Rocket from the Crypt is an American alternative rock band from San Diego, California, originally active from 1990 to 2005, then active during 2011 and again from 2013 to the present. The band gained critical praise and the attention of major record labels after the release of their 1992 album Circa: Now!, leading to a recording contract with Interscope Records. They experienced a surge of popularity with the release of the albums Scream, Dracula, Scream! (1995) and RFTC (1998), accompanied by numerous vinyl singles and EPs released on independent labels. However, album sales did not meet expectations and Interscope soon turned their attention to higher-grossing acts. The band left the label, and shortly thereafter drummer Atom Willard departed the group.
After a period of inactivity in 1999 and 2000, during which singer/guitarist John Reis formed Hot Snakes and Sultans and launched his Swami Records label, the band signed to Vagrant Records and recruited new drummer Ruby Mars. They experienced a revitalization of creative energy and released two more albums, but were not as prolific as in the past.
Over the next few years the band members became increasingly involved with other projects and Rocket from the Crypt became less of a focus. They decided to disband in 2005, playing a sold-out farewell show on Halloween in their hometown of San Diego.
The band reunited in 2011 for a one-off appearance on the television program Yo Gabba Gabba!, and in 2013 reformed once more for a series of performances in the US, Europe and Australia.
Links to Peel[]
Peel seemed to be first aware of the group in the summer of 1992 when he played their single, 'Boychucker' on his programme. Further material from the band were played on his shows, but by the end of 1993, he seemed to have lost interest in them, although on occasions when he was co-presenting with Steve Lamacq, their live performances were played.
Live[]
Recorded at Glastonbury. First Broadcast: 28 June 1998
- When In Rome (Do The Jerk)
- On A Rope
- You Gotta Move
Other Shows Played[]
- 03 July 1992: Boychucker (7") Sympathy For The Record Industry
- 11 July 1992: Boychucker (7 inch) Sympathy For The Record Industry
- 29 August 1992: Normal Carpet Ride (7") Sub Pop
- 02 October 1992: Maybelline (LP – Paint As A Fragrance) Cargo
- 03 October 1992: Stinker (album - Paint As A Fragrance) Headhunter
- 04 October 1992 (BFBS): Stinker (LP - Paint As A Fragrance) Headhunter
- 11 October 1992 (BFBS): Maybelline (LP - Paint As A Fragrance) Headhunter
- 16 October 1992: Jiggy Jig (LP - Paint As A Fragrance) Headhunter
- 04 December 1992: Little Arm (LP – Circa, Now!) Headhunter Records
- 20 December 1992 (BFBS): March of Dimes (CD - Circa: Now!) Headhunter
- 1993
- 08 May 1993: Pigeon Eater (7" - Both Good Songs) Merge
- 06 August 1993: 'Pure Genius (7")' (Drunken Fish)
- 14 August 1993 (BFBS): Pure Genius (7") Drunken Fish
- 27 August 1993: Pure Genius (7") Drunken Fish