History
The Fluid were originally called
Madhouse
, and became The Fluid upon the arrival of vocalist John Robinson. Their first show drew a crowd of around 400 people, and they released their first album in 1986,
Punch N Judy
. Many people only know them for their split release with
grunge superstars
Nirvana.
The quintet has its roots in Denver's early 80's punk scene. One local band Frantix, gained a measure of national notoriety with single that radio wouldn't even consider playing, let alone saying over the air ("My Dad's A Fucking Alcoholic"). After Frantix broke up bassist Matt Bischoff began gigging with drummer Garrett Shavlik and guitarist James Clower under the moniker "Madhouse."
On July 5, 1985 with the addition of Rick Kulwicki and Houston punk transplant John Robinson on vocals, The Fluid played their first gig at the German House (Denver Turnverein). "The Fluid" was the only name all 5 members could agree upon. The band's reputation as a powerful "live" experience took off from there.
In 1986 the Fluid released their first album,
Punch 'n Judy
on local Rayon Records. They toured for the next two years.
Punch N Judy
was also licensed to and released by the German label
Glitterhouse.
In 1988, The Fluid released
Clear Black Paper
on
Sub Pop. They were the first non-
Seattle band to sign to the label and the fourth album from the Northwest upstart record company.
The Fluid 2008 Reunion Performance
The Fluid reunited to perform at Sub-Pop Records 20th Anniversary Festival in Seattle July 2008 and at selected dates in Denver, Colorado.
Forged in the gritty, unforgiving depths of the Denver punk scene in 1985, The Fluid was one of the most powerful and hardest-hitting acts of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Composed of vocalist John Robinson, drummer Garrett Shavlik, bassist Matt Bischoff, and guitarists James Clower and Rick Kulwicki, the band was the first non-Seattle signing by the initially provincial Sub-Pop label, which released the group’s scorching sophomore album, Clear Black Paper, in 1988. (The quintet’s debut, Punch N Judy, was released on Denver’s Ray-On Records in 1986 and was later reissued on Germany’s Glitterhouse imprint.)
The Fluid’s shows at
Redmond's Marymoor Park on July 12 and 13th for the Sub-Pop Records 20th Anniversary Festival and at The Bluebird Theater in Denver on Friday June 20, 2008 brought together all five of the band’s original members for one of the most rabidly anticipated musical reunions in years—and one that will give fans the rare chance to once again experience firsthand the band’s singular brand of timeless and powerful rock ’n’ roll.
Members
- John Robinson - vocals
- Matt Bischoff - bass
- James Clower - guitar
- Rick Kulwicki - guitar
- Garrett Shavlik - drums
Discography
Albums
- Punch N Judy
(1986) (Rayon & Glitterhouse)
- Clear Black Paper
(1988) (Glitterhouse & Sub Pop)
- Freak Magnet
EP (1989) (Glitterhouse)
- Roadmouth
(1989) (Sub Pop & Glitterhouse)
- Glue
(1990) (Sub Pop & Glitterhouse)
- Purplemetalflakemusic
(1993) (Hollywood)
Singles
- Tin Top Toy b/w Tomorrow 7"
(1989) (Sub Pop SP57)
- Split 7" with Loveslug - Madhouse (live) b/w Free Fire Zone (live)
(1989) (Glitterhouse GR0057)
- Split 7" with Nirvana - Candy (live) b/w Molly's Lips (live)
(1991) (Sub Pop SP97)
- Spot the Loon EP (CD)
(1992) (Fellaheen)
- On My Feet 7"
(Hollywood - white vinyl promo) (1993) (Hollywood)
- Live 1988 7"
(bootleg)
Compilations
- Motor City Madness (1988) (Glitterhouse) "Saccharine Rejection" re-recorded by Jack Endino
- Something's Gone Wrong Again: The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation
- Sub Pop 200
- The Grunge Years