The Lunachicks are an American punk rock band formed in New York City in 1987 by students at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, distinguished by their high-energy live shows, satirical lyrics, and fusion of punk and metal elements.[1] The band's core lineup evolved to include vocalist Theo Kogan, guitarist Gina Volpe, bassist Sydney "Squid" Silver, and drummer Chip English, who joined in 1994, following the departure of earlier guitarist Sindi Benezra in 1997.[1] Over more than a decade of consistent touring in the 1990s, they released five full-length studio albums, a live album, numerous singles, and videos, debuting with the Babysitters on Acid EP in 1990 and gaining early notice from figures like Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore after performances at iconic venues such as CBGB and The Limelight.[1] Notable for sharing stages with acts including the Ramones, Joan Jett, and No Doubt, the Lunachicks also appeared in films and compilations, cementing their place in the punk scene despite operating outside the riot grrrl movement's core.[1] After entering hiatus in 2004, the band reunited for select performances, including at Punk Rock Bowling in 2021 and Webster Hall in New York City, alongside releasing a memoir titled Fallopian Rhapsody.[1]
History
Formation and early years (1987–1992)
The Lunachicks formed in late 1987 in New York City by students Theo Kogan on vocals, Gina Volpe on guitar, and bassist Sydney "Squid" Silver, all attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.[2] Guitarist Sindi Bisser joined the lineup shortly thereafter, completing the core instrumental section.[3]The band recorded an untitled demo or rehearsal tape in November 1987, followed by a six-song demo in 1989 distributed in limited copies.[3] Their first live performance occurred on January 9, 1988, at The Other World in New York, opening for Raging Slab, with Mike on drums for that show; Becky Egu soon became the full-time drummer in early 1988.[3] Early gigs included a June 23, 1988, appearance at CBGB opening for Sonic Youth, helping build a local following in the punk scene.[3]Initial releases came in 1989 via Blast First Records, including the eponymous EP Lunachicks, a four-song Sugar Luv EP, and a split flexi disc with Dinosaur Jr. in April.[4][3] These efforts drew from Plasmatics-inspired punk with heavy metal elements and irreverent lyrics critiquing urban culture.[4] The band toured England in April–May 1989 opening for Dinosaur Jr., expanding their exposure.[3]Their debut full-length album, Babysitters on Acid, was released on July 23, 1990, by Blast First, featuring tracks like the title song and "Mabel Rock" that highlighted chaotic punk energy and satirical themes.[5][4] Continued U.S. and European touring followed, including shows supporting White Zombie.[3] By 1992, they issued Binge & Purge on Safe House Records, incorporating heavier riffs and explorations of youthful disaffection in songs such as "Apathetic."[4][3]
Breakthrough and commercial efforts (1993–2001)
In 1993, Lunachicks continued building momentum through live performances at clubs like St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit on September 10, showcasing their high-energy punk style amid efforts to expand beyond New York City's underground scene.[6] The band toured regionally, including shows at venues such as the Kennel Club in San Francisco on March 1, emphasizing satirical lyrics and irreverent stage antics to cultivate a dedicated following in the punk community.[7]By 1994, drummer Becky Wreck departed, replaced by Chip English, stabilizing the rhythm section for subsequent recordings and tours.[8] This lineup shift coincided with signing to Go-Kart Records, a New York-based independent label focused on punk acts, marking a step toward more structured distribution and production support compared to prior indie releases.[9] The partnership yielded Jerk of All Trades, released on May 1, 1995, which featured 13 tracks including "Drop Dead" and "Fingerful," produced by Ray Martin and praised for its raw, snarling punk energy without compromising the band's chaotic edge.[10][11] The album's release supported intensified U.S. touring, with dates alongside acts like Rancid on November 2, 1995, aiming to leverage punk festival circuits for broader exposure.[7]Subsequent efforts included Pretty Ugly in 1997, followed by the live album Drop Dead Live in 1998, recorded to capture their notorious stage presence across 18 tracks spanning earlier material like "F.D.S." and newer cuts.[12][13] These releases, under Go-Kart, facilitated tours with established punk icons such as the Ramones and Joan Jett, enhancing visibility through shared bills and compilation appearances.[1] Rhythm guitarist Sindi B. departed in 1997, streamlining the band to a quartet and refocusing on core dynamics for streamlined performances.