Dave Klein (punk musician)

Dave Klein
Klein performing with Black Flag in 2013
Klein performing with Black Flag in 2013
Background information
Born (1979-05-31) May 31, 1979 (age 45)
OriginEdmond, Oklahoma, United States
GenresPunk rock, hard rock, thrash metal, progressive rock
Years active1993–present
LabelsDeath To False Hope Records, Recess Records, Owned & Operated Recordings, Fandango Records, Coolidge Records, Thousand Islands Records
SpouseKelli Klein (m.2001)

Dave Klein (born May 31, 1979) is an American musician and bass player from Edmond, Oklahoma, United States. He has worked as a studio musician, founded and developed numerous bands, and performed hundreds of concerts internationally since 1993. He currently plays bass for punk and rock bands: A Vulture Wake, Aggravated Nuisance, and They Stay Dead. Former bands include: Screeching Weasel, Black Flag, Wretch Like Me, Good For You, Bi-Products, Jettison, Euclid Crash, American Ruse, et al.

Early career

Klein is earliest credited in 1997 as the bassist for the Oklahoma punk band, Bi-Products, self-released debut split 7” vinyl. This album also featured drummer Chris Gaylor, best known for his work with The All-American Rejects. Klein later moved north to Kansas City, Missouri – joining Jettison for live shows. The 1998 recording of the band’s demo was subsequently released as  “The Original Jettison Tapes” in 2016 as a benefit for ailing founder and songwriter John Fackler.[1]

In 2000, Klein joined Colorado-based 'Wretch Like Me', replacing Jeff Matz upon his departure to join the Seattle, Washington-based psych rock band Zeke. Klein Toured with the band until 2002 upon the release of their final album “I Am Become Death.”[2]

Klein went on to become a founding member of Oklahoma City based band "They Stay Dead'. Between 2011-2019, the band released three E.P.s and one single.

Screeching Weasel

Klein was announced as Screeching Weasel’s new bass player at the October 29, 2011 “Carnival of Schadenfreude” record release concert at Reggie’s in Chicago, IL.[3] He continued to play live shows with the band until March 27, 2013 when Ben Weasel announced on social media the bassist was leaving Screeching Weasel to Join Black Flag as touring bassist. In the post, Ben stated, “It's my sad duty to report that Dave Klein has left the Screeching Weasel fold. Black Flag came calling, and he answered the bell. And who can blame him? When Black Flag says they want to hire you, you suit up, give notice to the circus, and report for duty".[4] But Klein didn’t stray far from the camp as he played on much of Screeching Weasel's 2015 rock opera “Baby Fat: Act 1” and is also credited with vocals on the album.[5]

Black Flag

Klein earned the title of touring bassist for American Punk-Rock Band Black Flag[6] during their 2013 reunion tour. At this time he also joined Black Flag guitarist, singer, and bassist Greg Ginn’s band, Good For You, alongside action-sports legend Mike Vallely. Reportedly, it was a tumultuous year of touring that ended in Perth, Australia when Vallely told Black Flag’s vocalist, Ron Reyes that the “party" was "over” and took the microphone to finish the band’s set.[7] Weeks later, Klein announced his departure from the SST ventures to rejoin 'They Stay Dead' and release the band’s “Bruise Banner” single in December 2013. Klein mentioned the departure on social media, posting, “I guess I should OFFICIALLY (puns!) say that I’m no longer playing with BF.”[8][9]

A Vulture Wake

Klein replaced Joe Raposo in A Vulture Wake as touring bassist in the summer of 2019.[10] Klein played bass on the band’s sophomore album ‘One.Kingdom.Animal’, released November 11, 2022 on Thousand Islands Records. He continues to tour with the band alongside founding member and main songwriter, Chad Price.[11]

Discography

Year[12] Artist Release Label Format
1997 The Bi-Products The Bi-Products / Aspects Split 7" n/a EP/Vinyl
2002 Wretch Like Me I Am Become Death Owned and Operated Recordings LP
2003 Zildo s/t n/a Single
2007 American Ruse Do The Pop Fandango Records Single
2010 Euclid Crash Girl Talk n/a EP
2011 They Stay Dead s/t Death to False Hope Records EP
2011 They Stay Dead Betray Death to False Hope Records EP
2012 Screeching Weasel Carnival of Schadenfreude Recess Records EP/Vinyl
2013 They Stay Dead Bruise Banner Jailhouse Records Single
2015 Screeching Weasel Baby Fat, Act 1 Recess Records LP
2016 Jettison The Original Jettison Tapes n/a
2019 Aggravated Nuisance Deadly Forces n/a EP
2020 They Stay Dead Regression n/a EP
2022 A Vulture Wake Kingdom Thousand Islands Records EP
2022 A Vulture Wake Animal Thousand Islands Records EP
2022 A Vulture Wake One.Kingdom.Animal Thousand Islands Records LP


References

  1. ^ "The Original Jettison Tapes, by Jettison". I'll Repay You: A Benefit For John Fackler. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  2. ^ "10 Questions with Dave Klein (Euclid Crash, Wretch Like Me)". Oklahomalefty.blogspot.com. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Jersey Beat | Screeching Weasel Live at Reggie's 10-29-11". www.jerseybeat.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  4. ^ Punknews.org (2013-03-29). "Dave Klein leaves Screeching Weasel to join Black Flag". www.punknews.org. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  5. ^ "Dave Klein (4)". Discogs. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  6. ^ "Black Flag official website". Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  7. ^ "Ron Reyes Leaves Black Flag". Pitchfork. 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  8. ^ Grow, Kory (4 February 2014). "Black Flag Bassist Quits". Rollingstone.com. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Black Flag Revolving Door Turns Again as Bassist Quits". Spin.com. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Dave Klein (A Vulture Wake) - Rhythm and Blues • Bad Copy". Bad Copy. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  11. ^ "HOME | A VULTURE WAKE". Mysite. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  12. ^ "Dave Klein (4)". Discogs. Retrieved 2023-06-03.