Steel Pole Bath Tub

The band Steel Pole Bath Tub—what is it? Noise? Post-hardcore? Art-rock? I’ll tell you one thing it is, and that’s LOUD. In 1989 (I think), my band My Name played with Steel Pole Bath Tub and God Bullies at The Off Ramp in Seattle. SPBT is, to this day, perhaps the loudest band I’ve seen/heard. Like ear-splittingly loud. Maybe it was the contours of the club, or where I was standing, but I remember the pain to this day. They were weird. Rocking. Innovative. Creepy. Just a great band that was pushing sonic and technological boundaries, perfect for Boner Records and label mates like Bomb, Ed Hall, Melvins, etc.

I never met the guys back then, but about two years ago Dead Pioneers played a party in Montana. There was a familiar-looking fella walking around with an Emo’s shirt, so I accosted him, because I always loved playing that club in Texas, and turns out it’s Mike Morasky. We chopped it up a bit, and later he reminded me that My Name also played with his other band Duh back in the day. So we kept in touch.

I Really wish I could have made the SPBT and Alice Donut shows in SF recently, but I’m stoked I get a chance to show my appreciation for this great band in some fashion. This t-shirt’s art elements consist of a hand-drawn, stylized version of the iconic SPBT logo, as well as a rendering of the main monster from Frank Grow’s horror short film Red & Rosy, still images of which Steel Pole Bath Tub used for album and merch art. Then Charles mocked it up into the stylish design you see here. I love the way it turned out.

Steel Pole is one of those bands that leaves an impression on you. Like a boot print across your face. That show was over 35 years ago, but I remember it like it was today. My ears hurt just thinking about it.

LIMITED TO 300. Printed on American Apparel heavy soft cotton tees.