John Reis

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John Reis
Reis performing with Hot Snakes in 2011
Background information
Also known as	Speedo, the Swami, Slasher
Born	(1969-04-23) April 23, 1969 (age 55) Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, United States
Genres	Punk rock, alternative rock, rock and roll, post-hardcore
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, guitarist, record label owner, DJ, bar owner
Instrument(s)	Guitar, bass guitar, vocals
Years active	1986–present
Labels	Cargo, Interscope, Swami, Vagrant

John Reis, also known by the pseudonyms Speedo, Slasher, and the Swami is an American musician, singer, guitarist, record label owner, and disc jockey. He is best known as the singer and guitarist for the rock band Rocket from the Crypt, which he formed and fronted (as Speedo) for the entirety of its career from 1990 to 2005.

Prior to this he was the guitarist in the post-hardcore band Pitchfork, and also played in Drive Like Jehu during the early 1990s. In 1999 he formed the Hot Snakes, and in 2000 also formed the Sultans, in which (as Slasher) he sang and originally played bass before switching to rhythm guitar. He played in both these bands until their breakups in 2005 and 2007 respectively. He also released a solo recording under the name Back Off Cupids, which was recorded in 1994 but not released until 1999. Over the years he has performed in many other musical acts including Conservative Itch, Stacatto Reads, Custom Floor, and Beehive & the Barracudas.

He is the owner of Swami Records, a label he founded in 1999 (he uses the title the Swami in this capacity). He frequently works with bands in a studio capacity and releases albums by many southern California groups through his label. He also hosts the "Swami Sound System" program (previously on San Diego radio station 94.9 (KBZT),^[1] and now available on Slacker Radio^[2]). Reis remains an influential figure in the San Diego underground music community and is currently performing with San Diego bands the Night Marchers and PLOSIVS, with Rob Crow.