Jesus Lizard / Scratch Acid

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Scratch Acid was formed in 1982 in Austin, Texas. Initial line-up included Steve Anderson, David Wm. Sims, Brett Bradford, David Yow and Rey Washam. Anderson was kicked out of the band, however, before they even started recording an album.

Their first two albums – self-titled 1984 album and 1986 “Just Keep Eating” came out on Rabid Cat label and the rest of their work – Berserker EP (1987) and posthumous compilation “The Greatest Gift” came out on “Touch & Go Records”.

Jesus Lizard was formed shortly after the breakup of Scratch Acid, when David Yow relocated from Texas to Chicago and teamed up with Duane Denison (Cargo Cult). He also recruited David Wm. Sims from Scratch Acid and early on they used drum machine, before adding drummer Mac McNeilly for their first EP “Pure”.

In the following years, they produced a whole number of albums, including their most acclaimed record – 1991 “Goat”. While they never achieved a worldwide popularity, they still remained a much beloved underground band and even signed to Capitol Records in 1995, which allowed them to perform at Lollapolooza festival and led to their song “Panic In Cicero” being featured in a soundtrack to a movie “Clerks”.

Their 1996 album “Shot” was produced by GGGarth, audio engineer who worked with the likes of Kerbdog, Rage Against The Machine, Ugly Kid Joe and many others. This was preceded by falling out with Steve Albini, who stopped supporting band due to his dislike of major labels.

“Shot” was an entirely different album than its predecessors – Yow’s vocals were now higher in the mix and drums were not as compressed as on previous albums. However, the album received mixed reviews.

Their final studio album – 1998 “Blue” was produced by Andy Gill from Gang of Four and featured drummer Jim Kimball who replaced Mac McNeilly. The following year, they announced their breakup, with 1999 compilation “Bang” gathering some of their rare material from EPs and singles.

After the split, Duane Denison went on to play with Tomahawk (along with Mike Patton from Faith No More and John Stanier from Helmet) and he’s also involved in Denison-Kimball Trio (which is actually a duo). He also formed USSA together with Paul Barker from Ministry.

In 2006, Yow and Sims reunited Scratch Acid and played a sold out show at Emo’s club and also appeared at Touch&Go 25 Anniversary.

David Wm. Sims works as an accountant, while David Yow worked as a graphic designer before joining Los Angeles band Qui.

Lo and behold – Jesus Lizard is back! According to Stereogum website, the band is going to play some live dates in 2009 at All Tomorrow Parties festival.

Band members:

Scratch Acid

Brett Bradford

David Sims (Botanica, Love Interest, Rapeman)

David Yow (Pigface, Qui)

Rey Washam (Big Boys, Daddy Longhead, Didjits, Lard, Ministry, Rapeman, Tad)

Jesus Lizard

David Yow (Pigface, Qui)

David Sims (Botanica, Love Interest, Rapeman)

Duane Denison (Cargo Cult, Denison Kimball Trio, Firewater, Pigface, Tomahawk, USSA)

Jim Kimball (Denison Kimball Trio, Firewater, Laughing Hyenas, Mule, Spinanes)

Mac McNeilly (86, Phantom 309)