1985-1987
“Ragged, but melodic music, with enough Velvet Underground references to be dubbed pop-psychedelia.” — The San Diego Union, “Back to the future with psyches, mods, garage rock,” Sept. 17, 1985
“3 guys called jesus … were fuc in hot, they played old hits such as Gloria, and there own songs, they would a definite see agian band.” — “San Diego’s Guide Lines Social & Political Magazine,” review of Three Guys Called Jesus’ March 1, 1986, appearance at Jacky Robinson YMCA with Angry Samoans, RasZebraE, Decision
Formed in spring 1985, 3 Guys Called Jesus initially comprised four members: guitarist/vocalist Matthew Rothenberg (formerly of Noise 292); bassist/vocalist Steve Duke; drummer Robert Labbe; and lead guitarist Ryk Groetchen. After Ryk’s departure in fall 1985, 3 Guys Called Jesus indeed became a trio, a lineup that would endure until the band’s last performance in January 1987.
3 Guys Called Jesus’ minimalist but lyrical attack blended punk, garage and country influences and won them spots on varied bills around southern California. Rothenberg and Labbe would go on to play together in the Ho Hos in San Francisco.
3 Guys Called Jesus play “Pig Glue Igloo”: Listen now!
Performance history
1985
August: Kavern Klub, LA, with Manual Scan and the Nephews
August 31/Sept. 1: Go Go Impossible (Kristi Maddocks event)
Oct. 19: Jimmy’s Place, Point Loma, with the Nashville Ramblers and Hair Theatre
Oct. 22: Spirit, with Liquid Rhythm, Ten Yards, Drive-Ins
Oct. 26: Ché Café (Mexican earthquake benefit), with Camper van Beethoven (first SD gig), Hair Theatre, Black Tango, Synesthesia, Everybody Violet, Holy Moroccos
Dec. 2-4: That Dada Strain (play), at PJ’s Warehouse Restaurant
Dec. 20: “Bon Voyage Party” with Decision
1986
Jan. 11: Jackie Robinson YMCA, with the Leaving Trains, Black Tango, Death Bunny
March 1: Jackie Robinson YMCA, with the Angry Samoans, RasZebraE, Decision
April 11: Big John’s, Anaheim, with Love & Terror, Incomplete Monday
April 16: Club Cult
May 6: Spirit, with Ashcan School
May 9: New Generation, with Cambridge Apostles, Bell Jar
May 12: Club Fester
May 16: North Park Lions Club, with Specimen, Tell-Tale Hearts
May 31: Party at John Stees’ house
August 28: Spirit, with Camper van Beethoven, Idiot Savant, Social Spit
Oct. 22: Spirit
1987
Jan. 10: Spirit, with the Hitters, the Landlords, Dick Hippo, Blue Puss
Jan. 30: Club Cult (at Wok Express)
Hey:
Not sure if this is the same Eric I used to know from my San Diego daya. I just wanted to say say hi to Eric… the band was “Eric Jaymes and the Babylon Flames”. We were friends in the late 80’s. I was a drummer from an all girl band. Loved “Rock Bam Boom”… still have it on a cassette tape.😂, Michele Andersen (back then)