Subhumans were a Canadian punk rock band formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1978.

Known by pejorative, punk rock nicknames, original members were known simply as "Useless" (Gerry Hannah), "Dimwit" (Ken Montgomery), "Wimpy" (Brian Roy Goble), and "Normal" (Mike Graham).

History

Dimwit quit the band shortly after their first 7" was released to join the Pointed Sticks, and was replaced by Koichi Imagawa, also known as Jim Imagawa, on drums. During his time in prison, he began writing a column for the fanzine, Maximum RocknRoll, which helped maintain his connection to the punk scene. A number of years after his release he was the subject of a documentary film made by British Columbia filmmaker Glen Sanford, called Useless.

After Hannah left the band, the Subhumans re-formed with Ron Allan on bass. a compilation of material previously released only on vinyl and previously unreleased recordings, including a live track and 4 demos recorded in 1981 and seven tracks recorded live in Edmonton during the 1995 tour.

In 2005, the Subhumans reunited with the following line-up: Gerry Hannah on bass, Jon Card (ex-Personality Crisis, SNFU and D.O.A.) on drums, Wimpy Roy on vocals, and Mike Graham on guitar.

Although no formal break-up announcement was made, a string of shows in 2010 after the album's release proved to be the band's final performances. On 7 December 2014, lead singer Brian Goble died of a heart attack at the age of 57.

The Subhumans were featured in the 2010 documentary film Bloodied but Unbowed, directed by Susanne Tabata.

Discography

Singles, 7"s, EPs

  • "Death to the Sickoids" / "Oh Canaduh" 7" (1978)
  • The Subhumans EP (Quintessence Records, 1979)
  • "Firing Squad" / "No Productivity" 7" (Quintessence Records, 1980)
  • Demo/EP Limited Edition EP (2005)

Albums

  • Incorrect Thoughts LP on (Friends Records, 1980)
  • Same Thoughts, Different Day CD/LP (Alternative Tentacles, 2010)

Anthologies

  • Pissed Off... with Good Reason CD/Cassette (Essential Noise, 1996)
  • Death Was Too Kind CD/LP (Alternative Tentacles, 2008)

Compilations

  • "Death to the Sickoids" and "Urban Guerilla" on Vancouver Complication (1979)
  • "Out of Line" and "Behind The Smile" on Vancouver Independence, Friends Records (1980)
  • "Slave to My Dick" on Let Them Eat Jellybeans! (Alternative Tentacles, 1981)
  • "No Productivity" on Killed By Death #4, Redrum Records (1989
  • "Slave to My Dick" on Last Call: Vancouver Independent Music 1977-1988 (Zulu Records, 1991)
  • "Firing Squad" on Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk, Vol. 2, (Rhino Entertainment, 1993)

Covered by

  • Overkill covered "Fuck You" on the !!!Fuck You!!! EP (1987)
  • DOA covered "No Productivity" on the "Murder" LP (1990), and also covered "Behind the Smile" for the Terminal City Ricochet film soundtrack (1990).
  • Frank Frink Five "Slave to My Dick (Polka Version)" on "Van-Cover" compilation, Garbonzo Bean Productions, 1986
  • MDC covered "The Big Picture" in their Smoke Signals LP (1986).
  • NoMeansNo covered "Oh Canaduh!" in a 1991 single.
  • Leamers covered "Oh Canaduh!" in the Magic, Yo! EP (2012).

See also

  • List of 1970s punk rock musicians
  • Music of Vancouver
  • List of bands from British Columbia
  • List of bands from Canada

References

  • Subhumans Official website
  • The Subhumans on New Music Canada (dead link)