The Obituaries were an American punk, rock, and blues band from
Portland, Oregon, United States. The band was most active from 1986 to 1990, although they have played several reunion shows since 2007. Described by ''Willamette Week'' writer Jason Simms as "The missing link between The Wipers and Nirvana," the Obituaries are notable as one of the most successful bands in the Pacific Northwest club scene of the late 1980s.
The Obituaries were known for the fiery voice and unpredictable stage presence of vocalist Monica Nelson.
Guitarist Rob Landoll anchored the band with his blues-based punk riffs. In addition to being the band's principal songwriters, Nelson and Landoll were the only constant members during the band’s career.
History
The Obituaries were formed in 1986 by singer Monica Nelson, guitarist Rob Landoll, bassist Laura O'Donnell and drummer Aaron MacMahon. After the addition of bassist John Allan Naylor and drummer
Dan Cunneen (
Final Warning,
Zipgun,
Nightcaps), the group quickly gained a reputation in Portland and was soon headlining venues like Satyricon and Pine Street Theatre.
The Obituaries released a cassette in late 1986 and a 6-song vinyl EP in 1987 on their own label, Highgate Records.
The band had several rhythm section changes. In addition to Cunneen, former drummers include: Dave Triebwasser (Pond) and Rudy Apodaca. John Blender and Regina LaRocca (Oily Bloodmen, Caustic Soda, M99) also played bass for the band.
The Obituaries toured throughout the Western U.S. and shared the bill with many notable bands during their career, including:
Green River Green River may refer to:
Rivers
Canada
*Green River (British Columbia), a tributary of the Lillooet River
*Green River, a tributary of the Saint John River, also known by its French name of Rivière Verte
*Green River (Ontario), a tributary of ...
,
Mother Love Bone, Sonic Youth,
Nick Cave
Nicholas Edward Cave (born 22 September 1957) is an Australian singer, songwriter, poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, composer and occasional actor. Known for his baritone voice and for fronting the rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Ca ...
, Alex Chilton, The Gits,
Babes In Toyland, The Descendents, Dead Moon,
Soundgarden and
Nirvana.
The band reformed for several shows in 2007 in conjunction with the release of a retrospective CD with Nelson, Landoll, LaRocca, and Mahone.
In 2010, The Obituaries released the CD ''Ghost'', a 9-song acoustic set.
In 2014, Monica Nelson formed Monica Nelson and the Highgates with former Obituaries member John Alan Naylor on guitar, Jeffrey Larson (bass) and Joe Sanderson (drums).
[
]
Discography
* 1986 ''Demo'' (self-released cassette)
* 1987 ''The Obituaries'' (12" EP, Highgate)
* 1990 ''Prologue'' (7" single, red vinyl, Audio Addict)
* 2007 ''The Obituaries'' (Compilation CD, Highgate)
* 2010 ''Ghosts'' (CD, Highgate)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Obituaries, The
Punk rock groups from Oregon
Musical groups from Portland, Oregon
Musical groups established in 1986