Dropdead
American hardcore punk band formed in Providence, Rhode Island in 1991.
Dropdead is a hardcore punk band from Providence, Rhode Island, formed in January 1991. Their songs are typically very short and fast, with most under two minutes. The band follows a strict DIY approach.
The band formed as Dropdead in January 1991, with no prior existence as Hellocaust; Hellocaust was a separate earlier project of some members, not a direct precursor. Their first show was in April 1991, sharing the bill with Born Against and Rorschach. For their 2020 album, *Dropdead 2020*—the follow-up to their 1998 untitled record—they recorded with Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studio. It came out on September 25, 2020.
Musically, Dropdead has cited a wide range of influences: Anti Cimex, Crass, Conflict, Confuse, Discharge, Gauze, Icons of Filth, Infest, Lärm, Merzbow, Mob 47, Pandemonium, S.O.B., Septic Death, Siege (whose 1984 demo gave the band its name), SSD, and Swans. Other notable crust punk and grindcore bands, such as Nasum, have covered Dropdead songs.
Current members are Bob Otis (vocals), Ben Barnett (guitar), Brian Mastrobuono (drums), and George Radford (bass, since 2010). Former bassists include Lee Mastrobuono (1991–1996) and Devon Cahill (1996–2010).
- formed
- January 1991
- origin
- Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- field
- Hardcore punk, crust punk, grindcore
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Short, fast-paced songs; DIY ethic; covers by Nasum
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
- Genre
- Hardcore punk · powerviolence
- Years Active
- 1991–present
- Label
- Armageddon / MCR / Prank / Selfless / Crust
- Associated Acts
- The Fuzz / Lolita Black / I, Destroyer / Straight to Hell / Battlesnake / Fucking Invincible
- Current Members
- Bob Otis / Ben Barnett / Brian Mastrobuono / George Radford
- Past Members
- Devon Cahill / Lee Mastrobuono
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The band formed as Dropdead in January 1991, with no prior existence as Hellocaust; Hellocaust was a separate earlier project of some members, not a direct precursor. Their first show took place in April 1991 with Born Against and Rorschach. The band's name originates from the 1984 demo tape of the band Siege, titled 'Drop Dead'.
Reader's Guide
Dropdead's significance lies in their long-running presence in the hardcore punk and crust punk scenes since 1991, characterized by extremely short and fast songs and a steadfast DIY ethic. Their influence is evidenced by covers from notable bands such as Nasum. The band has released several studio albums, including their self-titled debut in 1993, an untitled album in 1998, and 'Dropdead 2020' in 2020, recorded with Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studio. Their discography includes numerous EPs, splits with bands like Converge and Totalitär, and live albums. The band's current lineup has remained stable since 2010, with Bob Otis on vocals, Ben Barnett on guitar, Brian Mastrobuono on drums, and George Radford on bass. Their legacy is tied to the Providence punk scene and the broader international hardcore community.
Did You Know?
- The band's name comes from the 1984 demo tape of the band Siege.
- Their first show was in April 1991 with Born Against and Rorschach.
- Nasum is one of the crust punk and grindcore bands that have covered Dropdead songs.
- Dropdead 2020 was recorded with Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studio and released on September 25, 2020.
More in American grindcore musical groups 1-24
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