Cheap Sex
Cheap Sex is an American street punk band from San Diego, California, formed in December 2002. The band quickly gained attention with its energetic live shows and has released three albums alongside appearances on various compilations, including the Pure Punk Rock DVD by Punk Core Records.
History
After vocalist Mike Virus left his previous band, he formed Cheap Sex, choosing the name for its catchy and humorous appeal. The original lineup featured bassist Derek, guitarists John and Jordan, drummer Gabe, and Mike on vocals. Soon after formation, a five-song demo was recorded and the band signed with Punk Core Records, releasing their debut album Launch Off to War in July 2003. During the recording of this album, Jordan recorded only half of the material before departing to join Madcap, and was replaced by Chris Blitz.
Following several West Coast shows, Cheap Sex made its East Coast debut at the three-day Vive Le Punk Festival at CBGB OMFUG in New York in October 2003. While touring with the Lower Class Brats, the band suffered a serious van accident that resulted in Johnny O. sustaining a severe injury, leading to his departure and subsequent replacement by Phil. In April 2004, the band recorded their second album, Headed for a Breakdown, and toured extensively during the summer with their label mates on the east coast.
The band also performed at the Wasted 2004 festival in the UK and at the British Invasion 2k4 Festival in San Bernardino alongside prominent punk acts. In 2005, Cheap Sex returned to Morecambe for another Wasted Festival before releasing their final record, Written in Blood, on June 6, 2006. This release was followed by the “Bloody Solution U.S. Tour” with the Scarred. On March 1, 2007, following the tragic suicide of former guitarist Chris Wick, the band announced their breakup, playing their final show on June 24, 2007, in Fullerton, California.
In 2009, the band released a DVD titled Dead Today: V Years of Cheap Sex, which featured a documentary and live footage from their final shows. Over the years, members have continued in various musical projects, with Mike forming Evacuate, while Phil and Brock pursued other ventures in the punk and rock scenes.
Members
Current Members
- Mike Virus – Vocals
- Johnny O. Negative – Guitar
- Brock Anderson – Bass
- Gabe Sex – Drums
Discography
- Launch Off to War (2003, Punk Core)
- Headed for a Breakdown (2004, Punk Core)
- Written in Blood (2006, Punk Core)
- Dead Today: V Years of Cheap Sex DVD (2009, Taang!)
