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{{Short description|American punk rock band}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2010}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2010}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
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| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| alias = UXB<ref>https://store.touchandgorecords.com/blogs/news/didjits-strictly-dynamite-best-of-and-rarities-double-lp-rsd-exclusive</ref>
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Mattoon, Illinois]], [[United States]]
| origin = [[Mattoon, Illinois]], [[United States]]
| genre = [[Punk rock]], [[hardcore punk]], [[rock and roll]]
| genre = [[Punk rock]], [[hardcore punk]], [[rock and roll]]
| years_active = 1983&ndash;1994, 2006
| years_active = 1981&ndash;1994, 2006
| label = [[Bam Bam Records]]<br/>[[Touch and Go Records]]
| label = Bam Bam Records<br/>[[Touch and Go Records]]
| associated_acts = [[Supersuckers]]<br/>[[Lee Harvey Oswald Band]]<br/>[[Scratch Acid]]<br/>[[Rapeman]]<br/>[[Ministry (band)|Ministry]]<br/>[[The Big Boys]]<br/>[[Helios Creed]]<br/>[[Lard (band)|Lard]]<br/>[[Tad (band)|Tad]]<br/>[[Gaza Strippers]]<br/>[[The Offspring]]
| associated_acts = [[Supersuckers]]<br/>[[Lee Harvey Oswald Band]]<br/>[[Scratch Acid]]<br/>[[Rapeman]]<br/>[[Ministry (band)|Ministry]]<br/>[[The Big Boys]]<br/>[[Helios Creed]]<br/>[[Lard (band)|Lard]]<br/>[[Tad (band)|Tad]]<br/>[[Gaza Strippers]]<br/>[[The Offspring]]
| website = [http://www.touchandgorecords.com/bands/band.php?id=41 www.touchandgorecords.com]
| website = [http://www.touchandgorecords.com/bands/band.php?id=41 www.touchandgorecords.com]
| current_members = [[Rick Sims]] aka Rick Didjit<br/>[[Doug Evans (musician)|Doug Evans]]<br/>[[Rey Washam]]
| past_members = Rick Sims<br/>Doug Evans<br/>Brad Sims<br/>Todd Cole<br/>[[Rey Washam]]
| past_members = [[Brad Sims]]
}}
}}


'''The Didjits''' were an [[United States|American]] [[punk rock]] [[musical band|band]] formed in [[Mattoon, Illinois]] in 1983, comprised Rick Sims (a.k.a. Rick Didjit) on guitar/vocals, Doug Evans on bass, and Rick's brother Brad Sims, on drums. Didjits were known for the aggressive guitar playing and persona of Rick Sims, who often baited the audience between songs, and took plenty of abuse for it. Moreover, the band also added odd stunts and theatrical bits to some of their stage shows, particularly when playing in Chicago and Champaign.
'''The Didjits''' were an [[United States|American]] [[punk rock]] [[musical band|band]] formed in [[Mattoon, Illinois]] in 1981,<ref>https://store.touchandgorecords.com/blogs/news/didjits-strictly-dynamite-best-of-and-rarities-double-lp-rsd-exclusive</ref> composed of Rick Sims on guitar/vocals, Doug Evans on bass, and Rick's brother Brad Sims, on drums. Didjits were known for the aggressive guitar playing and persona of Rick Sims, who often baited the audience between songs, and took plenty of abuse for it. Moreover, the band also added odd stunts and theatrical bits to some of their stage shows, particularly when playing in Chicago and Champaign.
⚫
They released their first album in 1986 on Bam Bam Records and disbanded in 1994, but briefly reunited in 2006. Brad Sims left the band in 1992. Former [[Scratch Acid]] drummer [[Rey Washam]] filled in for the ''Little Miss Carriage'' EP, and Todd Cole eventually took over as the drummer. Their song "Killboy Powerhead" was covered by [[The Offspring]] on their breakthrough 1994 album ''[[Smash (The Offspring album)|Smash]]''.


