Life After Life (band)

Life After Life was an American self-described gypsy punk band (also referred to as a psychedelic punk band),[1] active from 1993–1998 and based in San Francisco, California, United States. The group featured Jim Čert, an accordion-playing folk singer originally from the Czech Republic, Jaroslav Erno Šedivý, a Czech drummer noted for his collaborative work with Plastic People of the Universe, and four American musicians involved in the Bay Area rock scene.

Life After Life
OriginSan Francisco, California, United States
GenresPunk rock
Psychedelic rock
Heavy metal
Folk rock
Years active1993–1998
LabelsAlternative Tentacles
Associated actsJim Čert
Plastic People of the Universe
Jello Biafra
WebsiteLife After Life at Myspace
MembersJim Čert
Jaroslav Erno Šedivý
David Mullen Perkins
Robley Richard Evans
Andy A. Pollack
Schmeckie

History

Čert and Sedivy were both known for their dissent against the Communist regime in the '80s Czech music scene, prior to the Velvet Revolution in Czech in late 1989. Both were jailed several times for creating music deemed "anti-social" by the Communist state, who would not let musicians perform without state approval. However, files found in 1989 show that Čert was involved with state, working under police pressure as a secret informant.[2]

When Čert and Sedivy found themselves in the United States in the early 1990s, they decided to start a band with local musicians. The original Life After Life lineup debuted on New Year's Eve, 1993, as a five-piece omitting Schmeckie, who joined in 1994.

The band caught the attention of San Francisco musician and political activist Jello Biafra, the former frontman of noted pioneering hardcore punk band the Dead Kennedys, and head of the Alternative Tentacles record label. Biafra enthusiastically signed them, excited to have found "a S.F. band with a totally unique sound".[3] The group debuted with a single entitled Harrahya before releasing an album entitled Just Trip. The material on these two releases consisted of songs by written Čert, including "Marijuana," an ode to the illegal drug with lyrics written by noted pro-marijuana activist David Peel, and material composed by the group as a whole based on guitar riffs by Perkins. As a bonus track, Just Trip also included a cover of Willie Nelson's "Still Is Still Moving To Me", featuring Biafra on lead vocals, originally released on the Nelson tribute album Twisted Wille.

The band disbanded in the late '90s when Čert emigrated back to Prague. Talk of a reunion arises occasionally.[1]

Discography

Albums and singles

Compilation appearances
  • The Day the Needles Stood Still (CD, Alternative Tentacles, w/ "Harrahya", "Doors" and "Mexico", from 7" sessions)
  • Twisted Willie (CD, w/ "Still Is Still Moving to Me")

References
  1. "Life After Life | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  2. "Jim Cert". Czechmusic.net. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  3. "Alternative Tentacles - Store". Alternativetentavles.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
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