[1]The period culminated with Luxury Problem on June 8, 1999, a 15-track effort produced by Chris Maxwell and Philip Hernandez, incorporating heavier guitars and continued satirical themes to appeal to evolving punk audiences.[14][15] Extensive European and U.S. tours in 2000–2001, including dates at venues like TJ's in Newport, UK, on January 26, 2000, underscored commercial pushes via merchandise, videos, and film cameos, though the band maintained an indie trajectory without major-label crossover.[16][1] Despite rigorous output and roadwork, Lunachicks achieved cult status in punk circles rather than mainstream sales, with efforts centered on live draw and label-backed promotion.[17]
Hiatus, reunions, and recent developments (2002–present)
Following the release of their third studio album Sugar Luv in 1999 and subsequent touring, the Lunachicks entered an extended hiatus around 2001, with members pursuing individual projects such as Theo Kogan's involvement in other bands and media ventures.[1] The group never officially disbanded, maintaining occasional communication amid personal and professional commitments.[17]The band staged limited reunion performances during the hiatus, including a 20-minute set at CBGB's in Manhattan on April 6, 2002, featuring original members Theo Kogan (vocals), Gina Birch (guitar), C.J. Johnson (bass), and returning alumni Sindi Benezra (guitar) and Chip English (drums).[3] Another one-off reunion occurred on April 24, 2004, though details on the lineup and venue remain sparse in documented accounts.[3] These appearances marked sporadic activity without a full return to recording or extensive touring.In late 2019, the Lunachicks announced a more substantial reunion, headlining their first major show in over 15 years at Webster Hall in New York City on April 11, 2020—delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but signaling renewed interest.[18] This led to additional performances, including festival slots, and culminated in the 2021 publication of their memoirFallopian Rhapsody: The Story of the Lunachicks, a collaborative oral history detailing the band's formation, challenges, and cultural impact.[18]Recent developments include live appearances such as supporting L7's 40th anniversary concert in Los Angeles on an unspecified date in 2025 and performing at the CBGB Festival under the K Bridge in Brooklyn on September 27, 2025.[19][20] In October 2025, Giant Pictures acquired worldwide distribution rights to the documentary Pretty Ugly: The Story of the Lunachicks, directed by Eva Prinz and focusing on the band's history and feminist punk ethos.[21] The group continues selective activity via their official website, social media, and merchandise sales, with no full tour announced as of late 2025.[22][23]
Band members and lineup changes
Original and core members
The Lunachicks were founded in 1987 in New York City by vocalist Theo Kogan, lead guitarist Gina Volpe, and bassist Sydney "Squid" Silver, all of whom were students at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts at the time.[24][25] This initial trio constituted the band's creative core, drawing from punk influences and performing early shows at venues like CBGB.[1] Rhythm guitarist Sindi Benezra and drummer Becky Wreck soon joined, completing the original five-piece lineup that recorded the band's debut album, Babysitters on Acid, in 1990.[26]These original members shaped the band's high-energy punk sound and satirical style during its formative years from 1987 to the mid-1990s, with Kogan's distinctive vocals, Volpe's guitar riffs, Silver's bass lines, Benezra's rhythm support, and Wreck's drumming providing the foundation for their live reputation.[27] Kogan, Volpe, and Silver remained the consistent thread through multiple lineup shifts, serving as the band's enduring core even as drummers and secondary guitarists rotated.[1][26]Drummer Chip English emerged as a de facto core member after joining in 1994, contributing to albums like Jerk of All Trades (1998) and Pretty Ugly (1999), and participating in subsequent reunions, including performances in 2021.[1][26] This quartet configuration—Kogan, Volpe, Silver, and English—solidified the band's later stability until its hiatus in 2001.[28]
Departures and replacements
In 1992, following the release of the band's second album Binge & Purge, original drummer Becky Wreck departed the Lunachicks.[29][2] She was briefly replaced by Kate Schellenbach, known for her work with the Beastie Boys and Luscious Jackson, who filled in during early 1993.[30] Schellenbach's tenure was short-lived, and Chip English joined as the permanent drummer later that year, contributing to subsequent recordings including the 1995 album Jerk of All Trades.[31][25]Rhythm guitarist Sindi Benezra (also known as Sindi B.) left the band in 1997 amid ongoing lineup adjustments, after which the Lunachicks operated as a four-piece without recruiting a direct replacement for her role.[1][32]English departed in 1999 and was succeeded by Helen Destroy on drums, who performed with the band until its hiatus in 2001.[29][32] English rejoined for the band's 2019 reunion and subsequent activities.[31]
