Gits

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gits The Gits were an American punk band, formed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1986. Known for their part in the burgeoning Seattle music scene of the early 1990s, their distinct punk rock sound gained a reputation for its uncompromising vision and bluesy street punk aesthetic.[1] They were known for their fiery live performances and retained a dedicated following both during and after their existence. Singer Mia Zapata—influenced early on by blues, soul music and hardcore punk[2]—sang of inner struggle, alcohol, death, and survival despite utter hopelessness. Other members included guitarist Joe Spleen (born Andy Kessler), bassist Matt Dresdner and drummer Steve Moriarty. During their existence, the band released two studio albums, one compilation of early recordings, one live recording, three 7" singles and appeared on various compilations. The band also recorded on a few independent labels, and released its two studio albums on C/Z Records. In 2003, each release in the band's discography was remastered and expanded with bonus tracks on Broken Rekids. By 1993 it became clear that the Gits were on the verge of making it big with the band gaining the attention of major label record companies. Production began in mid-1993 on the band's second album entitled Enter: The Conquering Chicken, an album which was planned to be their breakthrough. The Gits seemed to be well on their way when, on the night of July 7, 1993, the group's charismatic singer and songwriter Mia Zapata was brutally raped and murdered while walking home from a friend's house late at night. The band dissolved in 1993 following the murder of Zapata. Though the band never signed with a major label and never reached a mainstream audience, Zapata has nevertheless been cited as an influence by many female vocalists After the initial shock of Zapata's murder, both the remaining members of the Gits and the Seattle musical community at large began an intensive investigation into her death. The Seattle Police Department initially focused their investigation on Zapata's circle of friends, believing that her murderer must have been someone she knew. Using funds generated by the Seattle music community (from benefit shows and CDs), as well as their own money, the remaining band members hired private investigator Leigh Hearon to supplement the police department's investigation. For over three years, Hearon and the Seattle Police Department investigated the crime with little or no breaks in the case. In 1996 the investigation first gained national attention in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries, it however did not open any new leads. The case was later highlighted on several other TV shows including A&E's American Justice, Cold Case Files, City Confidential, CBS's 48 Hours and FOX's America's Most Wanted. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. In Loving Memory...MsStretch