MEMBERS:
Mark Dancey – guitar
Phil Durr – guitar
Mike Danner – drums
Matt O’Brien – bass
Barry Henssler – vocals

WHERE FROM:
Ann Arbor, Michigan

WHERE NOW:
Signed with Capitol Records.

DATE FORMED:
1989

HOW FORMED:
Henssler’s hardcore band the Necros and Mike Danner’s band the Laughing Hyenas got the attention of Bruce Pavitt. Pavitt heard that Henssler and Danner were playing together and gave them a budget to do a single.

HIGHLIGHT:
Big Chief puts out Motorbooty, the delightfully satiric magazine of music, culture, and possibly actionable lies. Their merchandising company, Fresh Vines, produces a clothing line. They write and produce for other acts, including Motor City R&B diva Thornetta Davis. Guitarist Mark Dancey does the graphic art that distinguishes Big Chief projects. His work also graces the cover of Soundgarden’s “Badmotorfinger.”

“They’re relaxed and funky but real powerful, like, they’ve got 100 million ideas driving them nuts all at once. I love that.” -Iggy Pop

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