Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979. Founding members Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members.
A key influence on industrial rock, their early music was described by critics Stephen Thomas Erlewine and John Dougan as "quasi-metal ... dancing to a tune of doom and gloom", which gradually evolved over the years, incorporating elements of electronic music, synthpop, gothic rock, and alternative rock, though always emphasising Coleman's "savagely strident vocals".
Finding modest commercial success, Killing Joke have influenced many later bands and artists, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Porcupine Tree, Napalm Death, Behemoth, Amebix, Big Black, Slipknot, Opeth, Murderdolls, Godflesh, Scorn, Hole/Courtney Love, Dead by April, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Nick Harper, Blacklist, Shihad, Pitchshifter, Das Oath, Rammstein, and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to Killing Joke.
Read more about Killing Joke: Discography, Films, Side Projects, Influence
Famous quotes containing the words killing and/or joke:
“Lots of people who complained about us receiving the MBE received theirs for heroism in the war—for killing people. We received ours for entertaining other people. I’d say we deserve ours more.”
—John Lennon (1940–1980)
“You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn’t kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple.”
—Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961)