Dave Klein (punk musician)

Dave Klein (born May 31, 1979) is an American musician and bass player from Edmond, Oklahoma, United States. He has worked as a studio musician, founded and developed numerous bands, and performed hundreds of concerts internationally since 1993. He currently plays bass for punk and rock bands: A Vulture Wake, Aggravated Nuisance, and They Stay Dead. Former bands include: Screeching Weasel, Black Flag, Wretch Like Me, Good For You, Bi-Products, Jettison, Euclid Crash, American Ruse, et al.

Early career
Klein is earliest credited in 1997 as the bassist for the Oklahoma punk band, Bi-Products, self-released debut split 7” vinyl. This album also featured drummer Chris Gaylor, best known for his work with The All-American Rejects. Klein later moved north to Kansas City, Missouri – joining Jettison for live shows. The 1998 recording of the band’s demo was subsequently released as  “The Original Jettison Tapes” in 2016 as a benefit for ailing founder and songwriter John Fackler.

In 2000, Klein joined Colorado-based 'Wretch Like Me', replacing Jeff Matz upon his departure to join the Seattle, Washington-based psych rock band Zeke. Klein Toured with the band until 2002 upon the release of their final album “I Am Become Death.”

Klein went on to become a founding member of Oklahoma City based band "They Stay Dead'. Between 2011-2019, the band released three E.P.s and one single.

Screeching Weasel
Klein was announced as Screeching Weasel’s new bass player at the October 29, 2011 “Carnival of Schadenfreude” record release concert at Reggie’s in Chicago, IL. He continued to play live shows with the band until March 27, 2013 when Ben Weasel announced on social media the bassist was leaving Screeching Weasel to Join Black Flag as touring bassist. In the post, Ben stated, “It's my sad duty to report that Dave Klein has left the Screeching Weasel fold. Black Flag came calling, and he answered the bell. And who can blame him? When Black Flag says they want to hire you, you suit up, give notice to the circus, and report for duty". But Klein didn’t stray far from the camp as he played on much of Screeching Weasel's 2015 rock opera “Baby Fat: Act 1” and is also credited with vocals on the album.

Black Flag
Klein earned the title of touring bassist for American Punk-Rock Band Black Flag during their 2013 reunion tour. At this time he also joined Black Flag guitarist, singer, and bassist Greg Ginn’s band, Good For You, alongside action-sports legend Mike Vallely. Reportedly, it was a tumultuous year of touring that ended in Perth, Australia when Vallely told Black Flag’s vocalist, Ron Reyes that the “party" was "over” and took the microphone to finish the band’s set. Weeks later, Klein announced his departure from the SST ventures to rejoin 'They Stay Dead' and release the band’s “Bruise Banner” single in December 2013. Klein mentioned the departure on social media, posting, “I guess I should OFFICIALLY (puns!) say that I’m no longer playing with BF.”

A Vulture Wake
Klein replaced Joe Raposo in A Vulture Wake as touring bassist in the summer of 2019. Klein played bass on the band’s sophomore album ‘One.Kingdom.Animal’, released November 11, 2022 on Thousand Islands Records. He continues to tour with the band alongside founding member and main songwriter, Chad Price.