Dr. Know

From Musician Dictionary

[edit] Dr. Know

Contents: Top - 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dr. Know has been a band since 1981. The original members were Kyle Toucher, Ismael Hernandez and Robin Cartwright. They soon went through four singers, finally deciding on Brandon Cruz, who was asked to join after his band The Eddy's was breaking up.

Rehearsing in Oxnard, they soon were playing parties with fellow Nardcore bands Agression, Ill Repute, Stalag 13, and Cirith Ungol.They got noticed pretty quickly and began opening in Santa Barbara and Ventura at early Goldenvoice shows for bands like D.O.A., Flipper, Dead Kennedys, Circle One, and several others.

A recording was done for an old T.V. show that soon found its way onto the Party or Go Home compilation on Mystic Records. The song was Saviour. Another recording at Mystic lead to the record known as The Original Group. It was recorded in 1982 with new drummer Rik Heller.

Brandon left the band in 1983, and, after having yet another singer, Mark Fisher, Kyle began singing. Dr. Know recorded the Burn E.P. soon after Brandon quit, and then, adding Fred Mattaquin on second guitar, recorded Plug in Jesus in 1984. They continued recording songs for several compilations and even got a song, the infamous Fist Fuck, on a movie soundtrack. This lead to a few well attended tours as Dr. Know went into a more metal approach, as did friends D.R.I. and Corrosion of Conformity.

The album This Island Earth in 1986 saw the band delve deeper into their vision of a world on the verge of collapse, catholicism run rampant, and death. This was good, because they were signed to Death Records, a Metal Blade label.

Their next record, 1988's Wreckage in Flesh, saw a line up change, with Rik Hellar and founding member Ismael Hernandez, the man who coined the term "Nardcore", leaving the band. Larry White, Tim Harkins, Mike Purdy, and Tony Black joined forces for the most metal of all Dr. Know recordings. After several national tours and a ton of local gigs, Dr. Know played it's last gig with the metal line up in 1991.

As the years went by talk of a reunion came and went, but Brandon and Kyle never saw things eye to eye. In 1998, Brandon once again tried for another go at it. Founding member Ismael Hernandez and old Circle One pals Jody Hill and Mike Vallejo teamed up along with Liberty Allen to restart the bands punk roots.

The new version played a lot of the old classics that the audiences yelled for, as well as a batch of new songs, continuing where they had left off back in the punk years of 1981 to 1984. The first gigs of a west coast tour were a great indication that the new Dr. Know was a welcome addition to the punk scene in several towns. A near riot in San Diego, a sold out San Francisco gig that smashed furniture and windows, and a Seattle gig that should have had a second night added were all great welcome backs for a bunch of guys who never really had left in the first place. A new compilation record in 2000 with Fang was well received, and another tour with Gang Green and the Vibrators was a great success.

As the tours got longer, some band members had other commitments, so El Monte wonder kids Eric Vasquez and Craig Cano joined Brandon and Ismael for what has been called the most powerful punk line up in the bands history. A new album, recorded in late 2000 and called Father, Son, and Holy Shit, was supposed to be released by their new record label, but the label went bankrupt. The new Dr. Know had recorded a bunch of old songs earlier in the year for the Cleopatra label called Habily, but the new songs were what they wanted to play, so off they went to Canada and back with Dayglo Abortions, causing havoc and raising hell in every club and skatepark they could find.

In 2001, Brandon was offered a spot singing for Dead Kennedys. Right or wrong, he took it and toured the world twice before quitting in April of 2003 with a broken shoulder and 100,000 miles of road under his belt. During the Dead Kennedys time, Dr. Know was able to get away for yet another tour on an off month with Ill Repute and Brandon's brother's band, Stalag 13.

