Payin' the Dues

Payin' the Dues is the second album released by the Swedish rock band The Hellacopters and their last studio album to feature original guitarist Dregen before his departure from the band to focus full-time on his other band Backyard Babies. The album was released simultaneously on both CD and on vinyl; however, "City Slang" was only available on the vinyl edition. The initial pressings were in 2000 units of clear smoke and 2,500 units in purple vinyl. Two additional pressings were later available in two different versions of black vinyl. The Toy's Factory release also featured the bonus track "Oh Yeah Alright".

Release and reception
Prior to the release of Payin' the Dues, The Hellacopters hosted a release party for the album on 21 September, 1997. The album was released on 1 October, 1997, on White Jazz Records where it was released on vinyl and compact disc. The first vinyl released was limited to 2000 copies on clear smokey vinyl while the second was limited to 2500 on purple vinyl. The album was released to positive reviews from critics. The band toured Scandinavia in support of the album with shows in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and Turpentines as opening act.

Sub Pop re-released the album in the United States on 19 October, 1999, with an additional disc of bonus live tracks, while the vinyl release included the additional track "City Slang". The live tracks were recorded at The Starfish Room in Vancouver on 28 May, 1999, and featured Scott Morgan as a special guest.

Personnel
The Hellacopters


 * Nicke Hellacopter – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, piano, percussion
 * Dregen Hellacopter – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backing vocals, percussion
 * Boba Fett – piano
 * Kenny Hellacopter – bass guitar
 * Robert Hellacopter – drums, cymbal, percussion