RED ROCKERS

Biography

Red Rockers were a New Orleans-based band formed in 1979 by John Thomas Griffith, James Singletary, and Darren Hill, who bonded over a shared passion for the burgeoning punk movement. Initially performing as the Rat Finks and covering songs by the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and Stiff Little Fingers, the group soon shifted to original material, inspired by their political views and personal experiences as young Americans during the Reagan era. Their debut album, 'Condition Red' (1981), was a raw, left-wing punk statement that earned them the moniker 'the American Clash.'

After relocating to Los Angeles and signing with 415 Records, Red Rockers evolved their sound, embracing a more melodic new wave and jangle pop style. This shift culminated in their 1983 hit 'China,' which reached #19 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart and received regular MTV airplay. Their subsequent albums, including 'Good as Gold' and 'Schizophrenic Circus,' showcased a broader pop sensibility, but the band ultimately disbanded in 1985. Despite their brief run, Red Rockers are remembered as pioneers who bridged punk’s political urgency with the accessible hooks of early '80s new wave.

Fun Facts

• Red Rockers took their name from a song by the California punk band The Dils, 'Red Rockers Rule.'
• Their biggest hit, 'China,' was a departure from their punk roots and became a staple on MTV in 1983.
• Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys fame sang on their cover of 'Folsom Prison Blues' and let the band crash on his couch.
• The band once got paid $100 to stop playing at a party in New Orleans, reflecting the city's initial resistance to punk.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Dils - Major stylistic influence; the band took their name from a Dils song and modeled their early political punk approach after them. (Inspired by 'Red Rockers Rule' and the Dils' punk ethos.) [1979-1981]
• The Clash - Inspirational influence; Red Rockers were often called 'the American Clash' for their political lyrics and punk style. (Influenced early songwriting and performance style.) [1979-1981]

Key Collaborators

• John Thomas Griffith - Founding member, lead singer/guitarist, principal songwriter. (All Red Rockers albums.) [1979-1985]
• James Singletary - Founding member, guitarist. (All Red Rockers albums.) [1979-1985]
• Darren Hill - Founding member, bassist. (All Red Rockers albums.) [1979-1985]
• Patrick (Butler) Jones - Drummer who joined after the band relocated to Los Angeles. (Condition Red and subsequent albums.) [1980s]
• Jello Biafra - Guest vocalist; sang on the band's cover of 'Folsom Prison Blues.' ('Folsom Prison Blues' (Condition Red bonus track).) [Early 1980s]
• David Kahne - Producer who shaped the band's songwriting and pop direction. (Condition Red, Good as Gold.) [1981-1984]

Artists Influenced

• Cowboy Mouth - John Thomas Griffith went on to co-found this band, carrying forward Red Rockers' melodic sensibility. (Cowboy Mouth discography.) [1990s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. China (Good As Gold)
2. Eve of Destruction (Schizophrenic Circus (Expanded Edition))
3. Shades of '45 (Schizophrenic Circus (Expanded Edition))
4. Good As Gold (Good As Gold)
5. Just Like You (Schizophrenic Circus (Expanded Edition))
6. Change The World Around (Good As Gold)
7. Guns Of Revolution (Condition Red)
8. Dreams Fade Away (Good As Gold)
9. 'Til It All Falls Down (Good As Gold)
10. Running Away From You (Good As Gold)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia