The Cramps is an American band that "wrote" the history of the New York punk movement in the mid-80s of the last century. By the way, until the beginning of the 90s, the band's musicians were considered one of the most influential and vibrant punk rockers in the world.
The Cramps: history of creation and composition
The origins of the group are Lux Interior and Poison Ivy. Ahead of events, it is worth telling that the guys not only “put together” a common project. The fact is that they Lux and Poison managed to start a family.
They were into the sound of heavy music. Young people were engaged in collecting vinyl records. In the collection of the leaders of the future The Cramps team there were cool specimens that today can be sold for a decent amount of money.
The couple began to build a creative career in the town of Akron, Ohio. The group began to be active in 1973. The duo quickly realized that there was nothing to catch in the provinces and they would not achieve much success here. Without thinking twice, the team members pack their bags and head to colorful New York in the mid-70s.
The Cramps move to New York
During this period of time, cultural life was in full swing in New York. The city was filled with representatives of various subcultures. The move had a positive effect on the development of the group. Firstly, in the 75th year, the musicians were in the spotlight. And secondly, they legalized the relationship. But, most importantly, the guys finally entered the alternative scene. They made really cool punk rock tracks.
A year later, the line-up expanded. A newcomer joined the team. We're talking about Brian Gregory. At the same time, the drummer Miriam Linna joined the line-up. Then Pamela Balam Gregory came to replace the latter, and Nick Knox replaced her. To be able to fully rehearse, the musicians rented a small room in Manhattan.
Soon the first performances of the group took place at the best concert venues in New York. In addition, the musicians set about recording their debut compositions, which eventually became part of the full-length LP.
The images of the musicians deserve special attention. It was interesting to watch them. The outfits of Lux and Ivy - led the audience into genuine delight.
The creative path and music of The Cramps
In the late 70s, the guys managed to sign their first contract. Luck smiled at the musicians, and they went on a big tour of the UK.
A year later, the premiere of the debut LP took place. The collection was called Songs the Lord Taught Us. Admirers of heavy music accepted the work with a bang.
A year later, the band moved to Los Angeles. For work, the guys invited a talented guitarist Kid Kongo. With the updated line-up, they started recording another studio album, which was called Psychedelic Jungle.
Then the musicians were drawn into a dispute with influential producer Miles Copeland. Constant litigation prevented the band from releasing albums. Until 1983, the band's discography was "silent".
Return of the team to the big stage
But after some time they presented the LP Smell of Female. This marked the return of the team to the big stage. In the mid-80s of the last century, the musicians skated a big European tour.
By the way, this period of time is also interesting for experiments. Since 86, the musicians' tracks have been dominated by voice and bass. The release of the LP A Date With Elvis The Cramps increased its popularity. But, at the same time, the guys hardly found producers who took up the promotion of the team in the United States of America. Note that at this time, the work of musicians regularly hit the prestigious charts in Europe.
Then they sign a contract with the Medicine label. A private party was organized at CBGB, where the guys presented a live record of Max's Kansas City. People who bought a ticket received the presented collection free of charge.
At the end of the 90s, the musicians again ceased to be active. In the new century, the death of Brian Gregory became known. Later it turned out that he died from complications after suffering a heart attack.
A year after Gregory's death, the remaining members of the group presented a new LP. We are talking about the collection Fiends of Dope Island. It should be noted that the members of the band mixed the disc on their own label Vengeance Records. This album was the last work of The Cramps.
In 2006, the guys played their last show at the Marquee National Theatre. The hall was packed. Musicians were met and seen off with a standing ovation.
Breakup of The Cramps
In early February 2009, it became known that the one who stood at the origins of the group died as a result of aortic dissection. On February 4, the legendary Lux Interior passed away. Information about the death of the musician to the core hurt not only the band members, but also the fans.
Ivy took Lux's death hard. She considered that without him the team could not exist and move on. Thus, in 2009, not only Interior died, but also his project - The Cramps.
In 2021, the Psychedelic Redux compilation premiered on Ill Eagle Records. The limited edition of the compilation includes some tracks from The Cramps.
