Ivan Julian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ivan Julian
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Ivan Julian (second from left) as part of Richard Hell and the Voidoids in 1977
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| Background information | |
| Born | June 26, 1955 Washington, D.C. [1] |
| Genres | Punk rock, rock & roll |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter, producer, audio engineer |
| Instruments | Guitar, piano, vocals |
| Labels | Sire, Radar, Warner Bros., Pravda Records |
| Associated acts | The Voidoids, Lovelies |
Ivan Julian (born June 26, 1955) is a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was a founding member of two important bands: Richard Hell and the Voidoids and Lovelies. He has also played music with many other famous artists like The Isley Brothers, The Clash, and Matthew Sweet.
Contents
Ivan Julian's Musical Journey
Early Life and First Steps in Music
Ivan Julian was inspired by watching Jimi Hendrix play guitar. He felt that Hendrix showed true freedom in his music. After seeing him, Julian even burned his Chuck Taylor shoes. This was a way to show he didn't want to follow the crowd.
Because his dad was in the Navy, Ivan moved around a lot as a kid. He lived in places like Haiti and Cuba before his family settled in Washington D.C. He enjoyed reading books and writing down his own thoughts.
When he was 13, Ivan sang in a Led Zeppelin cover band. This led him to start playing guitar at age 14. Before that, he also learned to play the bassoon and saxophone. In high school, he studied music theory in a college program. At 17, Julian toured Europe with The Foundations. This band was known for popular songs like "Build Me Up Buttercup."
Joining The Voidoids and Blank Generation
In 1976, Ivan Julian moved to New York City. There, he helped start a very important punk and new wave band called Richard Hell and the Voidoids. The band quickly recorded an EP (a short album) that was praised by music critics.
Later that year, they signed with Sire/Warner Brothers records. They then released their famous album, Blank Generation. This album became a guide for many guitar players who came after them. Ivan Julian co-wrote two songs on the album, "Liars Beware" and "Betrayal Takes Two." Critics loved the album, especially the guitar playing. Today, Blank Generation is still seen as a classic album from that time.
Forming The Outsets (1980–1985)
After Richard Hell and the Voidoids broke up in 1980, Ivan Julian started his own band called The Outsets. He found talented musicians to join him, including Vinny DeNunzio on drums. They practiced a lot and soon began playing live shows. They performed at famous New York clubs like CBGB's and Max's Kansas City.
The Outsets later signed with Contender Records. They released their first single, "I'm Searchin' For You" with "Fever" on the other side. The songs from their album The Punk/Funk Voodoo Collection were recorded in a special studio. The producer, Giorgio Gomelsky, encouraged the band to try new sounds. He wanted them to explore music beyond typical American pop.
During this time, Ivan also worked with other musicians. Garland Jeffreys helped produce one of The Outsets' EPs. Ivan also recorded with artists like Tomas Donker from Defunkt and Bernie Worrell of Parliament/Funkadelic.
Lovelies and Other Collaborations
In 1988, Ivan Julian formed a new band called Lovelies. His wife at the time, Cynthia Sley, who was the singer for Bush Tetras, was also in the band. They released one album called Mad Orphan. This album had a unique post-punk sound from downtown New York.
Ivan Julian also had the chance to work with The Clash. When they were recording their album Sandinista!, they asked him to join them. He helped them create their single "The Call Up." He also toured North America and Europe with the English band Shriekback.
Many people have compared Ivan Julian's guitar playing to that of Jimi Hendrix. Ivan says he never tried to copy Hendrix, but he feels honored by the comparison. He has been influenced by jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Charlie Christian. This has helped him create his own special guitar style. Ivan believes that these musicians put "a piece of their soul in every note they play." For much of the 1990s, Ivan toured the world as the lead guitarist for Matthew Sweet. He even earned three Gold Record Awards for his work.
Today, Ivan continues to write and produce music. He works at his own recording studio, NY HED. He has produced albums for bands like The Fleshtones.
Facing Cancer and Recovery
In 2015, Ivan Julian was diagnosed with Stage III gastrointestinal cancer. To help him with medical costs, a special two-day concert was held in New York. Many famous musicians performed, including Debbie Harry and Matthew Sweet. In 2016, Ivan was declared cancer-free. He celebrated by playing a comeback show in Brooklyn.
However, in March 2020, it was announced that his cancer had returned. A fundraising campaign was started to help cover his medical bills.
