Vampire Lezbos - Monuments of Mars

VAMPIRE LEZBOS - Monuments of Mars
(1995) from the album 'Roswell 1947'

David Whiting - guitar/vocals
Mick Majka - guitar/backing vocals
Scott Partridge - bass/backing vocals
Davey Delong - drums/backing vocals

Video co-produced/edited by: Mia Whiting

Special thanks to: Rob Hoyt

The Vampire Lezbos are a politically & socially charged punk rock band that sings about what most won't, or can't...and in true punk detail. They question everything, including all authority structures. This includes those 'taboo' subjects which many people invest much of their identities in, and are thus, unpopular to question. This is what makes them one of the most controversial and adept political bands in the world. Some like to call them a conspiracy oriented punk band, which is dubious at best. The word 'conspiracy' today is used in a negative way to derail any serious and thought-provoking discussion, when it doesn't agree with the official narrative. In other words, it is thrown around to ridicule or dilute an idea, except when it plays into the hands of those in power. One must always remember...where there is 'conspiracy theory', there must also exist, 'conspiracy fact'. Fittingly born in the year of Orwell's '1984', in Spokane, Washington, the 'Vampire Lezbos' also called Portland, Maine and Auckland, New Zealand their homes. They have released 4 albums & one single and were featured on 2 compilations: ‘SpokAnarchy: Where Were You in ’82?’ & "No Seattle: Forgotten Sounds of the North-West Grunge Era 1986-97'. Eleven tours, starting in 1985 through the 2000's, took them to three countries and most of the United States. Joey Shithead of D.O.A. fame, helped the band early on by sharing shows with them in both Canada and the States. Joey also helped produce the second Lezbos LP, 'Patch of Blue', which also featured back-up singing from Wimpy of DOA/Subhumans & Joey from D.O.A. The renowned 'Misfits artist', Mad Marc Rude, also created the artwork for this LP. The Vampire Lezbos have played with many bands over the years including Circle Jerks, 7 Seconds, Queers, Fugazi, Faith No More, Gang of Four, Bad Religion, Government Issue, Toxic Reasons, D.O.A., Adrenalin O.D., Dough Boys, Nation of Ulysses, Operation Ivy, All, Adolescents, Battalion of Saints, Poison Idea, Neurosis, Verbal Abuse, Beyond Possession, Shudder to Think, Skinyard, Filth, Raunchettes, JFA, Dead Milkmen, L7 and others. Of note, they also headlined over Nirvana's first show in March 1988 and Everclear in 1993. VL's singer/guitarist, David Whiting, was also interviewed for the : 'I Found My Friends: The Oral History of Nirvana', a British book release from Nick Soulsby. The Vampire Lezbos are also featured in 'The Band Name Book', by Noel Hudson. The band has had many influences, including The Clash, The Ramones and The Buzzcocks, to name a few. The Vampire Lezbos website was banned/deplatformed by Facebook, during the early 'Covid years', and has had videos banned from Youtube. Perhaps a testament to the current degrading politics in America. After all, censorship is fascism. Their name was taken from a Cramps song, which in turn came from an early 70's erotic horror film, 'Vampyros Lesbos'. This legendary punk band celebrates its 40th birthday, this year, and is planning a new album, merchandise and shows. They are currently based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.