No Dogs in Space The Monks Pt I
May 25, 2023
Explore the fascinating origins of a band formed by American GIs in 1960s West Germany during the Cold War. The hosts dive into their unique sound and how it influenced punk and alternative music. Discover the humorous struggles in band formation, from finding a bass player to their whimsical naming journey. They highlight the creation of the 'uberbeat,' a minimalist yet aggressive sound, and the band's bold transformation that challenged societal norms, leaving a significant mark on the music scene.
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How The Monks Met
- Gary Berger met Dave Day at the army service club by accident and they started playing music together.
- This initial jam session led to the birth of the band that would become The Monks.
Maxim Bar Chaos
- The Monks played at the Maxim Bar where Friday and Saturday nights often ended in violent brawls.
- Larry Clark was the only member who brought a gas mask, allowing him to keep playing while surrounded by tear gas.
Music Reflects Cold War Tension
- The monks' music reflected their present as American GIs in West Germany during the 1960s rather than a distant future.
- Their unique sound and political themes captured the tense Cold War atmosphere and the realities of the Vietnam War.