Musical style, influences, and lyrical themes
Punk roots and evolution
The Lunachicks originated in New York City's punk scene, forming in 1987 as teenagers attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Guitarist Gina Volpe has emphasized the Ramones as a "huge influence," with the band also drawing from other foundational punk acts including the Clash, the Damned, X-Ray Spex, the Dead Boys, the Buzzcocks, and the Misfits. Early rehearsals focused on covering songs by these groups in informal, unpolished sessions, reflecting a DIY ethos amid the high-energy, rebellious spirit of late-1980s NYC punk.[33][1]The band debuted at seminal venues such as CBGB and The Limelight, where their raw performances—marked by emerging humor and spectacle—drew attention from established figures like Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Their 1990 debut album, Babysitters on Acid, released by the London-based label Blast First, embodied this foundational punk sound: fast-paced, abrasive tracks with satirical edge, capturing the unrefined vigor of their high school origins.[34][1]As they progressed through the 1990s, the Lunachicks refined their style, integrating hard rock and heavy metal elements—such as gritty guitar riffs and heavier beats—influenced by acts like Black Sabbath, Kiss, AC/DC, and Alice Cooper, while preserving punk's core intensity and irreverence. Lineup stabilization into a core quartet by 1997 enabled tighter execution, evident in albums like Jerk of All Trades (1995), Pretty Ugly (1997), and Luxury Problem (1999), which expanded beyond raw punk into a hybrid of high-energy rock with props, costumes, and thematic spectacle during live shows. This evolution maintained their punk roots' emphasis on humor and cultural critique, adapting to broader rock landscapes without diluting the original scene's confrontational spirit.[33][1][34]
Satirical and cultural critiques
The Lunachicks employed satire in their lyrics and stage personas to dissect consumer culture, gender expectations, and urban alienation, often blending irreverent humor with pointed social observation. Tracks like those on their 1990 album Babysitters on Acid exaggerated suburban boredom and adolescent defiance through vivid, over-the-top narratives, serving as a parody of both mainstream teen rebellion and the punk scene's own pretensions.[35] This approach contrasted with the more doctrinaire feminism of riot grrrl peers, as vocalist Theo Kogan later noted the band's indifference to theoretical underpinnings, favoring raw, unfiltered critiques delivered via sarcasm and irony.[36][29]Lyrical content frequently targeted misogyny, bodily functions, and pop culture excesses, framing serious issues like sexism and rape within a framework of "spleen" and comedic exaggeration to underscore their absurdity.[29][37] Songs such as "Plugg" from Binge & Purge (1992) confronted the visceral realities of menstruation with blunt, unapologetic detail, challenging taboos around female physiology while mocking societal squeamishness.[38] Their visual style amplified these critiques, with costumes parodying beauty standards and media tropes, as detailed in their group autobiography Fallopian Rhapsody, which highlights how such elements mocked junk food obsessions, wrestling machismo, and fast-fashion frivolity without sanctimony.[39]This satirical edge extended to broader cultural commentary, lampooning hair metal's performative excess in early performances and subverting punk's macho undercurrents through all-female bravado laced with self-deprecation.[35] Unlike ideologically rigid contemporaries, the band's humor—described as "unabashed" and central to their ethos—prioritized exposing hypocrisies in both patriarchal norms and alternative scene dynamics, fostering a pro-women stance that prioritized lived experience over dogma.[40][37] Critics have credited this blend for the band's enduring appeal, though it sometimes led to perceptions of them as a "novelty act" amid more earnest punk feminism.[29]
Discography
Studio albums
The Lunachicks released five studio albums between 1990 and 1999, primarily on independentpunk labels that aligned with their raw, satirical style.[27]
