Kwik Way (band)

Kwik Way were one of Oakland, California's only hardcore punk bands. The band got its name from the Oakland fast food restaurant Kwik Way. Kwik Way played their debut show in 1983 at San Francisco's Mabuhay Gardens and released an album in 1986.

Members

* David McCord - Bass
* Eban Schletter - Drums, Keyboards
* Craig Thomas - Vocals
* Jules Worsley - GuitarKwik Way was formed in 1981 by high school kids Dave, Jules, Al and Lito. Originally billed as “The Pubescent Necrophiliacs” (or “The Pubes”) the band played their first kegger in February 1982. Having just began playing their instruments, the band’s first set comprised of mostly cover songs by some of their heroes such as JFA, The Circle Jerks and TSOL. Before long the band had scrapped the covers, and started playing more keggers doing all original material. Tired of their embarrassing name, they decided to change it. When a friend jokingly recommended that the band change their name to Kwik Way, a fast food restaurant in Oakland that they often visited, they did just that, going so far as to steal the franchises logo, a move that cost them their first record deal.

The band played their official debut in August that year at San Francisco’s Mabuhay Gardens. Within the next year Lito and Al left the band and were replaced by Craig and Eban.

Having grown disillusioned with the hardcore scene, the band began to feel that punk rock had become a parody of itself. This attitude was reflected in the band’s lyrics, which began to poke fun at what they considered the close-mindedness and clichéd conformity of hardcore. This approach actually helped the band gain a cult following as they continued to play shows throughout California.

Kwik Way’s debut LP (Produced by Kevin Army) was released by Golden Star Records in 1986 and debuted on KALX radios playlist at the number 3 spot. Within a month, it moved to the number 1 spot. The band issued a cassette only release “Kwiki” in 1987. Decidedly more experimental than their debut, "Kwiki" showed the band taking many risks, including the use of "unhardcore" instruments such as piano and acoustic guitar. Tracks from this release are on the groups 2001 CD reissue, released by Food Stamp Records.

Kwik Way disbanded in 1987. The band has been approached many times to do a reunion. The answer is still no.

Dave played drums with Kover Band and wrote novels and collections of short stories for Caffeine Machine Publications, including the critically acclaimed "The World Owes Me Lunch". He sadly passed way in 1994.

Jules continues to perform and record music in Oakland, CA.

Eban enjoys success as a soundtrack composer in Southern California.

Craig is a photographer living in Washington State.

Discography

* "Kwik Way" LP, Golden Star Records (1986)
* "Court Metrage" 7" Comp., Panx Records (1994)
* "Portlight Comp. 2" CD, Food Stamp Records (2001)
* "Box Set" CD, Food Stamp Records,(2001)

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