June 10–17, 1999

music

Icepack

by a.d. amorosi

Back in my teenage days, there was a punk band so mean, so corrosive and sosilly, it was hard to know whether to laugh or break chairs when you heard them. Between 1977 and 1984, the B-moviehorror show that was the Sic Kidz overwhelmed the Philly punk scene like a cancer — make that MickCancer. Influenced by the campy cinematic aesthetic of Herschel Lewis and the music of pal LuxInterior’s Cramps (Lux once called Sic Kidz "the reason Dick Clark left Philly"), Kidz’sfrontman Cancer started the band as a joke. None of the band members — bassist Tim Trauma, drummerRich Lustre and now-deceased guitarist Alison End(z) — could play their instruments.But Cancer’s tart horror-show laments were so passionate that real musicians got interested: Del Pezdrummer Joe Annkenbrand, bassist Clams Casino (better known as Ben Vaughn) and producer PalmyraDel Ran (whom Cancer played with in Pink Slip Daddy). So the joke’s on everybody: Sic Kidz got laughsand a devoted throng of fans who will surely mob Upstairs at Nick’s on Saturday, June 12, for theironce-in-a-lifetime reunion. Tim "Trauma" Comerford laughs thinking about the band’s beginnings."Cancer was writing for The Drummer in 1977 under David Fricke [now a senior editor at RollingStone]," he recalls. "He was obsessed with writing a story where he would make up a band and get it on thecover of a magazine. And Fricke loved it." The pictures of a ghoulishly made-up trio, along with the true-lifeexploits of the raging, pre-punk Kidz convinced Fricke, Cancer and Comerford to go forward. At a Drexel University GongShow gig in 1979, the Kidz were filled with the savage, nervous electric fury of an Ed Wood movie set to music. Thecrowd was enthralled. "We so convinced everyone we were real, that we were real," says Comerford. "We hada song called ‘The Band That Can’t Play.’ We weren’t fuckin’ kidding." In Sic Kidz’sdefense, their sound was an amazing cross between the lonely, echo-plexed girl groups of the early ’60s,Television, Gary Glitter and, of course, The Cramps. "Mick and Lux were best buddies, trading records, tradingstories. He helped us become more horrifying." Though Comerford left the band in 1981, Sic Kidz went on withCancer’s rockabilly obsessions intact and fueled by Vaughn’s love of psychedelia. But neither Cancer norComerford ever got Sic Kidz out of his system. Their manifesto for this one-time reunion: "It’s a joke. But asick one. We’re gonna trash the place like… it’s 1979.…"

Everyone’s favorite diva Phoenixx took a tumble last week when the mistress of mirth from Shampoo, Egyptand all points fabulous was attacked in her home. She was rushed to University of Pennsylvania hospital with stab woundsto the back, chest, face and head. Thankfully, after emergency work, she’s out of danger and staying with her mom.Even with being stabbed in the head, Phoenixx wouldn’t let doctors cut her hair for stitches, fearing it would messup the ’do. Go on, gurl! Much love and get better. If you want to send well wishes, send them through DJ LeeJones, who’s celebrating two years of Judy Boots at Martini’s this week.…

Saved by the bell and the buck: DBA Live, the corporate name for Live Bait, was set for a sheriff’s sale onMonday, June 7. (Notices of sale were sent out to neighboring restaurateurs like Onion Pie’s TommyCavanaugh, who was hoping to buy stools he could put pictures of his clientele on.) Old City was abuzz withquestions. But like the undying dynamo that it is, Live Bait paid off a big chunk of its debts. Now the bar’sannoying throngs can continue to torture everyone.…

After hitting George’s 5th Street Cafe to caffeinated avail, Mike Walsh’s riotous corporate send-upMan in the Basement will percolate on Friday, June 11, at Highwire Gallery, 137 N. Second St. Along with Walsh,his electro-wand waving pal WOZ and saxophonist Mark Brown, there’s opening act The Music of ErichZann — a puppet show with live musical accompaniment by Krakatoa. After Walsh, there’s the alwaysscintillating Tintinabulous — all in all an electromagnetic hullabaloo. Also watch for Man in theBasement at Borders on Tuesday, June 22.…

The Philadelphia Experiment’s four turntablers — Willyum, Carl Michaels, Kevin Vand Sean Thomas — take it to the bridge when they hit Silk City on Friday, June 11, in celebration ofsoon-departing doorman Evan.…

Dan Contarino’s got two big CD blasts planned to kick off gay pride weekend: June 11’s release partyfor NYC spinner David Knapp and promoter John Blair’s mixed CD debut and June 12’s soiree forAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Maverick label CD. Both eves come complete with Cher and Madonnaimpersonators Ginger Snaps and Raphael, DJs Robbie Tronco and Reenie Kane; monies go to thePhilly Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Pay up, girls.

Got some good gossip or nightlife news? Call the Icepack tipline: 215-735-8444, ext. ICE.