Band: Killing Joke

Killing Joke are an English post-punk rock band formed in 1979.Founding members Jeremy "Jaz" Coleman (vocal, keyboards and arrangements) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members.
Original drummer "Big Paul" Ferguson once described their music as "the sound of the earth vomiting". Killing Joke's music typically consists of metallic guitars and heavy, tribal, and danceable rhythms. Coleman's vocals are sometimes in a talk-sing style, sometimes a malevolent-sounding growl and sometimes emotional and melodic. Dark, ominous synthesizer loops and even sweeping, gothic keyboards appear to varying degrees, and indeed were a song-driving element on their mid-80s albums. Geordie never plays solos, but his unique style has earned him praise from the likes of Edward Van Halen and Jimmy Page.
Killing Joke influenced many later bands, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Napalm Death, Big Black, Prong, Metallica, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to 'The Joke'.
Current (or Last Known) Lineup
Musician | Instruments | Currently Also In | Used To Be In | Guest Appearances |
---|---|---|---|---|
Benjamin Calvert | Drums | |||
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals, All Instruments | |||
Reza Udhin | Keyboard | |||
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
Past Lineup (Members Who Never Appeared on an Album)
Musician | Instruments | Currently Also In | Used To Be In |
---|---|---|---|
Martin Atkins | Drums, Programming | ||
John Bechdel | Keyboard | Ministry | |
Geoff Dugmore | Drums | ||
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums | ||
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass | ||
Dave Grohl | Drums | Probot | |
Nick Holywell-Walker | Keyboard | ||
Paul Raven | Bass | Ministry | Prong |
Discography (13 Releases)
2006 - Hosannas From the Basements of Hell by Killing Joke
Benjamin Calvert | Drums |
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals, All Instruments |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
2003 - Killing Joke (2003) by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1996 - Democracy by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1994 - Pandemonium by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1990 - Extremities, Dirt, and Various Repressed Emotions by Killing Joke
Martin Atkins | Drums |
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1989 - The Courtauld Talks by Killing Joke
1988 - Outside the Gate by Killing Joke
1986 - Brighter Than A Thousand Suns by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1985 - Night Time by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1983 - Fire Dances by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Paul Raven | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1982 - Revelations by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1981 - what's THIS For…! by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |
1980 - Killing Joke (1980) by Killing Joke
Jeremy Coleman (as Jaz) | Vocals |
Paul Ferguson (as Big) | Drums |
Martin Glover (as Youth) | Bass |
Kevin Walker (as Geordie) | Guitar |