Formed in 1976 by Johnny Strike, Frankie Fix, Ron "The Ripper" Greco (ex-Chosen Few/Flamin' Groovies) and Ricky James, Crime took the U.S. early punk scene by storm with their single “Hot Wire My Heart / Baby You're So Repulsive.”
Mingling their rebellious and sexually-charged image (they were most often seen flaunting their vampiric, just-outta-rehab good looks in tight leather, regulation police uniforms, or old-time gangster duds) with their unique blend of intellectual and furious lo-fi rock and roll, Crime ripped post-hippie San Francisco a metaphorical new one. Crime found local refuge at the now legendary Mabuhay Gardens, but became nationally notorious after playing a gig at San Quentin Penitentiary in full police uniforms (of course).
In 1977 Hank Rank joined the ranks, but left in 1979. The band split in 1982 when Strike quit Crime to focus on writing. Frankie Fix attempted a Crime reunion in the early 90’s, but Strike elected not join in. In 1996 Frankie Fix passed away.
Crime experienced a resurgence in recognition in the early 21st Century when both legitimate and unsanctioned bootlegs began to circulate. An official release of bootlegged live shows aptly named San Francisco is Still Doomed was released in 2004 by Swami Records.
Well, Strike and Rank are back with a fascinating new line-up for Crime and a new full-length album (vinyl only, folks), Exalted Masters, which will be released at their upcoming Amoeba in-store on September 21, 2007. Joining Crime are Bay Area garage rock vets Michael Lucas on bass and Brett Stillo on guitar. This Amoeba-exclusive event also includes the unveiling of Johnny Strike’s second book A Loud Humming Sound Came From Above, published by Rudos and Rubes.
Strike and Rank will be available for signing.
