The groups name came about as a mere fluke from some light hearted criticism. According to vocalist Jason Sears in a 2002 interview with Thrasher magazine: “It happened that some guy said, 'Ha, those kids will never be anything, they're just a bunch of rich kids on LSD, man.' The first party we played we didn't have a name for the band, so we put that one on the flier and it just stuck.”
Their musical evolution can be heard on their webpage, which features "RKL Radio" with nearly all of their songs streamed including a complete discography.
RKL break-up and return
After a couple line-up changes in the late eighties and early nineties, the original vocalist Jason Sears returned to the band in 1994 to help finish their European tour. This sparked the band to record its first album, Riches to Rags, with him in a little under a decade. The band suffered an ill-fated break-up in 1996 which led most of the members of the band to go on to other projects and form new bands. However only a year later did the band return with most of its previous members minus drummer Dave Raun and guitarist Barry "D'Live" Ward who had their spots filled by Boz Rivera and Chris Flippin.
Guitarist Chris Rest and the bands original drummer Richard "Bomer" Manzullo, formed The Other with Mad Caddies drummer Boz Rivera. Boz would later go on to join RKL when they reunited in 1997.
Former guitarist Barry Ward otherwise known as "Barry D'Live" went on to play with such acts as Hotbox as well as playing under the alias "The Wooper" with the group he currently resides in, the Crosstops. He also stood in for some bands on tour such as filling in for Me First and the Gimme Gimmes guitarist Chris Shiflett (who also plays for the Foo Fighters) as well as being hired on as Balsac the Jaws of Death for the theatrical shock rock group GWAR.
Former drummer Dave Raun, Chris Rest and future member Chris Flippin joined the Goleta based punk band Lagwagon. Dave also went on to play drums for the all-star cover band, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Bassist Joe Raposo along with Chris Rest and Boz Rivera also compose half of the San Francisco based group King City.
Vocalist Jason Sears did a track for a Snot tribute album to their late lead singer Lynn Strait. He later did an album with the San Diego based band Mercury Legion.
RKL today
On March 30, 2005, Derrick Plourde, former drummer of RKL, who also played in Lagwagon, Bad Astronaut, Jaws, and The Ataris, committed suicide. Lagwagon paid tribute to Derrick with their 2005 release of the album Resolve.
On December 12, 2005, the original drummer Richard Anthony Manzullo (aka "Bomer") died due to heart failure at his home in Summerland, California. The cause of death was the result of a long time battle with drug addictions.
On January 31, 2006, Jason Sears died due to complications while undergoing a detox treatment involving ibogaine in Tijuana, Mexico. The cause of death was the result of a pulmonary embolism caused by thrombosis.
Currently the future for RKL remains uncertain. There are rumors of an "RKLAOKE" show sometime in the Summer of 2006 as a benefit concert to raise money for Jason's kids. The show as well as time and venue have yet to be confirmed. The show would feature the remaining members of the band playing all the past favorites with different members of the audience.
Past and present band members of R.K.L.
Current Lineup (1997-2005)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Chris Flippin -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- bass
Boz Rivera -- drums
Lineup (1994-1996)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1992-1993)
Bomer Manzullo -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1987-1989)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Joe Raposo -- bass
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Lineup (1985-1987)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
Barry Ward -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Original lineup (1983-1985)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Alpo" -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
R.K.L. Discography
Nardcore, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "US Steel", "Lies", "No Respect")
It's a Beautiful Feeling, 7" EP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Covers, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "Chinese Rocks")
Mystic Super Seven Sampler #1, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Return to Slimey Valley LP , Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1985; "Evil In You")
Keep Laughing LP (Mystic Records, 1985)
RocK 'n Roll Nightmare LP (Alchemy Records, 1987; re-released on CD by Epitaph Records)
Double Live in Berlin LP (Destiny Records, 1989; recorded live in Germany on 1988 tour)
Reactivate LP (Epitaph Records, 1993)
Riches to Rags LP (Epitaph Records, 1994)
Revenge is a Beautiful Feeling, CD (2000?)
Keep Laughing (w/ It's a Beautiful Feeling), Mystic Re-release, CD (2002)
Videos
Still Flailing After All These Beers, VHS (1997)
Senseless Violence
RKL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it's my mind or the world outside,
That makes me feel the way I do,
Not one single tear for you.
Against your head the bottle shattered,
I started to laugh but it didn't seem to matter... at all!
Riots broke out seconds later,
A thousand cops filled with hatred.
Powerful mace was now burning my eyes.
Against your head the bottle shattered.
I started to laugh but it didn't seem to matter... at all!
A klan of cops chasing a girl.
She shouted out peace, but the club was hurled.
They beat her and they kicked her but she lay still.
Nazis licensed to kill.
Senseless Violence.
The song "Senseless Violence" by RKL (Rich Kids on LSD) talks about the senseless and violent side of the world that can sometimes affect a person's mind. The lyrics suggest that the singer is caught in a situation where they cannot differentiate between the external world and their own perceptions. There is no emotional connection to anyone, as reflected in the line "Not one single tear for you." The singer seems to be in a state of detachment where everything seems normal, even when things around them are violent and destructive. It is demonstrated when the singer describes laughing at a violent act, "Against your head the bottle shattered. I started to laugh but it didn't seem to matter... at all!"
The song also talks about the ugly side of society, where cops are filled with hatred, and riots and brutality are commonplace. The lyrics reflect the violent effects of power used recklessly, as demonstrated by the line "Nazis licensed to kill." The singer seems to start to realize the impact of senseless violence and the reality of the brutality that is present in society. It is shown when he sings, "Senseless Violence, I start to realize. Powerful mace was now burning my eyes."
In conclusion, the song is a commentary on the senseless violence and brutality that is present in society. It shows how violence can leave people feeling detached and that it can be challenging to differentiate what is external and what is internal.
Line by Line Meaning
It makes me wonder sometimes.
I am filled with confusion and curiosity about certain events.
If it's my mind or the world outside,
I am uncertain if my thoughts are rational or if the reality around me is responsible for my emotions.
That makes me feel the way I do,
I am affected in a particular way, and I am not sure about the cause.
Not one single tear for you.
I am apathetic towards you, and I do not have any feelings of sadness or empathy.
Against your head the bottle shattered,
A bottle broke violently against your head.
I started to laugh but it didn't seem to matter... at all!
Although I found the situation funny, it did not have any significance or meaning to me whatsoever.
Riots broke out seconds later,
A sudden outbreak of chaos and violent disturbance occurred shortly after.
A thousand cops filled with hatred.
Numerous police officers were filled with animosity and hostility.
Senseless Violence, I start to realize,
I slowly comprehend that the acts of brutality occurring are unnecessary and meaningless.
Powerful mace was now burning my eyes.
My eyes were stinging and irritated from being exposed to a potent, sprays of liquid irritant.
Against your head the bottle shattered.
A glass bottle smashed against your head with a loud noise.
I started to laugh but it didn't seem to matter... at all!
I laughed at the situation, but it did not have any significance or value to me.
A klan of cops chasing a girl.
A group of police officers were chasing a young woman.
She shouted out peace, but the club was hurled.
The woman yelled for nonviolence, but a police club was thrown at her anyway.
They beat her and they kicked her but she lay still.
Despite being severely assaulted, the woman remained motionless.
Nazis licensed to kill.
Individuals with beliefs and actions similar to those in the Nazi regime have been given permission to take human lives.
Senseless Violence.
Unnecessary and meaningless acts of brutality are occurring.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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