Black Randy And The Metrosquad
Black Randy and the Metrosquad emerged from the late 1970s Los Angeles punk scene, known for blending surreal humor with an eclectic mix of proto-punk, 1970s pornography soundtracks, pop, and avant-garde influences. Fronted by Black Randy (born John Morris, 1952–1988), the band developed a reputation for witty, offensive lyrics and inventive musical arrangements that foreshadowed later post-punk experimentation.
History
Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, the band was initially composed of Black Randy as the frontman, David Brown on keyboards, and various guitarists including Pat Garrett. The lineup was fluid, with rotating members and live backup singers collectively known as the Blacketts. Notable figures such as Exene Cervenka, Alice Bag, Lorna Doom, Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, and members of The Eyes contributed vocals during performances.
Black Randy stood out for his caustic, humorous lyrics that tackled taboo subjects like pornography, celebrity culture, and social issues. Their debut single, “Trouble at the Cup,” featured a provocative call to action against police harassment, while their covers of James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” and various 1970s porn music themes highlighted their eclectic influences. The band’s output included many vinyl singles and cassette tapes, which were later compiled on the album Pass the Dust, I Think I’m Bowie.
Pass the Dust, I Think I’m Bowie (originally released in 1979 by Dangerhouse Records) showcased sophisticated musical arrangements that paralleled the emerging post-punk sound rather than the raw simplicity of their contemporaries. The album, assembled from various Dangerhouse releases, became a cornerstone of the label’s catalog despite concerns from other bands about association with its controversial content.
Black Randy and the Metrosquad appeared in the 1981 film Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains, performing “I Slept in an Arcade.” The band’s history was tumultuous, imploding in mid-1982 due to Black Randy’s struggles with drugs and alcohol. Their chaotic live shows became increasingly erratic, and although they released numerous records, the band’s cohesion faltered. John Morris (Black Randy) passed away on November 11, 1988, from complications related to AIDS. His legacy was later portrayed in the film What We Do Is Secret.
Discography
Albums
- Pass the Dust, I Think I’m Bowie (1979, Dangerhouse) – later reissued by Sympathy for the Record Industry (2004, 2009) and Frontier Records (2016)
Singles
- “Trouble at the Cup” (1977, Dangerhouse)
- Idi Amin EP (1978, Dangerhouse) – released as Black Randy & his Elite Metrosquad
- “I Slept in an Arcade” (1979, Dangerhouse)
