VKTMS

About

Louis Gwerder (Drums), Steve Ricablanca (Bass), John Binkov (Guitar, Keyboards), Terry Morris (vocals, Sophie Vogel (vocals). 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 (RIP) 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 afterward bass player Steve Ricablanca joined. He is on the SF Underground EP (with 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 after releasing a single on 415 Records VKTMS began recording an album which sat in the can until 1994 when the band reunited. Re-releasing the album and previous recordings on CD on Broken Rekids (1997) helped give validation around the world. VKTMS continued until Nyna passed away from cancer in 2000 after a very brave five year battle. In 2010 VKTMS started up again with Terry Morris and Sophie Vogel on vocals. First came a Benefit for the San Francisco Homeless Youth Alliance which acted as springboard for the band's current state. 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. 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 once 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.