The U-Men


U-Men were an American rock band, formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1980 and active until 1989. They toured extensively across the United States. Their musically "dirty" sound and off-the-wall sense of humor were a forerunner for the later grunge bands to come out of Seattle.

History

U-Men were fronted by vocalist John Bigley and included Tom Price, Charlie "Chaz" Ryan, Robin Buchan, Jim Tillman, Tom Hazelmyer and later Tony "Tone Deaf" Ransom. Their alternative rock sound was credited by Allmusic for helping to inspire the Seattle grunge sound.
In 1983, U-Men became the first band managed by renowned Seattle band manager Susan Silver.
Butthole Surfers named the song "The O-Men", from the album Locust Abortion Technician, in their honor.
Tom Price moved on to form Gas Huffer, and also play in The Monkeywrench. Bigley and Ryan co-founded The Crows. Jim Tillman, who is recognized as the main line-up bass player having played on the first two full releases which included the self-titled EP, "The U-Men", "Stop Spinning", and the Deep Six compilation track "They", went on to play bass for other local bands, most notably Love Battery. Mark Arm from Mudhoney noted on Sub Pop's anthology release announcement that the band was never the same after Tillman's departure.
Tom Hazelmyer briefly played with the band but left to remain in his hometown of Minneapolis to promote his record company and band, Halo of Flies.

Band members

  • John Bigley – vocals
  • Tom Price – guitar
  • Charlie Ryan – drums
  • Robin Buchan – bass
  • Jim Tillman – bass
  • Tom Hazelmyer – bass
  • Tony Ransom – bass

    Discography

Albums

  • ''Step on a Bug''

    Singles and EPs

  • U-Men EP
  • Stop Spinning EP
  • "Solid Action" b/w "Dig It A Hole"
  • "Freezebomb" b/w "That's Wild About Jack"
  • ''Sugar Daddy Live Split Series Vol. 1''

    Compilation albums

  • Solid Action
  • ''U-Men''

    Compilation and soundtrack contributions

  • "Blue Christmas" on the Christmas '84 compilation
  • "They" on the Deep Six compilation
  • "Shoot 'Em Down " on the Woodshock '85 compilation
  • "Gila" on the Sub Pop 100 compilation
  • "Bad Little Woman" on the Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking In The Streets, Vol. 1 compilation
  • "Bad Little Woman" on the Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking In The Streets, Vols. 1-3 compilation
  • "Dig It a Hole" on the Hype! soundtrack