Angry Samoans

The Angry Samoans is a punk rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in August 1978. Founded by “Metal” Mike Saunders, along with his brother and lead guitarist Bonze Blayk, and fellow rock writer Gregg Turner, the band quickly gained attention for their sharp, satirical lyrics and aggressive musical style. The original lineup also included Todd Homer on bass and Bill Vockeroth on drums. Known for their uncompromising approach, the Angry Samoans became a notable force in the punk rock world, particularly through their early hardcore releases.

History

Pre-Samoans

Before the Angry Samoans came together, Mike Saunders and his brother Bonze Blayk had already been involved in music. In 1969, they recorded a 14-song high school garage rock album titled I’m a Roadrunner Motherfucka in their hometown of Little Rock. The album was not released until the late 1990s. Mike Saunders also briefly played in an early backing lineup for rockabilly artist Ray Campi in 1975, before returning to Arkansas for a couple of years.

Original Lineup

The Angry Samoans played their first gig on October 30, 1978, opening for Roky Erickson and the Aliens. Although Erickson couldn’t make the show due to illness, the band made an impression. Their first release, Inside My Brain, featured P.J. Galligan on lead guitar and was one of the earliest hardcore punk albums to come out of Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Their second album, Back from Samoa, released in 1982, further solidified their reputation with tracks like “Lights Out” and “They Saved Hitler’s Cock,” showcasing their blend of biting humor and raw energy.

“Get Off the Air” Controversy

In 1979, the band released the controversial song “Get Off the Air,” which targeted KROQ-FM DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. This led to the band being blacklisted from several Los Angeles clubs from 1980 to 1982, a significant setback that reflected the intense reactions their music could provoke.

Member Changes and Other Projects

Over the years, the band saw several lineup changes. Todd Homer left in 1988 to form the Mooseheart Faith Stellar Groove Band, while Gregg Turner departed in 1992 to pursue other musical endeavors. Despite these changes, Mike Saunders and drummer Bill Vockeroth continued to perform under the Angry Samoans name, maintaining the band’s presence primarily on the West Coast and in Europe.

Recent Activity

The Angry Samoans have remained active with various lineup configurations, continuing to perform live and release new material. In 2010, they played on the Legends Stage at several dates of the Vans Warped Tour, showcasing their enduring appeal. Gregg Turner also returned to the stage in 2019, touring with the Oblivians as a solo act, coinciding with a re-release of the Angry Samoans’ discography.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Back from Samoa (1982, Triple X)
• STP Not LSD (1988, PVC)
• The ’90s Suck and So Do You (1999, Triple X)

EPs

• Inside My Brain (1980, Bad Trip)
• Queer Pills (1981, pseudonymous release)
• Yesterday Started Tomorrow (1986, Triple X)
• Fuck the War (2006, Bad Trip)
• I’m in Love with Your Mom (2010, Bad Trip) – recorded in September 1978