In 2004, Dr. Know did a lot of local gigs in So Cal, like the Nardcore Compilation 20th anniversary gig in Oxnard with 20 bands, went to Canada to play with The Dayglo Abortions, and San Francisco for some gigs with Dinah Cancer, Fang, Oppressed Logic and Retching Red. Gigs coming up in 2005 include an east coast tour to start with 2 nights at CBGB's with Dayglo Abortions, The Accussed, and Munincipal Waste, a run up through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona, a few one off gigs with The Exploited, some fun as hell backyard shows with Circle One, and The Wasted Festival in October with 75 bands.

Currently, Dr. Know is playing mostly local shows while concentrating on a new album. Eric Vasquez, Nik, and Craig Cano are no longer in the band. Dr. Know's drummer is now a great guy named Rick Contreras. Stevil Contreras is Dr. Know's new guitarist.

Check back for updates. We will be recording an album of 20 brand new songs as soon as we can for our new label, Unrest Records. Check out their website at http://www.unrestrecords.com Dr. Know wants to thank Kyle Toucher, Rik Heller, all the old bandmates, and all the fans who have supported them for all these years.

Dr. Know has a Myspace page. Please visit it at http://www.myspace.com/thisisdrknow

[edit] A

Agression

The all time best band to ever come out of Oxnard. Mark Hickey, RIP, Henry Knowles, RIP, Big Bob Clark and Mark Aber (not the original drummer) ruled the scene, the pit, and helped pave the way for all of the bands that followed in the Nardcore scene. They were the first to record, tour, and play L.A.

Accused, The

The first name of Dr. Know. Kyle and Ismael named it the Accused, then decided against it. Tom Neidermier was there and asked if he could use the name. Off he went to Seattle and The Accused were born.

[edit] B

Brandon Cruz.

Dr. Know's fourth and seventh singer. Still going strong after leaving the band in 1983 and rejoining with Ismael Hernandez in 1998. Brandon has also sung with The Eddys, Harmful If Swallowed, Flipper, Dead Kennedys, and a few others.

Burn. 7" EP.

Realeased in 1985 by Mystic Records. Also came with Plug In Jesus in the Mystic Value Pack. Rik, Ismael, and Kyle did this as a three piece.

Best of Dr. Know.

Although released by Mystic in 1987, this was the first recording ever done by Dr. Know. It was recorded in Ventura in 1981. Also called The Original Group, this was Kyle, Rik, Ismael, and Brandon. Mystic also repackaged the album in 2003 to contain 33 songs, mixing Plug In Jesus material along with the Original Group recordings.

Big Bob Clark.

Founded Agression with Mark and Henry in 1980. Dr. Know is proud to say that we still see Bob and he is very active in the Nardcore scene to this day.

Blake Cruz.

Brandon's brother, was in Stalag 13, Nurse Yes, Ska Daddyz, The Slider, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire. One of the wildest guitarists on stage. The youngest Cruz, Blake exploded on the scene with crazy ass antics at clubs all over Hollywood at 12 years of age. He's still going. Slam god from hell.

[edit] C

Cahuenga Street.

Silver Strand Beach. Home of Agression, Dr. Know, the Cruz Family, and the scene of countless parties, practices, and general craziness. The birthplace of Nardcore. Thanks Edwina!!!

[edit] D

Dave Casillas.

One time member of Dr. Know, NOFX, and Stalag 13, as well as The Nardcore All Stars. Great guy and all around guitar shredder.

[edit] E

Eric Vasquez.

One time Dr. Know drummer. Fucking amazing guy. Powerful and fast.

[edit] F

Fred Mattaquin.

Guitarist on Plug In Jesus. Wrote a lot of music for Dr. Know. Also founding member of False Confession, a great band from the Nardcore scene.

Fist Fuck.

A song written by Kyle for who knows what reason. It is arguably the most popular Dr. Know song of all time. It was featured in a movie called "Du-beat-e-o" in 1984. The band cannot play a gig without someone yelling for it.

[edit] G

Gilbert Hernandez.

