Mr. Epp

about

Mr. Epp and the Calculations was the brainchild of vocalist Jo Smitty, who thought it would be a good idea to name a rock band after his Bellevue, WA, Christian High School math teacher, Mr. Epp. Along with his friends Mark McLaughlin (aka Mark Arm) and Darren Morey (aka Darren Mor-X), both of whom also attended the school, the three gathered at Morey's bedroom to record some material in June of 1980. Darren's brother, Todd (aka Todd Why?), along with friends Tom Wolf and Peter Wick, sat in on the session. Playing various instruments, the group created a backdrop for a story Wick had written titled "The Pigeon in the Fountain Bed." The group heard about a radio contest on KZAM radio where on-air personality Stephen Rabow promised that any band submitting a cassette would receive airplay. For fun, the group decided to send a copy of "The Pigeon in the Fountain Bed." The song aired on Rabow's show, and Rabow declared to listeners that Mr. Epp was "the worst band in the world," a title that stuck with the group until their demise in 1984. On October 8, 1981, Mr. Epp performed its first official show. The lineup was now whittled down to McLaughlin on guitar/vocals, Smitty on vocals/guitar/alto saxophone, Todd on bass/backing vocals, and temporary drummer Randy Rubato. The group opened for Student Nurse at Queen Anne's UCT Hall, located on 5th and Aloha streets in Seattle. Darren returned as the band's drummer following the show, and Student Nurse drummer John Rubato began helpin

top songs

albums

Ridiculing the Apocalypse

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Winners & Losers: 78-82 The Syndrome

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First Strike 1983 U.S. Hardcor

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First Strike

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Seattle Syndrome Volume Two

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Grunge is Back Vol. 3

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Grunge is Back Vol. 4

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Sleepless in Seattle: The Birth of Grunge

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Grunge is Back Vol. 2

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Grunge is Back Vol. 5

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Grunge is Back Vol. 6

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First Strike 1983 U.S. Hardcore Comp

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