Pussy Galore

Pussy Galore was a garage rock band from Washington D.C. formed in 1984 by Jon Spencer [guitarist/lead singer], Julia Cafritz [lead singer/guitarist] and John Hamill [drums]. This lineup would change constantly throughout the five years that the band existed.

In 1985, they added third guitarist Neil Hagerty and recorded the Groovy Hate Fuck EP, self-released on their own imprint, Shove Records.

The band soon moved to New York City and hired a local 16-year-old girl as their new guitarist because she had taken the picture for the cover of one of their singles. Also, John Hamill was replaced by former Sonic Youth drummer Bob Bert.

On a dare from Sonic Youth, the band covered the entirety of The Rolling Stones‘ 1972 album Exile on Main St. and released it on cassette. Shortly afterward, the 16-year-old girl, Christina Martinez, left the band. Later, she and Jon Spencer would form the band Boss Hogg.

In 1987, the band signed to Caroline Records and released their debut album, Right Now!, a mild indie success in the UK. Neil Hagerty then left the band, was replaced by Kurt Wolf, and promptly re-joined the band.

After the release of their second album, Dial “M” for Motherfucker, Julia Cafritz began fighting the rest of the band and ultimately left in 1989. The remaining three members recorded one more album (Historia de la Musica) and called it quits in 1990.

Jon Spencer later went on to found The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, while Neil Hagerty founded the band Royal Trux.