Haunted Garage

ByLets Go Punk
Haunted Garage was a horror punk and heavy metal band from Los Angeles
Skibz777

Haunted Garage was a horror punk and heavy metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1985. Fronted by B-movie actor Dukey Flyswatter, the band became known for their outrageous live shows featuring horror and science fiction-inspired songs, macabre props, costumes, go-go dancers, and copious amounts of stage blood. They were a popular fixture in the Los Angeles metal scene until their initial breakup in 1993 and briefly reunited in 2013 before officially retiring in 2021.

History

Formation and Original Line-up (1985–1993)

Haunted Garage was founded by Dukey Flyswatter, bassist Ace McCoomba, and guitarist Nyck Varoom in 1985. Initially, they played psychedelic rock and rockabilly covers of B-movie songs, before evolving into an aggressive blend of horror punk and heavy metal. The lineup eventually included transvestite guitarist Gaby Godhead and drummer Stiff Slug. Their sound became known as “splatter punk,” a fusion of horror theatrics and aggressive music.

The band quickly became infamous for their elaborate, gory stage shows, reminiscent of bands like Gwar. Their performances featured horror-themed costumes, fake blood, slime, and female dancers known as “The Gore Gore Girls.” Flyswatter became known for his daring on-stage antics, including piercing his skin and setting mousetraps on his face.

Haunted Garage released the demo tape Songs About Satan & Other Stuff to Piss Your Parents Off in 1989, followed by the Mothers Day EP on Sympathy for the Record Industry. They signed with Metal Blade Records and released their full-length album Possession Park in 1991. Though critically acclaimed, the band ultimately disbanded in 1993 after touring with The Cramps.

Subsequent Reunions and Retirement (1995–2021)

In the years following their breakup, Flyswatter attempted several reunions with various lineups, but none lasted long. In 2013, Haunted Garage reformed with Flyswatter as the sole original member, performing in Los Angeles and recording new material. In 2016, they released the Slenderman and Other Strange Tales EP, followed by an expanded vinyl release in 2020.

In 2018, Flyswatter underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor, putting the band on pause. They performed sporadically through 2019, but by 2021, they officially retired following a final performance in August. A documentary film about the band, titled The Life and Slimes of Dukey Flyswatter and Haunted Garage, was also announced in 2021.

Discography

  • Possession Park (1991, Metal Blade Records)
  • Slenderman and Other Strange Tales (2020, Metal Assault Records) – Expanded version of the 2016 EP

Notable Performances and Media

  • Performed with bands like The Cramps, Butthole Surfers, Gwar, Misfits, and White Zombie.
  • Contributed music to films such as Nightmare Sisters and appeared in movies like Cyclone and Breakfast of Aliens.
  • Appeared on The Montel Williams Show in 1992 for a special about gothic rock and the vampire subculture.

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