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Wipers was a punk rock band formed in
Portland, Oregon Portland (, ) is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County, the most populous co ...
, in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist
Greg Sage Greg Sage (born October 21, 1951) is an American songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, regarded as an important influence on many punk rock and post-punk artists. Sage is best known as the principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist of the infl ...
, along with drummer Sam Henry and bassist Dave Koupal. The group's tight song structure and use of heavy
distortion In signal processing, distortion is the alteration of the original shape (or other characteristic) of a signal. In communications and electronics it means the alteration of the waveform of an information-bearing signal, such as an audio signal ...
were hailed as extremely influential by numerous critics and musicians. They are also considered to be the first
Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest (sometimes Cascadia, or simply abbreviated as PNW) is a geographic region in western North America bounded by its coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains to the east. Though ...
punk band.


History


Origins

Sage's intense interest in music began with cutting records at home as an adolescent. Inspired by
Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
, Sage soon picked up the guitar, and in 1969, at age 17, he played on an eponymous album by professional wrestler Beauregarde.


Foundation, early years

Sage founded Wipers in Portland in 1977 along with drummer Henry and bassist Koupal, originally just as a recording project. The plan was to record 15 albums in 10 years without touring or promotion. Sage thought that the mystique built from the lack of playing traditional
rock 'n' roll Rock and roll (often written as rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, or rock 'n roll) is a genre of popular music that evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It originated from African-American music such as jazz, rhythm an ...
would make people listen to their recordings much deeper with only their imagination to go by. He thought it would be easy to avoid press, shows, pictures and interviews. He looked at music as art rather than entertainment; he thought music was personal to the listener rather than a commodity. Wipers' first single, "Better Off Dead", was released in 1978 on Sage's own Trap Records. Sage wanted to make his own recordings and manufacture and run his own label without outside financing. In 1979, Sage approached several Portland punk bands (including Neo Boys, Sado-Nation and Stiphnoyds) and asked them to record singles for his new Trap label. The Wipers first album, ''
Is This Real? ''Is This Real?'' is the debut studio album by the Portland, Oregon-based punk rock band Wipers, originally released on vinyl in January 1980 by Park Avenue Records. The album was reissued on CD by Sub Pop in 1993, augmented by the three tracks ...
'', was issued in January 1980 on Park Avenue Records, a label that the band hoped would gain them wider distribution. It was originally recorded on a 4-track in the band's rehearsal studio, but the label insisted that the band use a professional studio. Once released, the album gained a
cult following A cult following refers to a group of fans who are highly dedicated to some person, idea, object, movement, or work, often an artist, in particular a performing artist, or an artwork in some medium. The lattermost is often called a cult classic. ...
, although the band was best known for their live shows around the Portland area. Henry left to join the Rats, and Koupal moved to Ohio. Later in 1980, Park Avenue released the ''
Alien Boy "Alien Boy" is the seventh song on the first Wipers album, '' Is This Real?'' (Park Avenue Records), released in 1980. ''Alien Boy'' is also the title of a 1980 Wipers EP, with "Alien Boy" on side A, and three outtakes from the ''Is This Real?'' ...
'' EP, consisting of the title track and three demo outtakes. With the new rhythm section of bassist Brad Davidson and drummer Brad Naish (ex-Stiphnoyds), Wipers recorded a second album for Park Avenue, the last for that label. ''
Youth of America ''Youth of America'' is the second studio album by American punk rock band Wipers. It was released in 1981 by record label Park Avenue. Content The album marked a distinctive change in the band's sound. Compared to its predecessor, ''Is This ...
