Choking Victim

Choking Victim
Origin	New York, NY
Genres	Ska-punk, hardcore punk, anarcho-punk, crust punk
Years active	1992–1999
Labels	Hellcat
Associated acts	Leftöver Crack, INDK, Morning Glory, No Commercial Value, Crack Rock Steady 7
Past members	Scott Sturgeon Sascha DuBrul John Dolan Skwert Alec Baillie Shayne Webb Ezra Kire

Choking Victim was a United States punk rock band formed in New York City, which lasted from 1992 to 1999. They played a mix of hardcore punk and ska (known as ska-core). Following the breakup of the band, which occurred the same day as the recording of their only studio album No Gods, No Managers, members went on to form Leftöver Crack and INDK (among others).

Background

The band became well-known at the C-Squat in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for their innovative music and politically charged lyrics. They also became infamous for their Satanic imagery and references to the vagrant lifestyle, including smoking both crack cocaine and marijuana, shoplifting, and squatting. The band prides itself on its atheism, making reference to Satan for the purpose of being offensive, rather than any actual worship of the deity. On the album No Gods, No Managers, they use excerpts from the lectures of political scientist Michael Parenti.

Breakup

Choking Victim broke up after the first day of recording for their first full-length LP, No Gods, No Managers, but the recordings from that one day were enough to make a full album. After they broke up, Stza formed the band Leftöver Crack, and Skwert and Ezra formed INDK. Ezra joined Leftover Crack in 2001. Skwert is currently the front man for the NJ based ska punk band Public Serpents. Sascha has spent the last several years organically farming in upstate NY, and is a founding member of Icarus Project, a radical mental health network. Choking Victim and Leftöver Crack are anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic and anti-fascist.

Reunions

On November 11, 2000, Choking Victim reunited to play a show in Tompkins Square Park with the lineup from their album, substituting former bassist Alec for Shayne. Later, in late 2005, Choking Victim reunited a second time, performing four shows. On June 11, 2006, they played a show at the Lower East Side's Tompkins Square Park, which featured various political speakers, including members of the Mislead Youth Project. At the end of July 2006, they toured the Dominican Republic, before Leftöver Crack embarked on their European Tour.

In the Summer of 2012, lead singer Stza enlisted the help of Irish Ska/Punk band Chewing on Tinfoil and formed "The Choking Victim Show". This band, playing the songs of Choking Victim, toured throughout the UK, Ireland and France

Legacy

In addition to Leftöver Crack and INDK, Choking Victim also spawned Morning Glory and the Crack Rock Steady 7. Choking Victim have reformed for a few dates in the UK and Europe as The Choking Victim Show with Stza, Sascha, Alec and Ezra.

Members

(1992–1993)	Stza – vocals, guitar Sascha Scatter – bass John Dolan – drums
(1993–1994)	Stza – vocals, guitar Sascha Scatter – bass Skwert – drums	Crack Rock Steady Demo (1992) Crack Rock Steady 7" (1993)
(1995–1996)	Stza – vocals, guitar Alec Baillie – bass Skwert – drums	Squatta's Paradise 7" (1996)
(1996)	Stza – vocals, guitar Shayne Webb – bass Skwert – drums
(1996)	Stza – vocals, guitar Alec Baillie – bass Skwert – drums
(1996–1998)	Stza – vocals, guitar Shayne Webb – bass Skwert – drums
(1998–1999)	Stza – vocals, guitar Ezra – guitar Shayne – bass Skwert – drums	No Gods, No Managers (1999)
(Nov. 2000)	Stza – vocals, guitar Ezra – guitar Alec Baillie – bass Skwert – drums
(2005–2006)	Stza – vocals, guitar Sascha Scatter – bass John Dolan – drums

• Scott "Stza" Sturgeon – vocals, guitar (1992–1999, 2000, 2005–2006)
• Sascha "Scatter" DuBrul – bass (1992–1994, 2005–2006)
• John Dolan – drums (1992–1993, 2005–2006)
• Skwert – drums (1993–1999, 2000)
• Alec Baillie – bass (1995–1996, 1996, 2000)
• Shayne Webb – bass (1996, 1996–1999)
• Ezra Kire – guitar (1998–1999, 2000)

Timeline

Discography

EP's:

• "Crack Rock Steady EP" (1994) 2x1000 pressed
• "Squatta's Paradise" (1996) 2x1000 pressed
• "Victim Comes Alive" (1998) 1000 pressed

Albums:

• "No Gods, No Managers" (1999)

Demos:

• "Crack Rock Steady Demo" (2000)

Compilations:

• "Crack Rock Steady EP/Squatta's Paradise Split CD" (2000)
• "Songs In The Key Of Lice - A Tribute To Choking Victim" (2002) (Various Artists)
• "A Tribute To Choking Victim" (2008) (Various Artists)

Live albums:

• "Christmas With The Victim" (2005)
• "Live 9/11 2005" (2005)

Compilation Appearances:

• "Wicked City Soundtrack" - 1998, Velvel Records ("Fuck America")
• "Give 'Em The Boot" - 1997, Hellcat Records ("Infested")
• "Give 'Em The Boot II" - 1999, Hellcat Records ("Crack Rock Steady")
• "Ska Sucks" - 1998, Liberation Records ("Suicide (a better way)")
• "Smash Ignorance Up" - 1998, Possible Problem Records ("Money")
• "Skanarchy III" - 1997, Elevator Records ("Born to Die")
• "Picklemania NYC" - 199?, Riot Records ("500 Channels")
• "Finding a Voice: A Benefit For Humans" - 1999 Repetitively Futile Records ("Sweet Dreams")

External links

• Old CV Fansite

See also

• Leftöver Crack
• No Commercial Value
• Crack Rock Steady 7
• Rotting (Canada)
• F-Minus
• No-Cash
• Star Fucking Hipsters