Simon Stinger

In 1995 singer Alicia Perrone and bassist/producer Victor James formed California's Simon Stinger. The quartet swiftly built a San Francisco following through grassroots buzz, extensive touring, and a live show that fused the playful irreverence of Oingo Boingo and Bow Wow Wow with the sharp musicality of Blondie and the Ramones. On their own Muscle Car Records imprint the band issued a 7" vinyl single in 1996, then delivered the full-length album Private Collection the following year. As a road act Simon Stinger became known for never repeating a set identically and drew attention in 1999 with lavishly costumed Hi Brow Cabaret productions that opened with local drag queens. A video of their Devo cover "Girl U Want" took first prize at a Hollywood showcase that same year, strengthening the group's industry standing. The playfully provocative Devil on My Mind appeared in 2000 on the Ann-Margrock Music label.