'', released in 1981, contrasted with the short/fast punk songs of the time. According to Sage, this change of pace was a reaction against the punk trend of releasing short songs. The album was, according to Sage, not well received in the United States at the time of its release, though it did fare better in Europe. Along with other Wipers records, ''Youth of America'' came to be acknowledged as an important album in the development of American underground and independent rock movements of the early 80s. The next album, '' Over the Edge'', issued in 1983 by Trap via Brain Eater Records, was the first Wipers record to gain significant
modern rock Modern rock is an umbrella term used to describe rock music that is found on college rock radio stations. Some radio stations use this term to distinguish themselves from classic rock, which is based in 1960s–1980s rock music. Radio format Mod ...
airplay. It was led by the song, "Romeo", which had already been released the previous year as a 7" single by Trap. The band then embarked on their first extensive tour, documented on the ''Wipers Tour 84'' cassette-only live album, which was reissued by
Enigma Records Enigma Records (also known as Enigma Entertainment Corporation) was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. History Enigma Records launched as a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/dis ...
in 1985 as '' Wipers''. In 1985, Naish was replaced by Steve Plouf, and Enigma issued Sage's first solo album, '' Straight Ahead''. Signing to Enigma's
Restless Records Restless Records is a record label that was started in El Segundo, California in 1986 by Enigma Records and primarily released alternative, metal, and punk records. Restless also licensed and released records from Bar/None Records, Metal Blade R ...
division, Wipers released 1986's ''
Land of the Lost Land of the Lost may refer to: * Land of the Lost (1974 TV series), ''Land of the Lost'' (1974 TV series), the original 1974 children's television series * Land of the Lost (1991 TV series), ''Land of the Lost'' (1991 TV series), the 1991 remake of ...
'', featuring the song "Let Me Know", used in the film ''
River's Edge ''River's Edge'' is a 1986 American crime drama film directed by Tim Hunter, written by Neal Jimenez, and starring Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye Leitch, Daniel Roebuck and Dennis Hopper. It follows a group of teenagers in a Norther ...
''. It was followed by '' Follow Blind'' (1987) and '' The Circle'' (1988). In 1989, drummer
Travis McNabb Travis Aaron McNabb (born November 18, 1969) is an American drummer and percussionist. McNabb is perhaps best known as a longtime member of the band Better Than Ezra, although he has performed session and touring work with many acts during his ...
joined Wipers for a tour, during which Sage announced that the band was ending due to music business frustrations and the loss of their studio space. Sage then relocated to
Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix ( ; nv, Hoozdo; es, Fénix or , yuf-x-wal, Banyà:nyuwá) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities and towns in Arizona#List of cities and towns, most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona, with 1 ...
, and Davidson left to move to London. After building a new recording studio in Arizona, Sage released a second solo album, 1991's '' Sacrifice (For Love)''. Two compilations were released in this era: ''The Best of Wipers and Greg Sage'' in 1990 by Restless, and ''Complete Rarities '78–'90'' in 1993 by Germany's True Believer Records. The latter included the first Wipers 7", the
B-side The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record compan ...
of the "Romeo" 7", sampler contributions, and live material from 1986 and 1989. Sage restarted Wipers in 1993, rejoined by Plouf, releasing three additional albums as a duo: ''
Silver Sail ''Silver Sail'' is the seventh studio album by punk rock band Wipers, released in 1993. After disbanding Wipers in 1989 and releasing a 1991 solo album, '' Sacrifice (For Love)'', Sage decided to release a new album under the Wipers name. P ...
'' (1993) and '' The Herd'' (1996), both on the
Tim/Kerr Tim/Kerr (also known as T/K) was an American independent record label in Portland, Oregon, United States, run by Thor Lindsay and Thomas "Tim" Kerr IV from 1985 until 1999. Between 1978 and 1984 Lindsay and Kerr were also co-owners of an independ ...
label, and ''
Power in One ''Power in One'' is the final studio album by punk rock band Wipers, released in 1999 by Zeno Records. The album was written, produced and recorded at Greg Sage's Zeno Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. Critical reception ''Exclaim!'' wrote that "led ...
'' (1999) on Sage's new Zeno Records. The band became inactive after 1999. In 2001, Zeno released '' Wipers Box Set'', which included the first three Wipers albums, which by that time had been long out-of-print, along with the songs from the ''Alien Boy'' EP and additional previously unreleased material. Jackpot Records and Sage later reissued ''Is This Real?,'' ''Youth of America'' and ''Over the Edge'' on vinyl.


