I first discovered Flipper in 1981, when I came up here to go to UC
Berkeley. Between then and 1985 I saw them seven more times. I remember
that first time really well at the On Broadway in SF -- the curtain opening
to deafening feedback (On Broadway had a stage curtain); Will thumping the
opening bassline of "Life is Cheap"; Bruce nodding his head slowly and out
of time, cigarette in one hand, can of Bud in the other, looking anywhere
but the audience. Then Steve and Ted came in on drums and the most
distorted, fuzziest guitar I had ever heard (or still ever heard -- it's
barely recognizable as a guitar, for God's sake). Man, the VOLUME!! The
FEEDBACK (a constant during any Flipper show)!! The SLOWNESS!! And the
sheer ARROGANCE of their stage show!!
I was hooked something fierce -- a loyal member of the Flipper Fin Club. I
saw lots of other shows during the 80's, but that was my introduction to SF
punk rock. And, man, what a unique band. I really miss 'em.
Owen Bly
Ranchero Records
Oakland, CA