Member of Los. Bros. Hernandez. Amazing artist and writer. Founded the comic Love and Rockets with his brother Jaime. Married to long time love and O.G. punk, Carol. Did flyer's and logo's for almost every Nardcore band back in the day. Played with Target Earth, Beer Gutz, and a bunch more.

[edit] H

Henry Knowles.

Founding member of Agression. One of the first punks on the Strand. Loving guy and a tough enforcer. The all time best guitarist in the scene. Henry passed away in 2002. We all miss him very much. R.I.P. Henry.

H Street.

The street where the Hernandez Bothers lived. At the end is Durley Park, a great place for kids.

[edit] I

It Came From Slimey Valley

Compilation LP put out by Mystic Records in 1983.

Ismael Hernandez.

Founding member of Dr. Know. Ismael coined the term "Nardcore." Bass playing God. P.S.N.

Ill Repute

One of the best bands in the punk scene. Tony, John, Jim, and Carl killed it back in the day, and are still on top every time they play their last show. We love these guys.

In Control

One of the best early Hardcore bands. As Nardcore as they get, In Control took their name from Stalag 13's album, and killed every gig they ever played. One of the most missed bands since they broke up. Amazing on stage, Ryan Control is also a great surfer.

[edit] J

Jaime Hernandez.

The great artist from Oxnard. Did a lot of flyer's and logo's for almost every band in the early 80's. The Dr. Know girl logo was drawn by Jaime and is rumored to be a version of Dinah Cancer from 45 Grave. Wrote music for Dr. Know. Was also in Target Earth, Beer Gutz, and several other party bands. Founded the comic Love and Rockets with his brother Gilbert.

Jak's Team.

Longtime skateboard team from Northern California, started in 1976. Brandon has been a Jak since 1985. A lot of Jak's are in bands like Dayglo Abortions, Skoundrelz, Toiling Midgets, Black Athlete's, Die Hunns, The Excessives, The Jakuzzi's, and a whole lot more. Brandon is always seen in his raggy old vest, which are the colors of a Jak.

Jody Hill.

Jody Hill is Nardcore. Drummer of Circle One, a legendary L.A. band from the early 80's. Jody joined Dr. Know in 1998 to help start the band up again, and to goof around. He managed to do both.

[edit] K

Kyle Toucher

Founding member of Dr. Know. Amazing guitarist and songwriter. Sixth and no doubt the best singer, Made metal cool. Emmy award winner. Quite possibly the most talented person from the Nardcore scene.

[edit] L

Larry White.

Also known as Larz. Third drummer for Dr. Know. Band whore. Also in Agression(kicked out of the band in 1982), Stalag 13, and many others. He's shit.

[edit] M

Mark Hickey.

Agression's founder and leader. Mark paved the way for hundreds of Nardcore bands. Lived on Cahuenga, where the scene started. Wrote great songs and played a mean harmonica, too. Mark passed away in 2000, leaving a great void in the Nardcore scene, as well as the music world in general. R.I.P. our brother. We miss you.

Mark Fisher.

Fifth singer for Dr. Know. A short lived stint as the guy who replaced Brandon in 1983. Quite the artiste. A wild Mormon from El Rio.

Mystic Records.

First label to release Dr. Know. Still in operation. Moody will just not die.

Mike Vallejo.

Founder of Circle One. He joined Dr. Know in 1998 for a short time. Mike Vallejo knows every song ever written by a Nardcore band. Still killing it with Circle One.

Missing 23rd.

A band that absolutely amazed everyone. When they played at the Fairgrounds and security turned off the power, they still played "Struggle", with the crowd going crazy, singing along and throwing hay everywhere. It was one of the punkest things I have ever seen. They are sorely missed. The Missing 23rd were, and still are, one of the best bands to ever claim Nardcore. Get back together, damn it!

[edit] N

N!k.

16 year old drummer from 2005 to 2006. Now in C.O.P., and Bad Reaction. Great kid.

