The Vindictives

ByLets Go Punk
The Vindictives were a Chicago-based punk rock band brought to life by singer and songwriter Joey Vindictive in 1991.

The Vindictives were a Chicago-based punk rock band brought to life by singer and songwriter Joey Vindictive in 1991. The band’s creative journey spanned 12 EPs and albums by July 1996.

Formation and Early Years

The band’s inception in 1991 marked the creation of their first 7-inch record with a lineup featuring Joey Vindictive (vocals), Johnny Personality (bass), Ben Weasel (guitar), Dr. Bob (guitar), and Erik Elsewhere (drums). Subsequent changes saw Billy Blastoff replacing Weasel on guitar and P.J. Parti taking over drumming duties.

Hiatus and Tragedy

In 1996, health issues faced by Joey Vindictive led to the band’s dissolution. Tragically, guitarist Robert “Dr. Bob” Nielsen succumbed to a heroin overdose on February 22, 2003.

Musical Evolution Post-Tragedy

After Dr. Bob’s demise, The Vindictives released records containing unreleased material on CD, including quirky electronic versions in Muzak for Robots and soft acoustic renditions in Unplugged. These releases showcased the band’s resilience and creative adaptability.

Member Changes and New Ventures

Post-2004, Billy Blastoff departed, delving into other musical endeavors. In 2006, Joey Vindictive and Johnny Personality initiated demos as “Joey Vindictive & The Personality Crisis.” They also collaborated as Faerie Wunderpuss, contributing to a split 12-inch LP with Alla. The band exhibited versatility, experimenting with heavy rock psychedelia.

Reunion and Fresh Material

Reforming in 2000, The Vindictives continued their musical journey. In 2012, they marked their return with the EP Mono Flexi, presenting their first new material in 13 years. The subsequent digital release in 2013, Jerk-O-Lantern, featured 13 songs recorded on Friday the 13th.

Band Members

  • Joey Vindictive (Joey Volino) – vocals (1990–1996, 1999–Present)
  • Johnny Personality (John Stockfisch) – bass (1990–1996, 1999–2018)
  • Dr. Bob (Robert Nielson) – guitar (1990–1996)
  • Billy Blastoff (Bill Sullivan) – guitar (1992–1996, 1999-2004)
  • P.J. Parti (Pat Buckley) – drums (1991–1996)
  • Ben Weasel (Ben Foster) – guitar (1990–1992)
  • Erik Elsewhere – drums (1990-1991)
  • Angel Gabriel Ledezma – drums (1999)
  • Mike Geek (Mike Byrne) – guitar (1994-1996)

Discography

Singles and EPs

  • Basket Case, V.M.L. Records, 1991
  • The Invisible Man, V.M.L. Records, 1991
  • Ugly American 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1992
  • Assembly Line 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1992
  • This Is My Face 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1993
  • Disturbia 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1993
  • Rocks In My Head 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1994
  • Seventeen b/w No Feelings 5″, Selfless Records/V.M.L. Records, 1994
  • Johnny Where Are You? b/w Eating Me Alive Picture Disk 7-inch, Lookout! Records/V.M.L. Records, 1995
  • Alarm Clocks b/w Left For Dead 7-inch, Lookout/V.M.L. Records, 1995
  • Pervert At Large b/w Sloppy Seconds Split 7-inch, V.M.L. Records, 1997
  • Nuttin’ for Christmas b/w Jingle Bells 7-inch, Stardumb Records, 2002
  • Mono-Flexi EP 7-inch, Sexy Baby Records, 2012
  • Jerk-O-Lantern EP, 2013

Studio Albums

  • Partytime for Assholes 10-inch – Double 10-inch LP, Selfless Records, 1996 Reissue: Liberation Records 1994
  • Leave Home LP, Selfless Records, 1994

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