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Formed in 1979 and originally from Los Angeles, Christian Death were one of the first bands to use so called ‘Gothic’ imagery, and their first pioneering album in 1982 is often mentioned as inspiring the Gothic movement. After being made aware of their influence on many British and European bands, they moved to Europe and played their first British dates in mid-1984. Different album and single releases appear on French, Italian, Germany labels and Jungle from 1986, gaining them an immense cult following.
The band has a history of scandal with their lyrics, music imagery and artwork, as well as the bands name itself. When questioned about the later, Valor replied “Death is what you’re striving for if you are Christian – or any other religion for that matter it’s about meeting your maker.” On their ‘Sex, Drugs & Jesus Christ’ album cover, which features a Jesus like figure with tourniquet and syringe; shooting up, Valor stated ‘the concept is that Jesus is the symbol of western society and drugs is the image of ultimate degradation of our society’ |