Dead Moon

Biography

Dead Moon was a pioneering garage rock band formed in 1987 in Portland, Oregon, by Fred Cole (guitar, vocals), Kathleen 'Toody' Cole (bass, vocals), and Andrew Loomis (drums). The band emerged from the ashes of Fred and Toody's earlier projects, including The Rats, and was born out of a desire to create raw, stripped-down rock and roll that harkened back to the genre's roots. Their music blended elements of punk, garage, blues, and proto-punk, characterized by gritty production, impassioned vocals, and a DIY ethic that permeated every aspect of their career. Dead Moon self-released their music through their own label, Tombstone Records, and recorded much of their early work in their home studio, capturing a sound that was both intimate and ferocious.

Over nearly two decades, Dead Moon became a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest underground scene, influencing countless bands with their relentless energy and independent spirit. Their dedication to authenticity and self-reliance set them apart, and they remained active until their breakup in 2006. After Dead Moon disbanded, Fred and Toody continued making music as Pierced Arrows, carrying forward the legacy of their earlier work. The band's impact endures, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of rock and punk musicians.

Fun Facts

• Dead Moon's name was inspired by a red moon Fred and Toody saw on a trip to Reno, which Fred later changed to 'Dead Moon' because he thought two four-letter words looked better.
• The band recorded much of their early music in their home, using a 1954 Presto-88 mono disc cutter, capturing a raw, intimate sound.
• Dead Moon's first gig was on September 17, 1987, and they played for only three people and the bartender.
• Fred Cole's early band The Lords served as a backing band for Frank Sinatra.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mike Tell - Manager of Fred Cole's early band The Lords (The Lords) [1964]
• Whitey Davis - Manager of The Weeds, offered steady gigs and support (The Weeds) [1966-1968]

Key Collaborators

• Andrew Loomis - Drummer for Dead Moon, integral to their sound (Dead Moon) [1987-2006]
• Kelly Halliburton - Drummer for Pierced Arrows, successor to Dead Moon (Pierced Arrows) [2007-2016]
• Hans Kestaloo - Owner of Music Maniac Records, released Dead Moon's material in Europe (Dead Moon European releases) [1990-2006]

Artists Influenced

• Pierced Arrows - Formed by Fred and Toody Cole after Dead Moon, carrying forward their musical style (Pierced Arrows albums) [2007-2016]
• Numerous garage and punk bands - Dead Moon's DIY ethic and raw sound inspired a generation of underground musicians (Various garage and punk bands) [1987-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dead Moon Night (Unknown Passage)
2. Walking on My Grave (Defiance)
3. Diamonds in the Rough (Nervous Sooner Changes)
4. 54/40 or Fight (Unknown Passage)
5. Graveyard (In the Graveyard)
6. 40 Miles of Bad Road (Trash & Burn)
7. It's O.K. (Crack in the System)
8. A Fix on You (Stranded in the Mystery Zone)
9. A Miss of You (Unknown Passage)
10. Where Did I Go Wrong (In the Graveyard)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia