# Alt/Punk/Indie Supergroups **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 31, 2005, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854 "2005-12-31T15:39:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![soulmurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@soulmurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulmurk)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2006, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/21 "2006-01-03T05:39:09Z")
**Down** is a metal band, but they never get enough credit so I had to mention them. The original lineup: singer Phil Anselmo from **Pantera** , guitarist Pepper Keenan from **Corrosion of Conformity** , and bassist Todd Strange and drummer Jimmy Bower from **Crowbar**. **Queens of the Stone Age** is debatable as it’s mostly a vehicle for Josh Homme to do what he wants, which just happens to sometimes include input from members of other bands. Plus it’s more metal than alt or punk or indie. **The Mars Volta** and **Sparta** are the remnants of **At the Drive-In** , which was a super group 😛 If **Temple of the Dog** counts, then so does **Mad Season** , consisting of **Alice in Chains** vocalist Layne Staley, **Pearl Jam** guitarist Mike McCready, **Screaming Trees** drummer Barrett Martin, and blues bassist John Baker Saunders (who previously played with such blues artists as Hubert Sumlin and the Lamont Cranston Band, among others). **Ugly Casanova** is Isaac Brock of **Modest Mouse** , Brian Deck and Tim Rutili of **Califone** (and **Red Red Meat** ), Paul Jenkins of **The Black Heart Procession** , and John Orth of **Holopaw**. I find that indie artists tend to collaborate often with one another quite often. Many groups, while not “supergroups” per se, are conglomerations of bands and/or involve a revolving door of other artists. Bands like **Built to Spill** , **Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks** , and **Silver Jews** not only have a continually changing line-up (by design or not), but they also contribute to other bands individually and as a group. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2006, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/22 "2006-01-03T06:30:03Z")
Lard was sort of a punk/industrial supergroup. Maybe. It’s Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) with members of Ministry. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2006, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/23 "2006-01-03T20:52:57Z")
Nobody seems to have mentioned **The Bens** yet. Ben Folds, Ben Kweller and Ben Lee get together for random gigs or EP releases whenever they seem to be bored. I like all those guys singly, but I’ve somehow never managed to hear anything they do collectively. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2006, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/24 "2006-01-03T21:41:00Z")
No one’s mentioned the original punk supergroup, **The Lors of the New Church**. Stiv Bators from **Dedd Boys** , Brian James from **The Damned** , and Dave TRegunna from **Sham 69**. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/25 "2006-01-04T02:05:53Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > I think “alternative” is such an all-encompassing label now that you shouldn’t be worried or offended. Pretty much anything aside from straight-ahead “classic rock” or the most obvious metal (such as Metallica or Iron Maiden) can safely be gathered under the “alternative” umbrella. And you can’t tell me QOTSA are anything like old-school metal bands like those. But they’re very much like newer metal bands, especially as you dig further back in their catalogue. Add to that the fact that for some time they were basically Kyuss with a different name, and it’s a bit tough to place them anywhere else. That’s not to say that they’re not part of the modern alternative scene. ---
**Author:** ![electrozion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/85f322/32.png) [@electrozion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/electrozion)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/26 "2006-01-04T03:10:36Z")
[Fantomas](http://www.ipecac.com/bio.php?id=3) is: Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr Bungle), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Trevor Dunn’s Trio Convulsant), Buzz Osbourne (Melvins), Dave Lombardo (Slayer) ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/27 "2006-01-04T03:44:33Z")
> [@tremorviolet](#): > > How about **the New Pornographers**? Former members of obscure alt bands like Zumpano, Superconducter, Limblifter, plus Neko Case. You forgot **Destroyer** , the most critically successful band to contribute a member to the New Pornographers. As long as Destroyer continue making incredible records that are significantly better albums than the New Pornographers albums - in fact, _Rubies_ is already the first great album of '06 - the New Pornos will _only_ be a supergroup, regardless of how much Newman hems and haws. In fact, as Dan Bejar’s contributions to the New Pornographers continue to lessen, their albums seem to get less interesting. His sole contribution to _Twin Cinema_, “Jackie, dressed in cobras,” is the best song on the record. ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/28 "2006-01-04T03:48:37Z")
> [@psychonaut](#): > > **The Foo Fighters** originally had Nivana’s Dave Grohl and Pat Smear, plus the rhythm section from Sunny Day Real Estate. While Smear was a touring member of Nirvana on their final tour, he’s most famous for being in the legendary punk band **The Germs** , which made the Foo Fighters even more of a legitimate “supergroup” - Sunny Day + Nirvana + The Germs. ---
**Author:** ![marky33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@marky33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marky33)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/29 "2006-01-04T05:45:02Z")
… And the biggest of all, ever: **Pigface** Formed by drummers Martin Atkins (Minsitry/Killing Joke) and Bill Rieflin (Ministry, Revolting Cocks), the band has also included, among many others, : Steve Albini (Big Black, Rapeman and Shellac and producer) Paul Barker (Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Lard) Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, Lard) Bob Dog (Evil Mothers) Mary Mary (Gaye Bykers on Acid, Apollo 440) Meg Lee Chin Chris Connelly (Ministry, Revolting Cocks and solo) Danny Carey (Tool) Duane Dennison (The Jesus Lizard, Revolting Cocks) Hanin Elias (Atari Teenage Riot) En Esch (KMFDM) Paul Ferguson (Killing Joke, Murder Inc, The Orb) Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Frank Black (Pixies and solo) Fuzz (Silverfish) Dwayne Goettel (Skinny Puppy) Michael Gira (Swans) Chris Haskett (Rollins Band) Marc Heal (Cubanate) Sean Joyce (Revolting Cocks) cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) Keith Levene (Public Image Ltd) Jared Louche (Chemlab) Lydia Lunch Groovie Mann (My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult) Doug McCarthy (Nitzer Ebb) Nivek Ogre (Skinny Puppy, Revolting Cocks, Ministry) Genesis P-Orridge (Psychic TV, Throbbing Gristle) Alex Patterson (The Orb) Chris Randal (Sister Machine Gun) Lesley Rankine (Silverfish, Ruby) Paul Raven (Prong, Murder Inc, Killing Joke) Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) Shonen Knife Siggy (The Sugarcubes) David William Sims (The Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid) David Suycott (Stabbing Westward) J. G. Thirlwell (AKA Clint Ruin) (Foetus, Wiseblood, Steroid Maximus and many others) Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails, Tweaker, The Smashing Pumpkins) Geordie Walker (Killing Joke) Andrew Weiss (Rollins Band, Butthole Surfers, Ween) David Yow (The Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid) **Beat that!** ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/30 "2006-01-04T06:13:07Z")
**Golden Smog** ’s 1998 release _Weird Tales_ featured Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Dave Murphy of Soul Asylum, Gary Louris and Marc Perlman of the Jayhawks, Jody Stephens of Big Star, and Kraig Johnson of Run Westy Run. ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/31 "2006-01-04T06:28:48Z")
Also **The Golden Palominos** , the project of Anton Fier from **The Feelies** , **The Lounge Lizards** , and **Pere Ubu** , has counted Michael Stipe ( **R.E.M.** ), Matthew Sweet, Fred Frith, John Zorn, Richard Thompson ( **Fairport Convention** ), Bob Mould ( **Husker Du** ), Arto Lindsay ( **D.N.A.** ), and John Lydon ( **The Sex Pistols** , **Public Image Ltd.** ) among its members. ---
**Author:** ![Interrobang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/interrobang/32/17463_2.png) [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/32 "2006-01-04T17:24:38Z")
> [@VCO3](#): > > the New Pornos will _only_ be a supergroup, regardless of how much Newman hems and haws. I can see both arguments – I think it’s tricky with indie bands to figure out the difference between a supergroup and a band that has members that came from other bands. Newman was mostly complaining that interviewers, because of the label’s promotion of the NPs as a supergroup, still ask him about Zumpano, which disbanded before the NPs formed. I’d say Behar and Case are the NPs’ greatest links to supergroup status, and both are more like regular guest stars in the group than core members. They’re core guest stars. > [@VCO3](#): > > His sole contribution to _Twin Cinema_, “Jackie, dressed in cobras,” is the best song on the record. Did you get one of those copies without “Sing Me Spanish Techno”? Oh, wait – this is one of those difference of opinion things. Got it. (“Jackie” is another of my favorite songs from the disc.) I do find it funny that I’ve had exactly the opposite conversation about Behar in the NPs, though – at least a couple of people I know wish he’d just give up on the group and take his “boring” songs with them. Me, I think he’s a McCartney to Carl Newman’s Lennon (or vice versa), inspiring greater stuff than either of them has come up with individually. (I find both Zumpano and Destroyer fine, but neither as good as the Pornographers.) ---
**Author:** ![Ass\_For\_A\_Hat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ec9cab/32.png) [@Ass\_For\_A\_Hat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ass_For_A_Hat)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2006, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/33 "2006-01-04T18:49:43Z")
> [@Enginerd](#): > > **Golden Smog** ’s 1998 release _Weird Tales_ featured Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Dave Murphy of Soul Asylum, Gary Louris and Marc Perlman of the Jayhawks, Jody Stephens of Big Star, and Kraig Johnson of Run Westy Run. The band has featured a revolving cast of drummers. Chris Mars from The Replacements originally, followed by Noah Levy from the Honeydogs (probably only famous in the Twin Cities), then on to Jody Stephens. I’ve heard that a new Smog record is in the works, though not who the drummer is this time. In addition to Dan Murphy, Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner has also guested with the band on a couple recordings. ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2006, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/34 "2006-01-05T01:40:44Z")
> [@](#): > > They’re core guest stars. Did you get one of those copies without “Sing Me Spanish Techno”? Oh, wait – this is one of those difference of opinion things. Got it. (“Jackie” is another of my favorite songs from the disc.) Man, I HATE “Spanish Techno!” Seriously, I just despise that song for some unidentifiable reason. I think it has something to do with what seems to have become Newman’s stock-in-trade - really lazy, arbitrary, “random” lyrics or song subjects. > [@](#): > > I do find it funny that I’ve had exactly the opposite conversation about Behar in the NPs, though – at least a couple of people I know wish he’d just give up on the group and take his “boring” songs with them. Me, I think he’s a McCartney to Carl Newman’s Lennon (or vice versa), inspiring greater stuff than either of them has come up with individually. (I find both Zumpano and Destroyer fine, but neither as good as the Pornographers.) Heresy! 😉 If anything, Newman is the Mccartney, with his three-chord pop songs and banal “i’m so-oh drunk/they’ll have to send the wrecking crew after me/and stuff”-style lyrics, while Bejar is all about the weird minor seventh chords, three bridges, literary, obtuse-as-hell lyrics, and so on. ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2006, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854/35 "2006-01-05T02:00:43Z")
**Transplants** consists of Tim Armstrong (Rancid, Operation Ivy), Travis Barker (blink-182, The Aquabats), and singer Rob Aston (no previous band that I’m aware of) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alt-punk-indie-supergroups/337854.md?page=1)