Big Chief

Active: 1989-1996

Members: Barry Henssler, Mike Danner, Matt O’Brien, Mark Dancey, Phil Durr

Formed by veterans of Michigan's hardcore scene (Necros, Laughing Hyenas, et al), Big Chief kicked out classically heavy riffs, borrowing from blues and twisted by funk, and were attracting major attention from the jump. Releasing a slew of recordings, touring with the likes of the Beastie Boys and The Cult—Big Chief were bad-ass MoF*ckers bringing Detroit-style power to the 90's in innumerable ways. Responsible for the legendary "Motorbooty" fanzine, illustrated by Mark Dancey—the artist responsible for Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger cover. Nothing but respect for these guys. RIP Phil, you were the prince among this crew of razor-snarks.