X-Cops (band)


X-Cops is a side project composed of members from the heavy metal band Gwar and their extended "family" of musicians. Each member of X-Cops performs in a police uniform and has their own character. They released the album You Have The Right To Remain Silent... on Metal Blade Records in 1995. The album included a cover of Deep Purple's "Highway Star". In addition, they released a 7" single of the songs "Junkie" and "Beat You Down" on Man's Ruin Records in 1996.
X-Cops' style has been described as alternative metal.

History

Peter Lee started the band after being shot in a failed car jacking attempt. The idea came while filming a commercial segment for Gwar's Skulhedface. Lee and Dave Brockie were dressed as police officers and Lee pondered, "What would be cooler than a bunch of cops playing kick-ass rock and roll?" This led to Lee, Brockie and Gwar's drum technician, Mike Dunn, starting X-Cops as a three-piece band. By the time they played their first show, their ranks had grown considerably.
X-Cops opened for Gwar on some dates of their 1994 tour. Essentially, the band members opened for themselves, as every musician in Gwar either played an instrument or sang in X-Cops. They also headlined a tour in 1995 and some select dates in 1996.
There are two additional songs that X-Cops performed live, but never officially recorded: "Nurture My Pig", and "Conflict Management". According to bootleg videos, Casey Orr played bass for "Conflict Management", taking the bass from Dave Brockie, who sang back-up.
In their first incarnation, X-Cops played their final show in 1996. Dave Brockie Experience later went on to perform X-Cops songs during live shows. X-Cops reunited for a performance at the 4th annual Gwar-B-Q in Richmond, VA, on August 17, 2013. The band reunited again a decade later in 2023, again as an opening act for Gwar. A new EP, titled XCAB, was released on June 28, 2024.

Band members

Current members

  • Michael Derks as Lt. Louie Scrapinetti
  • Pete Lee as Sgt. Al Depantsia
  • Casey Orr as Sheriff Tubb Tucker
  • Brad Roberts as Mountain Bike Officer Biff Buff
  • Bob Gorman as Sgt. Mason Zypygski aka Zipper Pig
  • Paul Burnette as Officer Ed Banger
  • Ryan Parrish as Inmate #8048675309

Former members

  • Mike Dunn as Cadet Billy Club
  • Dave Brockie as Patrolman Cobb Knobbler
  • Dave Musel as Detective Phillip McRevis

Discography

Albums

Singles

Beat You Down / Junkie
  • ''Light 'Em Up''

EPs

  • ''XCAB''