Boner Records
American independent label active 1982–1993, owned by Tom Flynn.
Tom Flynn ran Boner Records, an independent label out of Berkeley, California, from 1982 to 1993. It put out records by Flynn’s own band Fang, as well as Verbal Abuse, MDC, Boneless Ones, Duh, Steel Pole Bath Tub, Melvins, The Warlock Pinchers, Hell’s Kitchen, and Superconductor.
Quick Facts
- Founder
- Tom Flynn
- Genre
- Hardcore punk, heavy metal, punk rock
- Country
- United States
- Location
- Berkeley, California
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Boner Records was founded and owned by Tom Flynn, who also fronted the band Fang. The label operated out of Berkeley, California, and released its first record, Fang's 'Landshark', in 1982. Over the next eleven years, Boner issued albums and EPs by a variety of punk, hardcore, and experimental acts, including Verbal Abuse, MDC, and the Melvins.
The label's discography includes notable Melvins releases such as 'Ozma' (1989), 'Bullhead' (1991), 'Eggnog' (1991), and 'Lysol' (1992). Boner also put out solo records by Melvins members Buzz Osborne ('King Buzzo', 1992), Dale Crover ('Dale Crover', 1992), and Joe Preston ('Joe Preston', 1992). Other artists on the roster included the Warlock Pinchers, Hell's Kitchen, Steel Pole Bath Tub, and Superconductor.
Reader's Guide
Boner Records occupies a niche in the independent music scene of the 1980s and early 1990s, primarily known for releasing early work by the Melvins and for being the vehicle for Tom Flynn's band Fang. The label's catalog reflects the diversity of the American underground at the time, spanning hardcore punk (Verbal Abuse, MDC), experimental noise (Steel Pole Bath Tub), and the sludgy, avant-garde metal of the Melvins. Boner's releases, particularly the Melvins albums, have become cult items among collectors. The label ceased operations in 1993, but its output remains a touchstone for fans of the era's independent punk and alternative rock.
Did You Know?
- Boner Records was owned by Tom Flynn, who also played in the band Fang.
- The label released four Melvins albums: 'Ozma' (1989), 'Bullhead' (1991), 'Eggnog' (1991), and 'Lysol' (1992).
- Boner Records also issued solo records by Melvins members Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover, and Joe Preston, all in 1992.
- The label's first release was Fang's 'Landshark' in 1982.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded and ran Boner Records?
Tom Flynn was the owner and operator of Boner Records, running it as a small independent imprint out of Berkeley, California.
What years was Boner Records active?
The label operated from 1982 until it folded in 1993, giving it roughly an eleven-year run in the punk and alternative scene.
Which bands did Boner Records put out records for?
Flynn released material for his own band Fang alongside acts like Verbal Abuse, MDC, Boneless Ones, Duh, Steel Pole Bath Tub, The Warlock Pinchers, Hell's Kitchen, Superconductor, and the Melvins.
Why is Boner Records notable in punk history?
It is best remembered for issuing some of the Melvins' earliest recordings, helping put that band on the map before they became a major force in sludge and alternative metal.
Where was Boner Records based?
The label was a Berkeley, California operation, fitting squarely into the Bay Area's thriving independent punk ecosystem of the 1980s.
More in Punk record labels 1-24
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