The Big F
American rock band formed by ex-Berlin member John Crawford in 1988.
The Big F were an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1988. Guitarist Mark Christian joined John Crawford (ex-Berlin, bass, vocals) and Rob Brill (drums) to start the group. They signed with Elektra Records, which put out their self-titled debut album in 1989. The record didn’t chart and got mixed reviews, but two singles—“Kill the Cowboy” and “Doctor Vine”—got heavy play on MTV’s *Headbangers Ball* and *120 Minutes*, plus Long Beach radio station KNAC.
The band never broke into the mainstream but built a loyal underground following, opening for acts like Bad Religion, Soundgarden, Voivod, and T.S.O.L. In 1992, Chrysalis Records signed them and released their second album, *Is*, the following year. Though critics praised it, sales fell short of expectations, and internal tensions led to the band’s breakup soon after.
After the split, guitarist Mark Christian teamed up with bassist Kinley “Barney” Wolfe (of Lord Tracy and The Cult) in the short-lived band Milk The Cow, which released a sole self-titled album in 1996.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Hard rock / heavy metal / alternative rock / alternative metal
- Origin
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Years Active
- 1988–1995
- Label
- Elektra / Chrysalis
- Spinoff Of
- Berlin
- Past Members
- John Crawford / Rob Brill / Mark Christian / Sheldon "Algazzam" Gomberg
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Big F was formed in 1988 by John Crawford (ex-Berlin) and Rob Brill. They were joined by guitarist Mark Christian and signed to Elektra Records, which released their self-titled debut album in 1989. The album failed to chart and received mixed reviews, but the singles 'Kill the Cowboy' and 'Doctor Vine' gained considerable airplay on MTV's Headbangers Ball and 120 Minutes, as well as the Long Beach radio station KNAC.
Although The Big F never broke into the mainstream, they established a following within the underground music community, opening for bands such as Bad Religion, Soundgarden, Voivod, and T.S.O.L. In 1992, Chrysalis Records signed the band and released their second album, Is, the following year. Despite rave reviews, Is did not sell as expected, and The Big F broke up due to internal tensions.
After the breakup, guitarist Mark Christian teamed up with bassist Kinley 'Barney' Wolfe in the short-lived band Milk The Cow, which released its sole self-titled effort in 1996.
Reader's Guide
The Big F occupies a footnote in late-1980s and early-1990s rock history as a band that bridged the gap between the post-punk and alternative metal scenes. Formed by former members of the synth-pop band Berlin, The Big F represented a stylistic departure into heavier rock. Their debut album, though commercially unsuccessful, gained exposure through MTV's metal and alternative programming, helping to build an underground following. Their second album, Is, received critical praise but failed to sell, leading to the band's dissolution. The Big F's legacy is primarily as a cult act whose music found a niche audience and whose members went on to other projects, notably guitarist Mark Christian's later band Milk The Cow. The band's story illustrates the challenges faced by acts that straddle genres and fail to achieve commercial breakthrough despite critical support.
Did You Know?
- The Big F was formed by John Crawford (ex-Berlin) and Rob Brill.
- Their debut album was released on Elektra Records in 1989.
- After The Big F broke up, guitarist Mark Christian formed the short-lived band Milk The Cow with bassist Kinley 'Barney' Wolfe.
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