The Gits
| The Gits | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Genres | Punk rock |
| Years active | 1986–1993 |
| Labels | Broken Rekids C/Z Records Empty Records Big Flaming Ego Records |
| Past members |
Mia Zapata - Vocalist Joe Spleen (b. Andy Kessler) - Guitarist Matt Dresdner - Bassist Steve Moriarty - Drummer |
The Gits were an American punk rock band, formed in Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1986. Known for their part in the burgeoning Seattle music scene of the early 1990s, they were known for their fiery live performances. Members included singer Mia Zapata, guitarist Joe Spleen (born Andy Kessler), bassist Matt Dresdner and drummer Steve Moriarty. They dissolved in 1993 after the murder of Zapata.
During their existence, the band released two studio albums, one compilation of early recordings, one live recording, three 7” singles and appeared on various compilations. The band also recorded on a few independent labels, and released its two studio albums on C/Z Records. In 2003, each release in the band’s discography was remastered and expanded with bonus tracks on Broken Rekids.
Though the band never signed with a major label and never reached a mainstream audience, Zapata has nevertheless been cited as an influence by many female vocalists.
The Gits met and formed in 1986 at Antioch College, a liberal arts school in Yellow Springs, Ohio. They called themselves the 'Snivelling Little Rat Faced Gits' (a reference to a Monty Python skit), but soon shortened the moniker to just 'The Gits'. In 1988 they recorded and self-released their "unofficial" debut album entitled Private Lubs with the help of friend Ben London (later of Alcohol Funnycar and solo). These recordings did not see widespread release though until 1996 when the album was reissued by the Broken Rekids label as Kings & Queens.
After relocating to Seattle, Washington in 1989, the band set up shop at "the Rathouse", a Capitol Hill district abandoned house where the band rehearsed and lived. They quickly earned a following on the local scene and gained many friends, particularly in the city's punk rock community. During the early 1990s, buzz began surrounding the band, which caused some media outlets to erroneously lump them in with the then-burgeoning Seattle grunge music scene, and Zapata's persona led many to incorrectly associate The Gits with the Olympia, Washington riot grrrl movement.
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