Flipper Reuniting, Enlist Jesus Lizard’s David Yow

Image via Flipper’s Facebook

San Francisco’s oddball punk heroes Flipper have played reunion shows intermittently over the past few years. Though he’s remained active, frontman Bruce “Loose” Calderwood has suffered from a broken back since 1994. According to the band, he’s now retired from Flipper.

It’s not the end of the band, KQED reports (via Stereogum). Flipper are playing a series of shows later this year with a new frontman: The Jesus Lizard‘s David Yow.

Drummer Stephen DePace said Flipper were contacted by an Italian promoter with the idea that they’d do three shows in November. With Calderwood sidelined, DePace decided to approach Yow after seeing him perform with Chrome in Los Angeles. “He was really into it,” DePace told KQED. “He said he was honored to be asked.”

Flipper will start rehearsing with Yow this month. Here’s a statement from the band:

Bruce Loose is retired from Flipper! He has suffered from a broken back since 1994. It has gotten to the point now where Bruce finds it impossible to continue with performing and touring.

We want to thank Bruce for being part of what was a hell of a run from 1979 to now!

With all the ups and downs and craziness that is all part of the punk rock package we managed to make “music history” with this band. For that and all the fun we had, we are eternally grateful.

Bruce is moving on to do solo projects and Ted Falconi along with Steve DePace are going to carry on with long time 5th Flipper, Bruno DeSmartass on bass and we will be performing 3 shows in Italy with David Yow, formerly of Scratch Acid and The Jesus Lizard.

Watch Flipper perform “Sacrifice” in 2012:

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