Vatican Commandos

ByLets Go Punk
Vatican Commandos were an intense hardcore punk band from Darien

Vatican Commandos were an intense hardcore punk band from Darien, Connecticut, who brought their ferocious sound to the scene in 1982.

Band Formation and Early Years

Formed in 1982, Vatican Commandos comprised talented members, including James Spadaccini, John Farnsworth, Lindsey Anderson, Chip Moody, Chuck “Wheat” Weaver, and Richard Hall, who later achieved success under the name Moby after the VC disbanded. The lineup expanded over time to include Dave Hower, Mike Pollock, and Matt Craig.

In 1983, the band made their mark with the release of the Hit Squad for God 7-inch EP, featuring Richard Hall (Moby) credited as “M.H.” on the back cover. The following year, they continued their sonic assault with the Just a Frisbee 7-inch EP and the Point Me to the End 12-inch EP in 1984. The Just a Frisbee cover art was crafted by none other than Rob Zombie, the founder and lead singer of White Zombie.

The Disbandment and Reunion

After a brief but impactful presence, Vatican Commandos disbanded in 1985. However, their story didn’t end there. After 25 years, the band reunited, gracing the stage with a memorable reunion show on July 17, 2010, at the Mercury Lounge in New York City, alongside Up Front, Our Gang, Ed Gein’s Car, and Loud Youth. The energy persisted with a West Coast reunion show on February 5, 2011, at The Dragonfly in Hollywood, California, sharing the stage with D.I.

Discography

The band’s discography reflects their hardcore journey, showcasing their raw energy and musical evolution.

Studio Releases

  • 1983: First Strike Compilation tape, BCT
  • 1983: Hit Squad for God 7-inch EP
  • 1983: Just a Frisbee 7-inch EP
  • 1984: Point Me to the End 12-inch EP
  • 1985: Connecticut Fun Compilation LP
  • 1985: Make It Work Compilation 7-inch
  • 1985: Big City’s One Big Crowd Compilation LP
  • 2022: Hit Squad for God 7-inch EP Reissue, Radiation Records
  • 2022: Just a Frisbee 7-inch EP Reissue, Radiation Records
  • 2023: Point Me to the End 12-inch EP Reissue, Radiation Records
  • 2023: Full Discography 1983-2015 CD, Radiation Records

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