Clowns for progress
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Clowns for Progress were a theatrical punk rock band from the Lower East Side of New York City. Handsome, punk greasers that played heartfelt pop-punk anthems while donning full clown make up and suited in vintage tuxedos. More than just a stage gimmick, the clown face proved to be the perfect superhero imagery for the shoe gazing mid 90's. Crooning vocals and crunching guitars helped produce their uncommon sound and helped the Clowns win legions of die hard fans.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Deano Jones formed the band with best friend and drummer Johnny Tastemaker in 1992. Joined by Nutley Larouix on Bass and Coco Cohen on lead guitar, the Clowns original line-up was created.
Flipside records (of Flipside fanzine fame) put out their self-titled debut album in Fall of 1995 and later that year SPIN magazine crowned Clowns for Progress "New York City's most infamous Tastemakers".
Members Coco and Nutley left the band in 1997 and were replaced by Brad Goop (from NYC rock band "the Goops"). Brad became the new, and only, guitarist. Deano moved to bass and the Clowns for Progress became a power trio. With a new line up intact, the Clowns traded in their clown faced, grease paint for leather. In a tribute to the King, they performed in head-to-toe custom made black leather jumpsuits ala Elvis' 69 comeback for the rest of their career. In '98 Last Beat records released their 2nd album titled "CFP - Progress" With Brad Goop contributing to the writing they came out with a much more aggressive sound. Deano still crooning, but with a lot more punch behind it. The video for "Inundated Man" shot by Antony Langdon (Spacehog) captured the essence of the band brilliantly.
1999 brought the addition of guitarist Max Huber (of San Francisco street punks "Swingin Utters") and a decision to perform under the name "30 Second Charge". During this time tensions flared between founding members Johnny T. and Deano. Each wanting to take the band in different directions and now with no label to support it. They quietly performed their last show together in August of 2000 at CBGB's and parted ways.
Johnny T. has gone on to drum with Ryan Adams and co-wrote "Rock-N-Roll" with Adams in 2003.
For more info about Clowns for Progress (including free downloadable mp3's of their entire music catalog) visit - http://www.clownsforprogress.com. You can also visit a mysapce fanpage @ http://www.myspace.com/clownsforprogress
DISCOGRAPHY
93'-Killing Time/Hurt Me Baby - 7" single
95'-Clowns for Progress - debut album
95'-R.A.F.R. - compilation
96'-split 7" with 22 Jacks
96'- How To Star a Fight - compilation
97'- Joyride/Hangin' Out 7" single
98'- CFP Progress - album
99'- Warped Music Comp - compilation