Post-Wipers

Henry formed
Napalm Beach Napalm Beach is an American rock band formed in Portland, Oregon. They are considered early innovators of the grunge sound. Nicholas Pell, writing for the ''Portland Mercury'' said "a huge influence on the grunge and alternative rock of the 1990s ...
with Chris Newman in 1982. He remained an active musician in Portland, Oregon, and continued to play with Napalm Beach and Don't, as well as popular Pacific Northwest songwriters such as Pete Krebs, Morgan Grace and Jimmy Boyer. Henry died from complications of stomach cancer on February 20, 2022, at the age of 65. Plouf operated a vintage goods/Zeno Records store in Portland, appropriately named Zeno Oddities, which closed sometime between 2009 and 2010. McNabb formed the Beggars, and went on to work as a session and tour drummer for artists including
Vigilantes of Love Vigilantes of Love is an American rock band fronted by Bill Mallonee, with many secondary players drawn from the musician pool in and around Athens, Georgia, United States. In its later manifestations in the later 1990s and early 2000s, Mallone ...
, Billy Pilgrim,
Shawn Mullins Shawn Mullins (born March 8, 1968) is an American singer-songwriter who specializes in folk rock, instrumental rock, adult alternative, and Americana music. His 1998 single "Lullaby", hit number one on the Adult Top 40 and was nominated for a Gr ...
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Brendan Benson Brendan Benson (born November 14, 1970) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums. He has released eight solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs. Recording career ''One Missi ...
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Howie Day Howard Kern Day is an American singer-songwriter. Beginning his career as a solo artist in the late 1990s, Day became known for his extensive touring and in-concert use of samplers and effects pedals to accompany himself. He self-financed and s ...
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Dar Williams Dorothy Snowden "Dar" Williams (born April 19, 1967) is an American pop folk singer-songwriter from Mount Kisco, New York. Hendrik Hertzberg of ''The New Yorker'' has described Williams as "one of America's very best singer-songwriters." She i ...
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Mandi Perkins Mandi Perkins is a Canadian songwriter and lead singer of the band of Verona. Biography Mandi Perkins was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Steve LeggettMandi Perkinsat AllMusic (Wayback Machine archive). She attended UC Berkeley wher ...
,
Big & Rich Big & Rich is an American country music duo composed of Big Kenny and John Rich, both of whom are songwriters, vocalists, and guitarists. Before the duo's foundation, Rich was bass guitarist in the country band Lonestar, while Kenny was a solo ...
and
Gavin DeGraw Gavin Shane DeGraw (born February 4, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter. DeGraw rose to fame with his song "I Don't Want to Be" from his debut album '' Chariot'' (2003); the song became the main theme song for The WB drama series ''One Tree ...
. McNabb was a member of
Better Than Ezra Better Than Ezra is an American alternative rock band based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and signed with The End Records. The band formed in 1988 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and consists of Kevin Griffin (vocals and guitar), Tom Drummond (bass g ...
from 1996 to 2009. In 2007, he joined bluegrass/
country music Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...
act
Sugarland Sugarland is an American country music duo founded in Atlanta, Georgia. The duo consists of singer-songwriters Jennifer Nettles (lead vocals) and Kristian Bush (vocals, guitar, mandolin). They were founded in 2002, at which point Kristen Hall (vo ...
. Davidson (who had previously recorded with the Sage-produced Rancid Vat in 1985) played bass on
The Jesus and Mary Chain The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in East Kilbride in 1983. The band revolves around the songwriting partnership of brothers Jim and William Reid. After signing to independent label Creation Records, they rele ...
's 1993 EP '' Sound of Speed''.


