User:Asylum 66

ASYLUM 66
Asylum 66 is an old-school rock and roll punk band, formed in 1988 in New York City.

Originally known as "The Asylum", it was suggested by Ramones guitarist Johnny Ramone that the band name was too 'common' sounding, and needed something make it sound more original. When asked what he would suggest, he intoned that "something like 'Asylum 66'" would set it apart from the standard issue band names being used at the time.

The original founding members were;

Bobby Slash: Vocals

Jim Steine: Guitar

Paul Fahey: Guitar

Steve Victim: Bass

Eddie Souza: Drums

In it's first incarnation, Asylum 66 could have been considered more of a heavy metal/hard rock combo, as alot of the material was very lead-guitar oriented, along with copious amounts of drum machines and studio trickery, all engineered and produced by Jim Steine in his Northern New Jersey 'Warped Records' studio.

While not a very active live act until the early 1990's, Asylum 66 produced several of their current 'hits' during that era, including "Out To Lunch", "I Can't Cry", and "Imbecile".

In 1989, Bobby Slash connected with long-time New York guitarist Jeff Ohara, and over the next 3 years, they would bring the Asylum 66 sound full-circle. Producing a 13-cut album ('Mental Hell') in 1992 at Jeff's 'Fort Recording' in suburban New York City, Asylum 66 were able to fully realize the power and drive that would carry the group into the 21st Century.

Upon hearing the 'Mental Hell' album in 1993, Dee Dee Ramone was quoted as saying "Asylum 66 sounds more like the Ramones than the Ramones do now". The band considered the statement as one of the most complimentary remarks that would ever be made about the band.