The Lunachicks released several singles and EPs on independent labels, primarily during their active years from the late 1980s to mid-1990s, often featuring raw punk tracks not included on full-length albums.[27]Their debut release was the self-titled Lunachicks EP in 1989, issued as a double 7" by Blast First Records, which included four early songs produced by Daniel Rey.[4][24]In 1990, the band put out the "Cookie Monster" / "Complication" 7" single on Blast First, with the A-side parodying the Sesame Street character in a punk style.[43]The "C.I.L.L." / "Plugg" 7" followed in 1992 via World Service, serving as a non-album split single showcasing their aggressive sound.[44]That same year, Safe House Records released the Apathetic EP as a CD maxi-single (also referred to in some contexts as a Lunachicks EP variant), featuring tracks like "Apathetic" recorded at SST Studios.[45]The Li'l Debbiesingle appeared in 1992 on Safe House as a CD5 maxi-single, including the title track exclusive to this release alongside alternate mixes.[46]In 1993, the "F.D.S." (Shit.Finger.Dick) / "Light as a Feather (Stiff as a Board)" 7" single was issued, highlighting their satirical edge.[47]The Sushi A La Mode EP came out in 1994 on Benten Records as a Japan-exclusive CD, containing punk covers and originals like "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board" and "Gigling."[48][49]Finally, the "Jerk of All Trades" promo EP was released in 1995 on Go-Kart Records as a CD, promoting material from their contemporary album efforts.[50]
Tours, performances, and media appearances
Key tours and live reputation
The Lunachicks maintained an intensive touring schedule throughout their active years from 1987 to 2001, frequently performing as opening acts for established punk and alternative rock bands to build their visibility. Notable opening slots included shows for Sonic Youth on December 22, 1988, at The Ritz in New York City; Redd Kross on December 23, 1988, at The Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California; Buzzcocks alongside Down By Law on November 22, 1999, at The Mason Jar in Phoenix, Arizona, and November 26, 1999, at Deep Ellum Live in Dallas, Texas; and broader tours supporting acts such as Marilyn Manson, Luscious Jackson, No Doubt, and The Offspring, which contributed to their exposure in the punk and riot grrrl scenes.[3][3][3][32]In 2000, the band undertook a Europeantour, with dates including January 26 in Newport, UK, at TJ's; January 27 in Bristol, UK, at The Fleece; and additional stops across the continent, marking one of their final major international outings before hiatus.[16] Post-reunion in 2019, they resumed live performances sporadically, including Riot Fest from September 16–18, 2022, in Chicago; and festival appearances such as the CBGB Festival on September 27, 2025, at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York, alongside a sold-out show at The Belasco in Los Angeles on October 3, 2025.[17][51][17]The band's live reputation centered on high-energy, chaotic performances that amplified their satirical punk style, earning praise for infectious fun and audience engagement despite occasional critiques of uneven execution in early shows. Contemporary reviews described their sets as "great and fun" with synchronized audience energy, particularly at venues like Bowery Ballroom in 1998, and highlighted strong musicianship from members like guitarist Gina and bassist Squid.[52][53] Fans and critics noted an "amazing live show" characterized by attitude-driven intensity and lurid, good-natured spectacle, which fostered a dedicated underground following even as mainstream breakthrough eluded them.[32][54] Recent reunion gigs have reinforced this legacy, with observers citing the band's enduring punk vigor amid a landscape of nostalgic revivals.[17]
Film, TV, and documentary features
The Lunachicks produced their own short film, Nowhere Fast, in 1996, a comedy-musical directed by Saskia Jell and starring the band members.[55][56] The project featured the group in lead roles, aligning with their punk aesthetic of satirical self-representation.[1] They also released a feature-length home video incorporating live footage, tour documentation, interviews, and the Nowhere Fast short, titled Lunachicks XXX Naked, which captured behind-the-scenes band antics.[57][1]The band appeared in the 1995 documentary Not Bad for a Girl, directed by Monica Drake and David Meyer, which profiled women in punk and alternative rock scenes, including performances and interviews with Lunachicks members.[58] They contributed to the 1998 horror-comedy feature Terror Firmer, a Troma Entertainment production by Lloyd Kaufman, where the band performed and appeared on-screen amid the film's low-budget, exploitative style.[58] Their music featured in the 2001 soundtrack for Rock Star, a fictionalized drama starring Mark Wahlberg, though without direct on-screen involvement.[58][59]In 2023, director Ilya Chaiken's documentary Pretty Ugly: The Story of the Lunachicks premiered at DOC NYC, chronicling the band's formation in 1987, 1990s peak, hiatus, and 2019 reunion, with interviews from core members Theo Kogan, Gina Volpe, Chip Englsh, and Sydney Torres.[60][40] The film emphasized their New York punk roots, satirical lyrics, and feminist undertones, drawing on archival footage and personal accounts.[61] Giant Pictures acquired worldwide distribution rights in October 2025, positioning it for broader theatrical and streaming release.[21] No major television appearances were documented beyond potential music video airings on outlets like MTV, with the band's media presence centered on film and documentary formats.[1]
