Artist description All that is "underground" in Bloomington/Normal Illinois owes a debt to this band, as it paved the way for world-class weirdness in a town known for insurance and a university that manufactures business majors. While other local bands of the day were exploring new wave angst or 80's syntho-rock, Shmaz was preaching a message of ducks in fire engines, banging your car keys on your beer glass, and potato salad with the extended family.

Music Style Circus Rock

Musical Influences Beefheart, Zappa, Residents, Henry Cow, Fred Frith, etc.

Similar Artists None.

Artist History Shmaz existed from 1982 through 1983, starting as the Lucas/Dickison duo that fronted the band to the end, then joined in turn by Brian, Jeff and Pink. The "Classic" 5-piece Shmaz was completed in December, 1982, and their first gigs were the following month. The band broke up when John moved to Chicago in August of '83, though they got back together for a reunion gig and a few days in a small studio for their first formal recordings in 1985. Sadly, bassist Brian Keys died in an auto accident in 1994. There has been talk of further work, but it's only been talk so far...

Group Members Scott Lucas: Drums, Vocals, etc. ~~~ John Dickison: Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals, etc. ~~~ Brian Keys: Bass, Etc. ~~~ Jeff Michel: Guitars, Vocals, etc. ~~~ Pink Bob: Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals, Electronics, etc. ~~~ Eric "Ponk" Ton: Juggling

Instruments Quite a few...mostly 3rd hand.

Albums They warp if you leave them sitting in your car during the summer!!!

Press Reviews LISTEN.COM had this to say about Shmaz: "A band squarely out of the Zappa/Beefheart/Residents tradition, Schmaz were stupid, funny, irritating, near-brilliant, erratic and incomprehensible, sometimes all at once. They existed very briefly during the '80s, gleefully confounding audiences with their mix of boneheaded Comedy Rock, noisy Free Improv jams, Zappa-esque modal guitar vamps, and general on-stage clowning. This is the kind of band that elicits allergic reactions with 90 percent of the populace; for those who enjoy this type of thoughtfully-delivered nonsense, though, Schmaz (sic) are a welcome discovery."

Additional Info "What the hell is going on around here? That's what I'd like to know. All's I wanted to do was watch the goddamned ballgame!"

Location Normal, IL - USA

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