Influence and legacy

Sage later remarked on their initial reception: "We weren't even really a punk band. See, we were even farther out in left field than the punk movement because we didn't even wish to be classified, and that was kind of a new territory. ... When we put out ''Is This Real?'' ... it definitely did not fit in; none of our records did. Then nine, ten years later people are saying: 'Yeah, it's the punk classic of the '80s'". In 1992, tribute album ''
Eight Songs for Greg Sage and the Wipers ''Eight Songs for Greg Sage and the Wipers'' is a Wipers tribute album released on Tim/Kerr in 1992. The album was first released as a box set of 4 colored 7-inch records in a run of 10,000. It helped to raise the profile of the independent label ...
'' was released by Tim/Kerr as a
box set A box set or (its original name) boxed set is a set of items (for example, a compilation of books, musical recordings, films or television programs) traditionally packaged in a box and offered for sale as a single unit. Music Artists and bands ...
of four colored 7" records, featuring Wipers songs performed by
Nirvana ( , , ; sa, निर्वाण} ''nirvāṇa'' ; Pali: ''nibbāna''; Prakrit: ''ṇivvāṇa''; literally, "blown out", as in an oil lampRichard Gombrich, ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benāres to Modern Colombo.' ...
,
Hole A hole is an opening in or through a particular medium, usually a solid body. Holes occur through natural and artificial processes, and may be useful for various purposes, or may represent a problem needing to be addressed in many fields of en ...
, Napalm Beach, M99, Dharma Bums, Crackerbash,
Poison Idea Poison Idea was an American punk rock band formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1980. History Formation, 1980s, and 1990s Poison Idea was formed in 1980 by vocalist Jerry A. (aka Jerry Lang). The initial lineup consisted of Jerry A., Chris Te ...
and the Whirlees. The expanded CD release, retitled ''Fourteen Songs for Greg Sage and the Wipers'', also included covers by
Hazel The hazel (''Corylus'') is a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus is usually placed in the birch family Betulaceae,Germplasmgobills Information Network''Corylus''Rushforth, K. (1999). ...
, Calamity Jane, Saliva Tree, Honey,
Nation of Ulysses The Nation of Ulysses was an American punk rock band from Washington, D.C., formed in spring 1988 with four members. Originally known as simply "Ulysses," the first mark of the group consisted of Ian Svenonius on vocals and trumpet, Steve Kroner ...
, and
Thurston Moore Thurston Joseph Moore (born July 25, 1958) is an American musician best known as a member of Sonic Youth. He has also participated in many solo and group collaborations outside Sonic Youth, as well as running the Ecstatic Peace! record label. Moo ...
and Keith Nealy. The Wipers had an influence on Nirvana. Wipers gained significant exposure as a result of Nirvana's 1992 covers of two songs from ''Is This Real?'' ("D-7" on the EP ''
Hormoaning ''Hormoaning'' is an EP by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released on January 27, 1992 through DGC Records and Geffen Records. It was released in Australia and Japan only, during the band's tour there. Songs Four of the songs on ''Hormoan ...
'', and " Return of the Rat" on the ''Eight Songs'' compilation), and Nirvana frontman
Kurt Cobain Kurt Donald Cobain (February 20, 1967 – April 5, 1994) was an American musician who served as the lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter of the rock band Nirvana. Through his angst-fueled songwriting and anti-establishment persona ...
's mention of Wipers as a major influence. As did Cobain's wife Courtney Love, whose band covered "Over the Edge" both on recording and frequently at live performances. The Wipers were influential for the
grunge Grunge (sometimes referred to as the Seattle sound) is an alternative rock genre and subculture that emerged during the in the American Pacific Northwest state of Washington, particularly in Seattle and nearby towns. Grunge fuses elements of p ...
music scene in general, also being cited by
the Melvins ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
,
Mudhoney Mudhoney is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988, following the demise of Green River. Its members are singer and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm, lead guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison and drummer Dan Peters. Orig ...
and
Dinosaur Jr. Dinosaur Jr. is an American rock band formed in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1984, originally simply called Dinosaur until legal issues forced a change in name. The band was founded by J Mascis (guitar, vocals, primary songwriter), Lou Barlo ...


Members

Final lineup *
Greg Sage Greg Sage (born October 21, 1951) is an American songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, regarded as an important influence on many punk rock and post-punk artists. Sage is best known as the principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist of the infl ...
– vocals, guitar (1977–1989, 1993–1999) bass (1993–1999, only in the studio) * Steve Plouf – drums (1985–1988, 1993–1999) Former members * Sam Henry – drums (1977–1980) (died 2022) * Dave Koupal – bass (1977–1981) * Brad Naish – drums (1981–1985) * Brad Davidson – bass (1981–1987) *
Travis McNabb Travis Aaron McNabb (born November 18, 1969) is an American drummer and percussionist. McNabb is perhaps best known as a longtime member of the band Better Than Ezra, although he has performed session and touring work with many acts during his ...
– drums (1989, former touring member) Timeline


Discography


Studio albums

* ''
Is This Real? ''Is This Real?'' is the debut studio album by the Portland, Oregon-based punk rock band Wipers, originally released on vinyl in January 1980 by Park Avenue Records. The album was reissued on CD by Sub Pop in 1993, augmented by the three tracks ...
'' (1980, Park Avenue Records) * ''
Youth of America ''Youth of America'' is the second studio album by American punk rock band Wipers. It was released in 1981 by record label Park Avenue. Content The album marked a distinctive change in the band's sound. Compared to its predecessor, ''Is This ...
'' (1981, Park Avenue Records) * '' Over the Edge'' (1983, Trap Records/Brain Eater Records) * ''
Land of the Lost Land of the Lost may refer to: * Land of the Lost (1974 TV series), ''Land of the Lost'' (1974 TV series), the original 1974 children's television series * Land of the Lost (1991 TV series), ''Land of the Lost'' (1991 TV series), the 1991 remake of ...
'' (1986,
Restless Records Restless Records is a record label that was started in El Segundo, California in 1986 by Enigma Records and primarily released alternative, metal, and punk records. Restless also licensed and released records from Bar/None Records, Metal Blade R ...
) * '' Follow Blind'' (1987, Restless Records) * '' The Circle'' (1988, Restless Records) * ''
Silver Sail ''Silver Sail'' is the seventh studio album by punk rock band Wipers, released in 1993. After disbanding Wipers in 1989 and releasing a 1991 solo album, '' Sacrifice (For Love)'', Sage decided to release a new album under the Wipers name. P ...
'' (1993,
Tim/Kerr Tim/Kerr (also known as T/K) was an American independent record label in Portland, Oregon, United States, run by Thor Lindsay and Thomas "Tim" Kerr IV from 1985 until 1999. Between 1978 and 1984 Lindsay and Kerr were also co-owners of an independ ...
) * '' The Herd'' (1996, Tim/Kerr) * ''
Power in One ''Power in One'' is the final studio album by punk rock band Wipers, released in 1999 by Zeno Records. The album was written, produced and recorded at Greg Sage's Zeno Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. Critical reception ''Exclaim!'' wrote that "led ...
'' (1999, Zeno Records)


