing the fuzzbox (an antiquated effects pedal used by many 60's groups
to achieve overly distorted "psychedelic" guitar sounds), the band created
a raunchy sound they referred to as "Grunge"...(On their 1984 debut single,
"Bad News Travels Fast", lead guitarist Elan Portnoy is credited as playing
"lead grunge", at least a decade before the Seattle Grunge Invasion)! Complete
with paisley and leather attire, genuine human bone necklaces, The Fuzztones
influenced the fashions of bands as diverse as the Hoodoo Gurus (who also
modified the Fuzztones infamous skull and crossed Vox Phantom guitars logo
for use on one of their album covers) to Marc Almond (who aped The Fuzztones
by wearing black turtlenecks with bone necklaces) to the X-rated Dwarves
logo, which was stolen from the Fuzztones "Lysergic Ejaculations" cover.
The band's classic video for "Ward 81" even inspired the legendary Ramones,
whose "Psychotherapy" video copies several scenes directly from the Fuzztones'
masterpiece, as did the glitter-rock docu-film "Velvet Goldmine"!
The Fuzztones' first European tour in 1985, a 3 month onslaught of England, Wales, Scotland,
Germany and Italy, firmly established the band with a dedicated, and avid
following that continues to this day! Their 1985 debut studio LP, "Lysergic
Emanations" has achieved major cult status, and has been released by 4 different
labels over the last 23 years, the combined sales of which has assured gold
record status! The Fuzztones have toured Europe fervently since 1985, and
have headlined major venues in Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Norway, Sweden,
Belgium, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland,
as well as Canada, Israel, and Mexico. During their illustrious 27 year career
they have appeared on 62 vinyl and CD releases, including at least 13 albums,
countless singles, and compilations, not to mention 5 videos, several television
and radio appearances, and countless major press articles (NME, Sounds, Melody
Maker, Rockerilla, Hit Parade, US,Rolling Stone, Mojo, and more). They were the only band involved
in the 80's "Garage Revival" to obtain a major label record deal (RCA).
Among the band's fans were such high-profile rock celebrities as MTV's Martha Quinn,
and the Cult's Ian Astbury, who offen joined the band onstage for impromptu guest
appearances.
By 1992 the band had run it's course, as various members retreated to their side projects
(Link Protrudi & the Jaymen, Bomboras, etc). After a five year hiatus, the band reformed
for a handfull of reunion shows. In 2000, Rudi reformed the band for good.
After releasing several singles the band returned to Europe and has been touring
consistantly ever since. Their 2003 album, "Salt For Zombies" received rave reviews, subsequently
garnering major press (Rolling Stone, Mojo). The band is currently writing material
for a new album, and planing an upcoming US tour.
Stay tuned!
Visit Ghastly Cast for more pics!
read more about the history
What did Rudi do before the Fuzztones?
