Bhopal Stiffs

The Bhopal Stiffs were an influential American hardcore punk band formed in Chicago in 1985. Named in reference to the tragic ecological disaster in Bhopal, India, their sound captured the raw energy of the Windy City punk scene. Founding members Larry Damore and Vince Marine on vocals/guitar, Steve Saylors on bass, and Dave Schleitwiler on drums established a melodic, mid-tempo approach that quickly made them a fixture in the local scene, often serving as the house band at the Chicago bar Exit.

Early Days and Rise

The band’s origins trace back to four friends from the Brookfield/Riverside/LaGrange area who bonded over music at Illinois State University. After experimenting as a cover band called Blue Youth, they shifted focus to original material. A period of intense practice led them to their first show at Exit, where their growing popularity cemented them as regular performers. With support from Joe Patelco, they recorded a ten-song demo in 1987 at the Chicago Recording Company with Iain Burgess, leading to the release of the single “Not Just My Head” on the Dazit label.

Lineup Changes and Challenges

Internal tensions emerged when co-founder Vince Marine left in 1988, replaced by guitarist Ron Lowe. This change marked a turning point. The reformed lineup recorded the six-song E.P.A. record with Iain Burgess, but creative spark waned. By 1989, the band disbanded after contributing the track “Too Much Pain” to a compilation. Members later pursued other projects: Larry Damore, Steve Saylors, and Dave Schleitwiler played with John Haggerty to form the early stages of Pegboy, though Dave did not join. Ron Lowe moved on to work as a recording engineer.

Legacy and Reunion

Although their original run was brief, The Bhopal Stiffs left a lasting mark on the punk community. Harmless Records later compiled their complete recorded output on a CD titled 1985-1989, preserving both studio and live performances. The band reunited for special shows: one in 2001 at the Fireside Bowl featuring all past members, and another in 2010 at Subterranean during Riot Fest, reminding fans of their enduring influence.

Discography Highlights

Key Releases

• “Not Just My Head” b/w “One Track Head” 7″ single (1987)
• E.P.A. 12″ EP (1988)
• 1985-1989 CD (2001) – Complete recorded output plus live material

Notable Compilation Contributions

• “Too Many Things” on Redline Distribution Volume 1 (2001)
• Multiple tracks on cassette compilations like Consumer Blackmail 2, Greenearth Vol. 3, and Just A Big Healthy Girl (late 1980s)
• “Too Much Pain” on There’s A Fungus Amongus 7″ EP (1989)
• Additional appearances on compilations including Cream Of The Crap and Destroy All Masters