David Yow

David Yow
Headshot by Rivka Rivera
Background information
Birth name	David Lambeth Yow
Born	(1960-08-02) August 2, 1960 (age 56) Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Genres	Alternative rock, noise rock, post-hardcore
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, actor
Instruments	Vocals, bass
Years active	1982–present
Labels	Joyful Noise Records Rabid Cat Touch and Go Capitol
Associated acts	Scratch Acid The Jesus Lizard Qui Flipper

David Yow (born August 2, 1960) is an American musician and actor born in Las Vegas, Nevada and best known as the vocalist for the noise rock bands Scratch Acid and The Jesus Lizard. Yow's debut solo album, Tonight You Look Like a Spider, was released in June 2013 on Joyful Noise Records.

In 1982, Yow formed the Austin, Texas-based punk/noise rock group Scratch Acid. The group's initial lineup featured Steve Anderson (vocals), David Wm. Sims (guitar), Brett Bradford (guitar), Yow (bass), and Rey Washam (drums). Anderson was kicked out of the band early in their career, prompting Yow to move to vocals and Sims to move to bass. After releasing three albums and developing a strong following, the band disbanded in 1987.

Yow and Sims next formed The Jesus Lizard in 1987 with guitarist Duane Denison. The trio relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1989. They used a drum machine for their earliest recordings and performances before adding drummer Mac McNeilly after recording their first EP Pure. Yow achieved wide notoriety for playing shows completely drunk and incoherent. Of touring with Jesus Lizard, Yow said: "I enjoyed writing songs and acting like an idiot with those guys. To make enough money to support ourselves." The Jesus Lizard eventually landed a spot on the Lollapalooza tour and signed to Capitol Records, despite earning little commercial success. During the course of their career, The Jesus Lizard released six studio albums (the last of which featured Jim Kimball replacing McNeilly), three EPs and a live album before breaking up in 1999.