GG Allin

GG Allin
GG Allin, c. 1991
GG Allin, c. 1991
Background information
Birth nameJesus Christ Allin[1]
Also known asKevin Michael Allin
Born(1956-08-29)August 29, 1956
Lancaster, New Hampshire, U.S.
DiedJune 28, 1993(1993-06-28) (aged 36)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • drums
  • guitar
  • bass
Years active1974–1993
Labels
Formerly of
Websiteggallin.com

Kevin Michael "GG" Allin (born Jesus Christ Allin; August 29, 1956 – June 28, 1993) was an American punk rock musician who performed and recorded with many groups during his career.[4] His live performances often featured transgressive acts, including self-mutilation, defecating on stage, and assaulting audience members, for which he was arrested and imprisoned on multiple occasions.[5] AllMusic called him "the most spectacular degenerate in rock n' roll history",[2] while G4TV's That's Tough labelled him the "toughest rock star in the world".

Known more for his notorious stage antics than his music, Allin recorded prolifically, not only in the punk rock genre, but also in spoken word, country, and more traditional-style rock. His lyrics often expressed themes of violence and misanthropy.[6]

Allin's music was often poorly recorded and produced, given limited distribution, and met with mostly negative reviews from critics,[7][8][9] although he maintained a cult following throughout and after his career. Allin promised for several years that he would commit suicide on stage during one of his concerts, but he instead died from a drug overdose on June 28, 1993, at age 36.[2]

  1. ^ DVLH (January 14, 2012). "GG Allin's mother explains why he was named "Jesus Christ" when he was a baby GG Allin was a hero". Retrieved November 5, 2016 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ a b c Huey, Steve. "GG Allin Biography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  3. ^ Ellis, Iain (2008). Rebels Wit Attitude: Subversive Rock Humorists. Soft Skull. p. 214. ISBN 978-1593763350.
  4. ^ Self Hatred Fanzine (October 9, 2014), GG Allin's Last Interview June '93, archived from the original on December 12, 2021, retrieved April 3, 2018
  5. ^ "Pop/rock". Los Angeles Times. August 26, 1991. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  6. ^ Greene 2017, pp. 39–48.
  7. ^ Huey, Steve. "GG Allin Biography". All Music. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
  8. ^ "G.G. Allin". TrouserPress.com. June 29, 1993. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
  9. ^ Weisbard, Eric, Spin Alternative Record Guide, Vintage Book s, 1995