Live albums

* ''Wipers Tour 84'' (1984, Trap Records) * '' Wipers'' (1985,
Enigma Records Enigma Records (also known as Enigma Entertainment Corporation) was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. History Enigma Records launched as a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/dis ...
)


EPs

* ''
Alien Boy "Alien Boy" is the seventh song on the first Wipers album, '' Is This Real?'' (Park Avenue Records), released in 1980. ''Alien Boy'' is also the title of a 1980 Wipers EP, with "Alien Boy" on side A, and three outtakes from the ''Is This Real?'' ...
'' (1980, Park Avenue Records)


Singles

* "Better Off Dead" (1978, Trap Records) * "
Romeo Romeo Montague () is the male protagonist of William Shakespeare's tragedy ''Romeo and Juliet''. The son of Lord Montague and his wife, Lady Montague, he secretly loves and marries Juliet, a member of the rival House of Capulet, through a priest ...
" (1981, Trap Records) * "
Silver Sail ''Silver Sail'' is the seventh studio album by punk rock band Wipers, released in 1993. After disbanding Wipers in 1989 and releasing a 1991 solo album, '' Sacrifice (For Love)'', Sage decided to release a new album under the Wipers name. P ...
" (1993, Tim/Kerr) * "The Herd" (1996, Tim/Kerr) * "Insane" (1996, Tim/Kerr)


Compilation albums

* ''The Best of Wipers and Greg Sage'' (1990, Restless Records) * ''Complete Rarities '78–'90'' (1993, True Believer Records) * '' Wipers Box Set'' (2001, Zeno Records) * ''Out Takes'' (2010, Jackpot Records)


Compilation appearances

* "Same Old Thing" on ''10-29-79'' (1980, Trap Records) * "My Vengance" and "The Story" on ''Trap Sampler'' (1981, Trap Records) * "Nothin' to Prove" on ''Sub Pop 9'' (1983,
Sub Pop Sub Pop is a record label founded in 1986 by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman. Sub Pop achieved fame in the early 1990s for signing Seattle bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney, central players in the grunge movement. They are often ...
) * "Let Me Know" on ''
River's Edge ''River's Edge'' is a 1986 American crime drama film directed by Tim Hunter, written by Neal Jimenez, and starring Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye Leitch, Daniel Roebuck and Dennis Hopper. It follows a group of teenagers in a Norther ...
'' (1987, Enigma Records) * "Nothin' to Prove (Live)" on '' Sub Pop 100'' (1986, Sub Pop) * "Return of the Rat" on '' Hype! The Motion Picture Soundtrack'' (1996, Sub Pop)


References


External links


Official website
of
Greg Sage Greg Sage (born October 21, 1951) is an American songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, regarded as an important influence on many punk rock and post-punk artists. Sage is best known as the principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist of the infl ...

Official website
of Sam Henry
Biography and Info about The Wipers
at
Trouser Press ''Trouser Press'' was a rock and roll magazine started in New York in 1974 as a mimeographed fanzine by editor/publisher Ira Robbins, fellow fan of the Who Dave Schulps and Karen Rose under the name "Trans-Oceanic Trouser Press" (a reference to ...
* * ;Interviews
Interview with Greg Sage
at UK-based Ptolemaic Terrascope
Interview about recording
at Tape Op

at inmusicwetrust.com {{Authority control Musical groups from Portland, Oregon Punk rock groups from Oregon Musical groups established in 1977 1977 establishments in Oregon 1988 disestablishments in Oregon Musical groups disestablished in 1988 Musical groups reestablished in 1993 Musical groups disestablished in 1999 Restless Records artists Enigma Records artists