The Sonics
The Sonics are an American garage rock band from Tacoma, Washington, that formed in 1960.[1] Their aggressive, hard-edged sound has been a major influence on punk and garage music worldwide, and they have been named inspirations to the White Stripes, LCD Soundsystem, Nirvana and other musical artists.
For the basketball team, see Seattle SuperSonics.
The Sonics
Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
1960–present
- Etiquette
- Jerden
- Bomp
- Revox
- Gerry Roslie
- Rob Lind
- Larry Parypa
- Dusty Watson
- Freddie Dennis
- Andy Parypa
- Bob Bennett
- Ricky Lynn Johnson
- Don Wilhelm
- Mitch Jaber
- Stuart Turner
- Jerry Parypa
- Tony Mabin
- Rich Koch
- Marilyn Lodge
- Bill Dean
- Ray Michelsen
- George Fencil-Wallace
- Michael Gone
- George Crowe
- James Butsch
- Suzie Kattayama
- GoodTime Charlie Lewis
The band performed several early rock standards such as "Louie, Louie", and "Skinny Minnie" as well as original compositions like "Strychnine", "Psycho", and "The Witch". Their catalogue is generally based around simple chord progressions, often performed with a speed and tonal aggression that was novel for the time, making the band a notable influence on later punk rock bands, such as the Stooges and the Cramps.
Influence[edit]
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana said in an interview with Nardwuar the Human Serviette on CITR-FM, discussing drum sounds, "I, I have to admit...The Sonics recorded very, very cheaply on a two track you know, and they just used one microphone over the drums, and they got the most amazing drum sound I've ever heard. Still to this day, it's still my favorite drum sound. It sounds like he's hitting harder than anyone I've ever known."[10]
The White Stripes named The Sonics as one of the bands that influenced them the most, calling them "the epitome of '60s punk" and claiming they were "harder than the Kinks, and punk long before punk".[11]
LCD Soundsystem name-checked The Sonics, among other bands, in their debut single, "Losing My Edge".
Nicholaus Arson of the Hives cites The Sonics' version of "Have Love, Will Travel" as a favorite.[12]
The German country band the BossHoss named themselves after the Sonics' song "Boss Hoss".[13]
A 1993 tribute album entitled Here Ain't The Sonics was released on PopLlama Records, featuring contributions from Mono Men, Screaming Trees, Thee Headcoats, the Cynics, Mojo Nixon and the Original Sins.
The classic Sonics lineup, as recorded on Here Are The Sonics and Boom:
Current touring lineup:
Bennett and Andy Parypa, unable to travel, were replaced by Watson and Dennis.[14] In 2016 it was announced that Roslie and Larry Parypa would no longer tour with the band. They were replaced by Cavaliere and Foster. Saxophonist Lind is the sole original member in the touring band.[15]
Timeline