Big Boys

Big Boys were an American pioneering punk rock band from Austin, Texas, credited with helping to create and introduce skate punk in the 1980s. They were also famous for incorporating elements of funk into their hardcore punk style, influencing later bands and shaping the genre.

History

Formation

Formed in 1977, the original members of Big Boys were Randy “Biscuit” Turner on vocals, Tim Kerr on guitar, and Chris Gates on bass. These key members were childhood friends long before starting the band. Over the years, they cycled through five drummers, with Steve Collier, Greg Murray, Fred Schultz, Rey Washam, and Kevin Tubb (who played only one show) contributing to the band’s evolving sound.

As part of the hardcore punk scene in Austin, Big Boys often played with bands like MDC, the Huns, the Skunks, and the Dicks. They shared the stage frequently, releasing a split single and LP with the Dicks titled Live At Raul’s, which highlighted the strong community and collaborative spirit of the scene.

Big Boys shows were legendary, known for wild antics such as food fights, and for “Biscuit” Turner’s quirky stage outfits that included a pink ballerina’s tutu and cowboy boots. The band encouraged audience participation, often inviting fans to sing along and ending shows by urging listeners to start their own bands.

Musical Importance

Big Boys are credited with introducing funk rhythms into hardcore punk, a groundbreaking fusion that laid the groundwork for what would later be known as funk metal. This innovation influenced bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who once opened for Big Boys in Hollywood and were affectionately dubbed “the Little Big Boys”. The addition of a horn section, known as the Impromptu Horns, spearheaded by Chris Gates’ brother Nathan, brought a new layer of funkiness to their music during live performances and on recordings.

The band was also one of the first to be associated with the skatepunk scene, gaining exposure through Thrasher skateboarding magazine and contributing to its compilation records. They even had their own skateboard designed by the band, blending their music with skate culture in a way that had lasting impact.

Aftermath

Conflicts arose within the band, particularly between Biscuit Turner and Chris Gates, leading to a sudden and unexpected last show. Following their split, members pursued various musical and non-musical endeavors:

• Tim Kerr played in several bands, including Poison 13 and Direct Action Committee.
• Chris Gates continued in bands like Poison 13, Junkyard, and Charter Bulldogs, and fronted Big Chris Gates and Gatesville, a country group.
• Horn player Tim Kopra went on to become an astronaut and commander of the International Space Station.
• Drummer Rey Washam played with groups such as Jerryskids, Scratch Acid, Rapeman, and Ministry.
• Original drummer Steve Collier switched to guitar, forming Doctors’ Mob and later playing with Sidehackers and the Rite Flyers.
• Randy Turner performed with bands like the Slurpees, Cargo Cult, and Swine King before his death in 2005 from Hepatitis C complications.

Big Boys appeared in the 2006 Sundance film American Hardcore and their influence remained strong, reflecting their innovative contributions to punk and skate culture.

Discography

Singles

• Frat Cars 7″ single (1980) on Big Boys Records
• Wipe Out/I’m Sorry Fear and Loathing fanzine promo 7″
• Fun, Fun, Fun… 12″ EP (1982) on Moment Productions

Albums

• Live at Raul’s Club split LP with the Dicks (1980) on Rat Race (1981)
• Where’s My Towel/Industry Standard on Wasted Talent (1981)
• Lullabies Help the Brain Grow on Moment Productions (1983)
• No Matter How Long the Line at the Cafeteria, There’s Always a Seat on Enigma (1984)