⚫
They released their first album in 1986 on Bam Bam Records and disbanded in 1994, but briefly reunited in 2006. Brad Sims left the band in 1992. Former [[Scratch Acid]] drummer [[Rey Washam]] filled in for the ''Little Miss Carriage'' EP, and Todd Cole eventually took over as the drummer. Their song "Killboy Powerhead" was covered by [[The Offspring]] on their breakthrough 1994 album ''[[Smash (The Offspring album)|Smash]]''.
==Recording history==
==Recording history==
''Fizzjob'', their debut album, was produced by [[Iain Burgess]] (who has worked with [[Naked Raygun]], [[Effigies]] and [[Mega City Four]], among others). Many of the songs on the album (and a couple subsequent releases) had appeared on self-released cassettes such as ''Whoop My Head'' and ''Signifies My Go-T''. The album showcased the burgeoning songwriting talents of Rick Sims, along with his fast, stinging guitar leads. They played their souped up rock and roll with plenty of speed. Underneath the fun and fury, the band displayed a real feel for classic rock forms from [[Jerry Lee Lewis]] (spoofed and honored in the opening cut "Jerry Lee") to [[Ramones]] to [[AC/DC]] and others. Highlights include the dynamic "Fix Some Food Bitch", the melodic "California Surf Queen", the dramatic "Mexican Death Horse" and the smart ass "Beast Le Brutale".
''Fizzjob'', their debut album, was produced by [[Iain Burgess]] (who has worked with [[Naked Raygun]], [[Effigies]] and [[Mega City Four]], among others). Many of the songs on the album (and a couple subsequent releases) had appeared on self-released cassettes such as ''Whoop My Head'' and ''Signifies My Go-T''. The album showcased the burgeoning songwriting talents of Rick Sims, along with his fast, stinging guitar leads. They played their souped up rock and roll with plenty of speed. Underneath the fun and fury, the band displayed a real feel for classic rock forms from [[Jerry Lee Lewis]] (spoofed and honored in the opening cut "Jerry Lee") to [[Ramones]] to [[AC/DC]] and others. Highlights include the dynamic "Fix Some Food Bitch", the melodic "California Surf Queen", the dramatic "Mexican Death Horse" and the smart ass "Beast Le Brutale".
Line 23: Line 25:
''Hey Judester'', the follow-up album, was a big step forward, as the band, produced by Burgess again, was noticeably tighter and the production was accordingly beefed up. Furthermore, the Rick Didjit persona was truly crystallized, with sarcastic lyrics about bad asses, big cars, and fish dominating the proceedings. Considered by many fans to be the band's best album, the LP kicks off with the furious "Max Wedge" and segues directly into "Stingray". The first side also has the [[The Cramps|Cramps]]-like "Skull Baby", the lightning fast "Plate in My Head", sung from the point of view of a Vietnam vet, the heavy "Under the Christmas Fish", a frequent concert opener with its pounding bass and drum rhythm and Sims hooky lead guitar line, and the closer, a wobbly version of [[Little Richard]]'s "Lucille". Side two was nearly as good, with "Axhandle" sounding like a cross between AC/DC and [[Buzzcocks]], "Joliet" encouraging singalongs, Doug Evans's bass dominating "King Carp", and Sims showing that he could pen a great mid-tempo song on "Dad" ("you know I really hate it/when you hit me with that belt"), a tough guy song tinged with melancholy. ''Judester'' was the band's first album released on [[Touch & Go Records]], and was subsequently released as a two-for-one CD with ''Fizzjob''.
''Hey Judester'', the follow-up album, was a big step forward, as the band, produced by Burgess again, was noticeably tighter and the production was accordingly beefed up. Furthermore, the Rick Didjit persona was truly crystallized, with sarcastic lyrics about bad asses, big cars, and fish dominating the proceedings. Considered by many fans to be the band's best album, the LP kicks off with the furious "Max Wedge" and segues directly into "Stingray". The first side also has the [[The Cramps|Cramps]]-like "Skull Baby", the lightning fast "Plate in My Head", sung from the point of view of a Vietnam vet, the heavy "Under the Christmas Fish", a frequent concert opener with its pounding bass and drum rhythm and Sims hooky lead guitar line, and the closer, a wobbly version of [[Little Richard]]'s "Lucille". Side two was nearly as good, with "Axhandle" sounding like a cross between AC/DC and [[Buzzcocks]], "Joliet" encouraging singalongs, Doug Evans's bass dominating "King Carp", and Sims showing that he could pen a great mid-tempo song on "Dad" ("you know I really hate it/when you hit me with that belt"), a tough guy song tinged with melancholy. ''Judester'' was the band's first album released on [[Touch & Go Records]], and was subsequently released as a two-for-one CD with ''Fizzjob''.