Reception, achievements, and criticisms
Critical and commercial reception
The Lunachicks experienced limited commercial success, remaining a niche act within the punk underground despite releasing six studio albums between 1990 and 1999 on independent labels such as Blast First and Go-Kart Records. None of their releases achieved notable chart positions on mainstream lists like the Billboard 200, and sales figures were modest, reflecting a dedicated but small fanbase rather than broad market penetration.[29] The band's visibility was confined largely to alternative scenes, with contemporaries like L7 receiving significantly more attention and resources from major labels.[29]Critically, the Lunachicks were often praised for their high-energy delivery, satirical edge, and unapologetic feminist punk ethos, though reviews highlighted their cult appeal over widespread acclaim. Their 1992 album Babysitters on Acid drew positive notice for its vibrant mix of punk aggression and pop hooks, establishing an early reputation for chaotic creativity.[35] By 1993, live performances showed marked improvement in tightness and clarity, earning approval from observers for evolving beyond raw novice energy.[62] The 1995 release Jerk of All Trades received favorable assessments for its thrashy, attitude-driven tracks, with critics noting the band's sexy, bad-ass punk vibe as a standout in the genre.[63]Later works like Luxury Problem (1999) were commended for blending edgy vocals with melodic punk structures, including standout tracks emphasizing critical lyrics and rhythmic pop elements.[64] Reviewers appreciated the quintet's lurid, junk-culture fun and good-natured spirit, though some observed a monochromatic sound that prioritized overdrive over variety.[54] Overall, the band cultivated substantial critical regard in punk circles for defying norms with messy, influential output, yet they were frequently described as underrated relative to peers.[8]
Notable achievements and influence
The Lunachicks signed with MCA Records in 1997, releasing their album Pretty Ugly that year, which marked a shift from independent labels to major-label distribution and expanded their reach beyond the underground punk circuit.[21] They toured extensively, opening for prominent acts including the Ramones, No Doubt, and Marilyn Manson, and participated in the Vans Warped Tour in 1999 and 2000 as one of only three female-led acts alongside the Donnas and Bif Naked, highlighting their persistence in a male-dominated festival environment.[36][35] The band's reunion in 2019 led to performances at events like Riot Fest in 2022, alongside the release of guitarist Gina Volpe's memoir Fallopian Rhapsody in 2021, which chronicled their experiences and contributed to renewed interest in their catalog.[17][65]In terms of influence, the Lunachicks are recognized as one of the earliest all-female punk bands from New York City, predating much of the riot grrrl movement and demonstrating that women could embody punk's aggressive, irreverent energy without conforming to grunge's flannel-clad aesthetic, often performing in flamboyant, drag-inspired outfits during the early 1990s.[66][37] Their satirical lyrics addressing consumerism, femininity, and suburban boredom provided a template for subsequent female-fronted punk acts to blend humor with critique, challenging the scene's gender barriers and inspiring a legacy of unapologetic female participation in punk rock.[33] Guitarist Gina Volpe has noted their role in proving the viability of all-women punk ensembles from NYC, influencing the broader punk landscape by prioritizing fun and spectacle over conformity.[66] A forthcoming documentary, Pretty Ugly: The Story of the Lunachicks, acquired for worldwide distribution in October 2025, further underscores their enduring cultural footprint in punk history.[21]
Criticisms and challenges faced
