VKTMS

VKTMS got together in 1978 when Mohammed Obead introduced Louis Gwerder (drums) to Jay Davis (guitar) After a while they added George Ritter (bass) and began searching for a singer. Nyna Crawford answered a bulletin board ad. Her intense energy and already developed lyric skills impressed them immediately.The band began gigging and shortly after put out what has become to be called the "Midget" EP, a highly collectible 4 song record including My Baby's a Midget. Shortly after bass player Steve Ricablanca joined. He is on the SF Underground EP (which also includes Flipper, No Alternative and the Tools). Right after that John Binkov joined on guitar and occasional keyboard.

Few bands played the Mabuhay Gardens more times, and most other Northern California venues too. Playing gigs with The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, The Stranglers, Roky Erikson, 999, Killing Joke, Wall of Voodoo, Bush Tetras, Fear, Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, DOA, Flipper, The Mutants, The Nuns, DOA, Crime, Agent Orange, TSOL, and many more.

In the winter of 1981-1982 VKTMS began recording an album. There was no label support and what happened instead was that the recordings sat in the can for twelve years (until 1994) when VKTMS started getting renewed attention from a new generation. Re-releasing the album and previous recordings on CD on Broken Rekids (1997) helped give validation around the world.

The band got together and played new material almost immediately; like in the old days. VKTMS threw a few private parties (at Lennon Studios) and to their surprise the response was great. After that the band began performing in public at clubs like the Paradise Lounge,Transmission Theater, 924 Gilman (!), El Rio; and also for events like BAM magazine's 20th Anniversary There were many other shows later in the second phase. VKTMS’ later shows in the Bay Area were hot, like at Bottom of the Hill, and (especially!) 924 Gilman.

VKTMS carried on as a whole until Nyna passed away from cancer in 2000 after a very brave five year battle.

Although they had played a benefit for Mab owner Ness Aquino in 2007, when VKTMS did a Benefit for the Homeless Youth Alliance of San Francisco in 2010 it seemed the time was right to play more. It seemed there was no better way to not only honor Nyna's art and talent but also to keep creating the kind of music we enjoy. Various singers contributed to those two benefits including, Kathy Peck (The Contractions), Meri St. Mary (Housecoat Project), Sophie Vogel (The Yes Go's), Terry Morris and Sybil Disorder.

In September 2012 VKTMS were booked to play the SF Punk Reunion with 15 bands from the original era. This opened up a floodgate of show offers, done with Terry Morris and Sophie Vogel solely. The feeling is that it's been a lot of fun so why not play more. After a short period it became obvious that Terry and Sophie were VKTMS and a perfect fit. They have brought tremendous new energy and creativity. In 2013 alone VKTMS did awesome shows with the Dead Kennedys, TSOL, and The Weirdos. 2014 brought shows with The Sonics, The Members and more. 2015 brought a return show at a SF punk reunion concert, called this time SF Punk Renaissance, this time with even more bands, with Cheetah Chrome headlining. In 2016, VKTMS made it into the legendary Fillmore Auditorium, playing again with the Dead Kennedys. Just before COVID hit VKTMS played an incredible show with sister SF OG band The Avengers. Then right afterward with another close band MDC.

We are dedicated to keep growing; constantly writing songs, making videos, and playing shows. As trite as it may seem this is our life, our joy, and our passion.

We are stoked to be playing NYE  Dec 2021 at The Bottom of the Hill with Flipper. Back with our legendary SF Underground EP label mates. See you soon!