The band's following solidified with the release of Hornet Pinata, which equaled, if not bettered, its predecessor{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. The album was littered with memorable riffs and careening, pile-driving rhythms, and perhaps the best set of lyrics on any Didjits record{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. Whether it was Rick Sims telling the story of a one-legged drug dealer who stored his stash in his peg leg in "Lone Lone Ranger" ("just touch my leg/and Santa Claus'll get you high"), offering a put down in "Evel Knievel" ("it takes a better woman than you baby/to call me a slut") or the pearls of wisdom dripping from "Sweet Sweet Satan" ("c'mon let me tell you my recipe/it takes 10 tons of bullshit/for 10 ounces of glory"), the album is a cackling joyride{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. It leads off with "Killboy Powerhead", later covered by The Offspring on their breakthrough album, Smash, has a worthy cover of The MC5's "Call Me Animal" and sloppy bash through Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", with bassist Doug Evans on lead vocals. The band shot a video for "Captain Ahab", an excellent midtempo song featuring some of Sims' most memorable guitar lines{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}, which MTV refused to play due to drug references in the lyrics{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. Nevertheless, a clip of the video was shown on MTV's 120 Minutes show, and the clip contained some of those drug references. The video for "Judge Hot Fudge" appeared in a season five episode of [[Beavis and Butt-head]] entitled "Choke"; the boys were not impressed.
The band's following solidified with the release of Hornet Pinata{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. The album was littered with memorable riffs and careening, pile-driving rhythms{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. It leads off with "Killboy Powerhead", later covered by The Offspring on their breakthrough album, Smash and includes covers of The MC5's "Call Me Animal" and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", with bassist Doug Evans on lead vocals. The band shot a video for "Captain Ahab" which MTV refused to play due to drug references in the lyrics{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}. Nevertheless, a clip of the video was shown on MTV's 120 Minutes show. The video for "Judge Hot Fudge" appeared in a season five episode of [[Beavis and Butt-head]] entitled "Choke"; the boys were not impressed.


==Reunion==
==Reunions==
All of the original members of the band appeared at the Touch and Go 25th anniversary celebration in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] on September 9, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.touchandgorecords.com/links/tg25/ |title=Touch and Go 25th |publisher=Touchandgorecords.com |date= |accessdate=2015-05-27}}</ref> The next weekend, the band played another reunion show in Champaign.
All of the original members of the band appeared at the Touch and Go 25th anniversary celebration in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] on September 9, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.touchandgorecords.com/links/tg25/ |title=Touch and Go 25th |publisher=Touchandgorecords.com |date= |accessdate=2015-05-27}}</ref> The next weekend, the band played another reunion show in Champaign.


Preparations are also underway for another reunion in 2017. No details are provided as of yet.
In late 2016, preparations were also underway for another reunion in 2017. However, due to the death of Evans at the end of 2016, this reunion was canceled.


