One of the most entertaining and influential of the puk bands that emerged in the late 70's in Los Angeles, CA, FEAR consisted of Lee Ving(Vocals,guitar,harmonica), Philo Cramer(guitar), Derf Scratch(bass) and Johnny Backbeat (drums). Formed in 1978, the band's sarcastic, almost nihilistic, stance, captured on Penelope Spheeris's The Decline of the Western Civilization film, formed the basis of a recorded career that never quit captured the bands stroppy, chaotic live shows. The debut album The Record was, nevertheless, a searing document of the bands potent rock 'n' roll , despite some primitave attitudes to women and homosexuals. Animated by a musical ability far beyond many of their peers, and fortified by Ving's bar blues vocal presence, it is one of only two essential FEAR recordings within a limited discography. The other was the band's debut single, "I Love Living in the City", a sneering put-down of Hollywood. Their most famous live appearence, meanwhile, came as Halloween guests on the syndicated Saturday Night Live television show. in true punk style, the event ended in chaos and controversy, with the station quite appauled at the "slam dancing" generated by FEAR fans that accompanied the filming. Later in 1982 Scratch was replaced by future Red Hot Chili Peppers bass player Flea in the time for the release of "Fuck Christmas". Shortly afterwards Lorenzo (formerly of the Dickies) became the permanent bass player. In 1985 More Beer repeated the debut album's formula, with occasional stylistic variation but little else to recommened it. it featured drummer Spit Stix, who was formerly in the Nina Hagen band. In 1986 FEAR was invited to do a live, free at that, recording for local radio station KLOS.The album was titled FEAR Live for the Record. Since the recording was to be live on the air Lee was not allowed to use any profain words. He tried very hard to hold back but with the occasional slip, the album was a definite success. Years Later in 1992, with new members, besides Ving and Lorenzo, FEAR recorded Have Another Beer with FEAR. FEAR was and still is one of the best punk rock bands to ever be. FEAR is still spreading the word of chaos in clubs near you. Believe me, once you hear FEAR you will never look at things the same way again. MORE BEER!!! MORE BEER!!!
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