Wall of Voodoo facts for kids

Wall of Voodoo was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band's music style was a mix of punk and new wave. Their most famous song was Mexican Radio.

Band History

The band started in 1977 in Hollywood. A songwriter named Stan Ridgway created a company called "Acme Soundtracks." He wanted to make music for low-budget horror movies. But they didn't get many jobs.

Instead, Acme Soundtracks became a live band. Stan Ridgway sang and played harmonica and keyboards. He was joined by Marc Moreland on guitar, Marc's brother Bruce Moreland on bass, Chas T. Gray on keyboards, and Joe Nanini on drums.

How the Band Got Its Name

Stan Ridgway named the band Wall Of Voodoo before their first show. He got the idea while recording music with a drum machine. Someone joked that their sound was like Phil Spector's "Wall Of Sound." Phil Spector was a famous music producer known for making songs sound very full.

Ridgway then said their music sounded more like a "Wall Of Voodoo," and the name stuck. The drum machine he used was a gift from Daws Butler, who was the voice of famous cartoon characters like Yogi Bear.

What the Name Meant

The name "voodoo" could be a bit confusing. It didn't mean the band was about Haitian or Caribbean music. Instead, it described their music's often spooky or mysterious feel.

Wall of Voodoo's sound was a mix of early electronic pop, like the band Devo, and music from "spaghetti western" movies. These movies were made in Italy and had a unique sound, often by composer Ennio Morricone.

The band's music was special because of Stan Ridgway's singing style. He had a unique, half-spoken voice that sounded like a western drawl. Joe Nanini also experimented with drums, using drum machines and everyday kitchen items like pots and pans. Marc Moreland's guitar playing was also very distinct.

First Albums

In 1980, Wall Of Voodoo released their first recording, an EP (which is like a mini-album). It had a cover of Johnny Cash's song "Ring of Fire" and some of their own songs.

In 1981, they released their first full album, called Dark Continent. After this album, Bruce Moreland, the bass player, left the band. Chas T. Gray then played both bass and keyboards.

Their Big Hit

As a four-person band, Wall of Voodoo recorded their most famous album, Call of the West, in 1982. This album included their hit song "Mexican Radio."

"Mexican Radio" became a big underground hit. An "underground hit" means it was very popular with fans and on college radio, even if it wasn't a top song on the main charts. The song's music video was played a lot on MTV in the US and MuchMusic in Canada.

Changes in the Band

In 1982, Bill Noland joined Wall Of Voodoo as a keyboard player. But there were growing disagreements within the band. This led to the band breaking up after a festival in 1983.

Stan Ridgway then started a solo career, making his own music. He became very successful, especially in the UK with his 1986 song "Camouflage." He has released many solo albums since then.

New Members

Bill Noland and Joe Nanini also left the band in 1983. Wall of Voodoo then got back together in 1984 with some new members. Andy Prieboy became the new lead singer, and Ned Leukhardt became the new drummer. Bruce Moreland, the original bass player, also returned.

Later Albums

This new group released a song called "Big City" in 1984. They then released two more albums: Seven Days in Sammystown in 1985 and Happy Planet in 1987. The Sammystown album had a song called "Far Side Of Crazy," which was a minor hit in Australia.

Bruce Moreland left the band again before their last album in 1989. This final album was a live recording called The Ugly Americans In Australia.

Band Members' Other Projects

After Wall of Voodoo broke up for good, the members continued making music.

Andy Prieboy

Andy Prieboy released several solo albums. One of his songs, "Tomorrow Wendy," was covered by many other bands, including Concrete Blonde.

Marc Moreland

Marc Moreland played with other bands like Pretty & Twisted. He also released a solo album before he passed away on March 13, 2002.

Stan Ridgway

Stan Ridgway continues to release many recordings and projects. He often works with his wife, Pietra Wexstun. They have created music for art exhibits and other projects. His most recent solo album is Snakebite - Blacktop Ballads and Fugitive Songs from 2005.

A Short Reunion

Wall Of Voodoo reunited for a short time in 2006. They opened for singer Cyndi Lauper at a concert series in California.

Reunion Members

The band for this reunion included Stan Ridgway on vocals, harmonica, and keyboards. New members joined him: Joe Berardi on drums, Rick King on guitar, Pietra Wexstun on keyboards, Jeff Boynton on keyboards, and David Sutton on bass. Richard Mazda, who produced their hit song "Mexican Radio," also joined as a special guest.

Andy Prieboy, Chas T Gray, and Bill Noland were asked to join the reunion but decided not to. They sent their good wishes to the band.

Sadly, drummer Joe Nanini passed away on December 4, 2000. Guitarist Marc Moreland passed away on March 13, 2002.

Albums

• Wall of Voodoo (EP) (1980)
• Dark Continent (1981)
• Call of the West (1982)
• Seven Days in Sammystown (1985)
• Happy Planet (1987)
• The Ugly Americans in Australia (1989)

Images for kids

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  A robot for kids

See also

In Spanish: Wall of Voodoo para niños