Altar Boys are a Christian punk rock band from California, formed in 1982. They are Mike Stand (vocals, songwriting, and guitar), Jeff Crandall (drums), Steve Pannier (guitars), Mark Robertson (bass), and Ric Alba.
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The Altar Boys helped pioneer Christian rock music.[1] They were known for their Ramones-style punk music, which was radically different than the Christian music common at the time of their formation.[2] Especially in their early years, they were known for being explicit with their faith in their lyrics.[2] Their sound was heavily influenced by the punk rock scene in Southern California, and they quickly became one of the best known Christian bands on that scene.[3] Their first album sold over 7000 copies without distribution, and their second disc sold 20000 units in its first two months of release.[4]
Their third and fourth releases, Gut Level Music and Against the Grain, propelled them to national standing.[1][2] Gut Level Music was explicitly aimed at a secular audience, and marked changes designed to enhance their credibility with that audience.[4] Their lyrical approach changed toward a more subtle expression of their faith.[5] They also refined their sound in an attempt to distance themselves from the punk "garage band" image that they had acquired early on.[5] They began playing in secular venues more often, and in 1987 toured England opening with The Jesus and Mary Chain.[5]
The band went on an "indefinite hiatus" in 1992.[3] However Mike Stand has resurrected much of the Altar Boys songs with his new project called "The Altar Billies". The Altar Billies are a "Punktry" band from Southern California. They are a Rockabilly/Psychobilly/Country style trio led by Mike Stand that perform many of the Altar Boys hits as well as songs from Mike's various solo projects. www.myspace.com/altarbillies