==Current projects==
==Post-Didjits projects==
Rick Sims now works with the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago and has his own business as a composer/sound designer.
Sims went on to work with the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago and has his own business as a composer/sound designer. He is also the head sound designer at [[Niles West High School|Niles West High School's]] Theatre department.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Staff |url=https://www.nileswesttheatre.com/staff.html |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=NILES WEST THEATRE |language=en}}</ref>
<ref>http://www.ricksimssounddesign.com</ref>


For awhile, Doug Evans resided in the Austin, Texas area where he regularly performed with his band, Blöwer (now disbanded). He continues to build nitro dragsters.
For a few years, Evans resided in the Austin, Texas area where he regularly performed with his band, Blöwer (now disbanded), built nitro dragsters, and raised his children Lola Evans and Dodge Evans. He died on December 28, 2016.<ref>https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/desmoinesregister/name/douglas-evans-obituary?id=13489199</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==


===Demo tapes===
===Demo tapes===
*''Durga Durga Durga!''
*''Durga! Durga! Durga!'' (1985)
*''Whoop My Head'' (1985)
*''Whoop My Head'' (1985)
*''Signifies My Go-T!'' (1986)
*''Signifies My GO-T!'' (1986)


===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===
*1986 ''[[Fizzjob]]'' (Bam Bam Records, rereleased by Touch & Go in 1989)
*1986 ''[[Fizzjob]]'' (Bam Bam Records, re-released by Touch & Go in 1989)
*1988 ''[[Hey Judester]]'' ([[Touch and Go Records]], CD released included ''Fizzjob'')
*1988 ''[[Hey Judester]]'' ([[Touch and Go Records]], CD release included ''Fizzjob'')
*1990 ''[[Hornet Piñata]]'' (T&G)
*1990 ''[[Hornet Piñata]]'' (T&G)
*1991 ''[[Full Nelson Reilly]]'' (T&G)
*1991 ''[[Full Nelson Reilly]]'' (T&G)
*1993 ''[[Que Sirhan Sirhan]]'' (T&G)
*1993 ''[[Que Sirhan Sirhan]]'' (T&G)

===Live album===
*''Backstage Passout'' (1991)

⚫
===Compilation album===
*''Strictly Dynamite: The Best Of Didjits'' (2024)


===Singles and EPs===
===Singles and EPs===
Line 54: Line 61:
*1991 "Fuck the Pigs" 7" (T&G)
*1991 "Fuck the Pigs" 7" (T&G)
*1992 "[[Little Miss Carriage!]]" EP (T&G)
*1992 "[[Little Miss Carriage!]]" EP (T&G)
*1993 "Dear Junkie" b/w "Skull Baby" / "Fire In The Hole" ([[Sub Pop Records]] Single of the Month Club)
*1993 "Dear Junkie" / "Skull Baby" ([[Sub Pop Records]] Single of the Month Club)
*1995 "Pigs!" Fear (Fear and Loathing)


===Other===
===Other appearances===
*1991 ''Backstage Passout Live Bootleg'' (T&G)
*1991 ''[[Virus 100]]'' (Alternative Tentacles)
⚫
*1992 ''Knocked Up'' Video (T&G)

⚫
===Compilation albums===
*1991 ''[[Virus 100]]'' (Alternative Tenticles)
*1992 "Something's Gone Wrong Again" (C/Z Records)
*1992 "Something's Gone Wrong Again" (C/Z Records)
*1994 "Live At Emo's" (Rise Records)

===Video album===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! style="width:200px;"| Video album details
|-
| 1992
⚫
| '''''Knocked Up'''''
*Released: 1992
*Label: Touch And Go Video
*Formats: [[VHS]]
|-
|}

===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of music videos, showing year released and director
! scope="col" style="width:18em;" | Title
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col" style="width:18em;" | Director(s)
|-
! scope="row"| "Loan Me a Buck"
| 1985
| rowspan="2"| David Landis
|-
! scope="row"| "Beast Le Brutale"
| 1986
|-
! scope="row"| "Max Wedge"
| 1988
| Phil Harder
|-
! scope="row"| "Captain Ahab"
| rowspan="2"| 1990
| Paul Andresen
|-
! scope="row"| "Sweet Sweet Satan"
| Paul Andresen, Jay Bellissimo, David Landis, Rick Sims
|-
! scope="row"| "Top Fuel"
| 1991
| Paul Andresen
|-
! scope="row"| "Judge Hot Fudge"
| 1993
|
|-
|}