Nurse Yes

A joke band that featured Mark Hickey and Blake Cruz. They were the answer to Dr. Know. Get it?

They did improv songs on whatever topics happened to be going on at the party or gig. They played the famous "God save the Scene" gig at Edwina's house on Cahuenga St. in 1982 on St. Patricks Day, which is also Ismael's birthday. The gig was to help pay the gas, electric, and phone bills that everyone who crashed, partied, rehearsed, or lived there had rang up during the early days of Nardcore.

NARDCORE805 .com - http://www.Nardcore805.com

Great site for more info on ILL REPUTE and other bands from the 805

[edit] O

Oxnard.

Spiritual home of Dr. Know. Birthplace of Nardcore. S.S.L. for Life. Home of amazing bands and incredible friends.

[edit] P

Plug In Jesus.

1st and best full length album recorded after Brandon was fired. Featured Fred Mattaquin as second guitarist. Released on Mystic Records in 1984. Without this record, who knows what would have been the future of the band?

[edit] Q

Quentin Tarantino.

His favorite song is Fist Fuck. No kidding. Has been seen wearing a Dr. Know shirt several times.

[edit] R

Ron Baird.

Second singer of Dr. Know. Went on to form the mighty Stalag 13. Now living in Australia. Ron threw great parties and had a '57 Chevy.

Robin Cartwright.

Founding member of Dr. Know. First drummer. Lived on Cahuenga Street.

Rik Heller.

Second drummer and third singer for Dr. Know. Went on to join The Exploited. Lives in Scotland and owns a killer restaurant.

Rick Contreras.

Current drummer for Dr. Know. Metal head and Grindcore fan. Joined the band in early 2006. Kicks major ass.

[edit] S

Stigmata.

Kyles second band. Dark, slow, gloomy metal. Phenomenal record. Try to find a copy.

Stevil Contreras.

Newest member of Dr. Know. Guitarist, long hair, and all around great guy. Writing some evil ass songs for the new record.

[edit] T

This Island Earth.

The 1986 Death/Metal Blade release that was to be the last record done with Rik and Ismael. A classic. Some of Kyles best work.

Tony Black.

Ex Stalag 13 member who played bass for Dr. Know after Ismael left. Tony left the band just before Wreckage In Flesh was recorded.

Tony Cortez.

Founding member of Ill Repute, one of the best punk bands of all time. The Mayor of Nardcore. Tony single handedly kept the scene alive in the 90's. Tony rules.

Tim Harkins.

Dr. Know guitarist and songwriter during the This Island Earth/Wreckage in Flesh era. Amazing writer and talented producer in Los Angeles these days.

[edit] U

Unrest Records

Our new label. Their website is http://www.unrestrecords.com Also home to The Accused, Dayglo Abortions, and many others.

[edit] V

Verbal Abuse

Great friends of ours and a kick ass band.

[edit] W

Wreckage In Flesh.

The last record with Kyle. It featured Larz White, Tony Black, Tim Harkins, and Mike Purdy. Released on Death/Metal Blade in 1988. Pretty fucking damn good metal.

We Got Power, Party or Go Home.

Dr. Know's first appearance on vinyl. Put out by Mystic records in 1983. The song was "Saviour."

Welcome to the Neighborhood.

Compilation CD put out by Let Them Eat Records in 2005.

[edit] X

X

If X were a punk band, what were The Germs? They both ruled L.A. in the beginning.

[edit] Y

Youth Brigade

We owe a lot to these guys. The Stern brothers gave Agression their first big tour, ran a lot of clubs and put on amazing shows. A damn great band who still kicks ass every time they play. Shawn Stern is without a doubt one of the most influential and popular punks that there ever was. Mark and Adam round out the band that helped a lot of bands, and still do. BYO Records is one of the best punk labels, too. Buy their stuff!

[edit] Z

Zorba Cruz

Zorba, Brandon's brother, is an amazing guitarist. He was taught to play by Henry of Agression, so he has Nardcore roots.