The Lunachicks encountered significant sexism within the punk and rock scenes, where all-female bands were frequently dismissed as novelty acts rather than legitimate musicians. Band members have recounted instances of being undervalued due to their gender, with women's presence in lineups often treated as a gimmick amid broader industry biases. This was evident during tours like the Warped Tour, where they were among the few female-dominated acts, highlighting persistent gender barriers in punk environments that limited opportunities and recognition for women.[67][68][35]Internally, the band faced conflicts including fist fights among members, aggressive confrontations with club owners, and tensions arising from creative differences and personal relationships, which contributed to their decision to enter a hiatus in 2000 after over a decade of activity. These issues, detailed in their group autobiography Fallopian Rhapsody, reflected the strains of young musicians navigating intense touring schedules and interpersonal dynamics without formal management, ultimately leading to a need for rest following drummer Chip English's departure in late 1999. The band described this period not as a permanent dissolution but as a necessary break to pursue individual projects, underscoring the causal pressures of sustained punk lifestyles on group cohesion.[37][69][60]Musically, early performances drew criticism for an underdeveloped, monochromatic sound that some reviewers attributed to the members' initial lack of technical proficiency, with Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore perceiving them as a "noise band" before they refined their skills. Later critiques, such as those from music historian Piero Scaruffi, argued that the group abandoned their raw punk personas without evolving into a distinct alternative, resulting in what he termed a "second-hand repertory" that failed to sustain broader appeal compared to contemporaries like L7. Despite improvements noted in live sets by 1993, these stylistic limitations, combined with their satirical and cartoonish aesthetic, may have hindered mainstream breakthrough in an era favoring grittier or more polished acts.[62][8][4]
Solo projects and post-band activities
Individual member endeavors
Theo Kogan, the band's lead vocalist, formed the side project Theo and the Skyscrapers in the late 1990s with musician Tim Pierce, experimenting with goth-influenced rock sounds and performing live into the mid-2000s.[70][71] She also pursued modeling and acting opportunities during and after the band's active years, including photoshoots and appearances tied to her fashion industry connections. In 2021, Kogan co-authored Fallopian Rhapsody: The Story of the Lunachicks, a memoir detailing the band's history through personal accounts from members.[72]Gina Volpe, the lead guitarist, maintained musical activity post-hiatus by fronting the power trio Bantam, which released albums including Motion of the Force in 2016. She issued her debut solo album, Delete the World, on February 23, 2024, via an independent release, marking a shift toward personal songwriting outside the band's punk framework.[73][66]Chip English, who drummed for the band from 1994 until her departure in 1999, shifted to non-musical pursuits after the hiatus, establishing McCloskey Carpentry and working as a carpenter, welder, and model maker for several years. She occasionally referenced releasing personal recordings but primarily focused on trade skills and sporadic music involvement.[34]Limited public information exists on endeavors by rhythm guitarist Sindi Boffoli, who left the band in 1997, or bassist Squid (Sydney Torres), suggesting they pursued lower-profile paths outside documented music or media projects. Later drummerHelen Destroy, who joined in 1999, has not been prominently linked to solo work in available records.[32]
Collaborative and side projects
Gina Volpe, Lunachicks' guitarist, fronted the New York City power trio Bantam, where she served as lead singer and guitarist, blending punk aggression with melodic structures; the band released a self-titled debut album and singles such as "Come Undone" in the late 2000s, with recent activity including new tracks produced by Barb Morrison.[74][75]Vocalist Theo Kogan headed the experimental electronic outfit Theo & the Skyscrapers, featuring collaborators like Sean Pierce from Toilet Böys and Chris Kling; the group delivered live sets characterized as gothic dance rock in the mid-2000s.[71]Former drummer Becky Wreck contributed drums to Blare Bitch Project, a punk metal ensemble led by Blare N. Bitch (of Betty Blowtorch), alongside members including Chase Manhattan.[76][77]Chip English, who drummed for Lunachicks from 1993 to 1999 and rejoined for reunions, added percussion to the New York rock band Suicide King following their 1994 formation.[78]Helen Destroy (now Gus Morgan), Lunachicks' drummer in their final pre-hiatus phase, performed with the all-female Led Zeppelin tribute act Lez Zeppelin, replicating John Bonham's style in live tributes starting around the mid-2000s.[79][80]