==References==
==References==
Line 68: Line 122:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=406 Touch and Go Records 25th Anniversary footage of the Didjits performance and interview]
*[http://www.tgrec.com/bands/album.php?id=406 Touch and Go Records 25th Anniversary footage of the Didjits performance and interview]
*[http://www.touchandgorecords.com/bands/band.php?id=41 Band profile at Touch and Go Records website]
*[http://www.touchandgorecords.com/bands/band.php?id=41 Band profile at Touch and Go Records website]
*[http://trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=didjits Trouser Press entry]
*[http://trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=didjits Trouser Press entry]
*[http://www.radioneutron.com/2017/09/03/ep099-rick-sims-didjits-gaza-strippers/ Conan Neutron's Protonic Reversal - Episode 88: Rick Sims]


{{The Didjits}}
{{The Didjits}}

Latest revision as of 03:19, 1 June 2024

The Didjits
Also known asUXB[1]
OriginMattoon, Illinois, United States
GenresPunk rock, hardcore punk, rock and roll
Years active1981–1994, 2006
LabelsBam Bam Records
Touch and Go Records
Past membersRick Sims
Doug Evans
Brad Sims
Todd Cole
Rey Washam
Websitewww.touchandgorecords.com

The Didjits were an American punk rock band formed in Mattoon, Illinois in 1981,[2] composed of Rick Sims on guitar/vocals, Doug Evans on bass, and Rick's brother Brad Sims, on drums. Didjits were known for the aggressive guitar playing and persona of Rick Sims, who often baited the audience between songs, and took plenty of abuse for it. Moreover, the band also added odd stunts and theatrical bits to some of their stage shows, particularly when playing in Chicago and Champaign.

They released their first album in 1986 on Bam Bam Records and disbanded in 1994, but briefly reunited in 2006. Brad Sims left the band in 1992. Former Scratch Acid drummer Rey Washam filled in for the Little Miss Carriage EP, and Todd Cole eventually took over as the drummer. Their song "Killboy Powerhead" was covered by The Offspring on their breakthrough 1994 album Smash.

Recording history[edit]

Fizzjob, their debut album, was produced by Iain Burgess (who has worked with Naked Raygun, Effigies and Mega City Four, among others). Many of the songs on the album (and a couple subsequent releases) had appeared on self-released cassettes such as Whoop My Head and Signifies My Go-T. The album showcased the burgeoning songwriting talents of Rick Sims, along with his fast, stinging guitar leads. They played their souped up rock and roll with plenty of speed. Underneath the fun and fury, the band displayed a real feel for classic rock forms from Jerry Lee Lewis (spoofed and honored in the opening cut "Jerry Lee") to Ramones to AC/DC and others. Highlights include the dynamic "Fix Some Food Bitch", the melodic "California Surf Queen", the dramatic "Mexican Death Horse" and the smart ass "Beast Le Brutale".

Hey Judester, the follow-up album, was a big step forward, as the band, produced by Burgess again, was noticeably tighter and the production was accordingly beefed up. Furthermore, the Rick Didjit persona was truly crystallized, with sarcastic lyrics about bad asses, big cars, and fish dominating the proceedings. Considered by many fans to be the band's best album, the LP kicks off with the furious "Max Wedge" and segues directly into "Stingray". The first side also has the Cramps-like "Skull Baby", the lightning fast "Plate in My Head", sung from the point of view of a Vietnam vet, the heavy "Under the Christmas Fish", a frequent concert opener with its pounding bass and drum rhythm and Sims hooky lead guitar line, and the closer, a wobbly version of Little Richard's "Lucille". Side two was nearly as good, with "Axhandle" sounding like a cross between AC/DC and Buzzcocks, "Joliet" encouraging singalongs, Doug Evans's bass dominating "King Carp", and Sims showing that he could pen a great mid-tempo song on "Dad" ("you know I really hate it/when you hit me with that belt"), a tough guy song tinged with melancholy. Judester was the band's first album released on Touch & Go Records, and was subsequently released as a two-for-one CD with Fizzjob.

The band's following solidified with the release of Hornet Pinata[citation needed]. The album was littered with memorable riffs and careening, pile-driving rhythms[citation needed]. It leads off with "Killboy Powerhead", later covered by The Offspring on their breakthrough album, Smash and includes covers of The MC5's "Call Me Animal" and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", with bassist Doug Evans on lead vocals. The band shot a video for "Captain Ahab" which MTV refused to play due to drug references in the lyrics[citation needed]. Nevertheless, a clip of the video was shown on MTV's 120 Minutes show. The video for "Judge Hot Fudge" appeared in a season five episode of Beavis and Butt-head entitled "Choke"; the boys were not impressed.

Reunions[edit]

All of the original members of the band appeared at the Touch and Go 25th anniversary celebration in Chicago, Illinois on September 9, 2006.[3] The next weekend, the band played another reunion show in Champaign.

In late 2016, preparations were also underway for another reunion in 2017. However, due to the death of Evans at the end of 2016, this reunion was canceled.

Post-Didjits projects[edit]

Sims went on to work with the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago and has his own business as a composer/sound designer. He is also the head sound designer at Niles West High School's Theatre department.[4]

For a few years, Evans resided in the Austin, Texas area where he regularly performed with his band, Blöwer (now disbanded), built nitro dragsters, and raised his children Lola Evans and Dodge Evans. He died on December 28, 2016.[5]

Discography[edit]

Demo tapes[edit]

  • Durga! Durga! Durga! (1985)
  • Whoop My Head (1985)
  • Signifies My GO-T! (1986)

Studio albums[edit]

Live album[edit]

  • Backstage Passout (1991)

Compilation album[edit]

  • Strictly Dynamite: The Best Of Didjits (2024)

Singles and EPs[edit]

  • 1989 "Lovesicle" 7" (T&G)
  • 1991 "Fuck the Pigs" 7" (T&G)
  • 1992 "Little Miss Carriage!" EP (T&G)
  • 1993 "Dear Junkie" / "Skull Baby" (Sub Pop Records Single of the Month Club)
  • 1995 "Pigs!" Fear (Fear and Loathing)

Other appearances[edit]

  • 1991 Virus 100 (Alternative Tentacles)
  • 1992 "Something's Gone Wrong Again" (C/Z Records)
  • 1994 "Live At Emo's" (Rise Records)

Video album[edit]

Year Video album details
1992 Knocked Up
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Touch And Go Video
  • Formats: VHS

Music videos[edit]

List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Loan Me a Buck" 1985 David Landis
"Beast Le Brutale" 1986
"Max Wedge" 1988 Phil Harder
"Captain Ahab" 1990 Paul Andresen
"Sweet Sweet Satan" Paul Andresen, Jay Bellissimo, David Landis, Rick Sims
"Top Fuel" 1991 Paul Andresen
"Judge Hot Fudge" 1993

References[edit]

  1. ^ https://store.touchandgorecords.com/blogs/news/didjits-strictly-dynamite-best-of-and-rarities-double-lp-rsd-exclusive
  2. ^ https://store.touchandgorecords.com/blogs/news/didjits-strictly-dynamite-best-of-and-rarities-double-lp-rsd-exclusive
  3. ^ "Touch and Go 25th". Touchandgorecords.com. Retrieved 2015-05-27.
  4. ^ "Staff". NILES WEST THEATRE. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  5. ^ https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/desmoinesregister/name/douglas-evans-obituary?id=13489199

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Didjits&oldid=1226664838"