At the time of their first self-titled EP, in 1980, the band changed their name to Red Cross, which was allegedly inspired by the masturbation scene in the film, The Exorcist. Ron Reyes became the drummer. Eventually, Hetson left to join the Circle Jerks (and later Bad Religion) and Reyes left for Black Flag. Keller left to join Trixie and the Doorknobs as its guitarist and singer. To complete the lineup on their first full-length album, Born Innocent, they assembled a revolving door of musicians including original drummer John Stielow and drummer Janet Housden. Full of the brothers' pop culture obsessions, Born Innocent featured odes to Linda Blair (who starred in a television movie of the same name), a cover of "Look On Up At The Bottom" by the Carrie Nations from Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, and Charles Manson (whose song "Cease to Exist" they covered). The album also contains nods to Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Tatum O'Neal, and Lita Ford. Not long after the release of the album, the group was threatened with a lawsuit from the International Red Cross and changed their name to Redd Kross, allegedly being inspired by Redd Foxx.
In 1984, Redd Kross returned with drummer Dave Peterson to record Teen Babes from Monsanto, an album featuring songs originally by such artists as KISS, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and The Shangri-Las.
In 1984, lead guitarist Robert Hecker joined the band, as Redd Kross embarked on tour in support of Teen Babes from Monsanto.
In that same year, they were featured on the soundtrack of Desperate Teenage Lovedolls with their cover of the Brady Bunch Kids' "It's a Sunshine Day". Jeff and Steve appear in the movie, along with Robert in the sequel Lovedolls Superstar which the brothers co-wrote with Dave Markey and Jennifer Schwartz. Both movies are available now on DVD.
In 1985, drummer Roy McDonald (formerly of The Things, and no relation to the brothers) joined the band.
In 1987, Redd Kross released Neurotica, an album reportedly influenced by Saturday morning cartoons and breakfast cereal (one of the songs was called "Frosted Flake"). Although the album itself was successful, the band's label, Big Time Records folded. The band continued to tour during these years however, and in 1988, drummer Victor Indrizzo joined the band.
On February 20, 1990, Redd Kross appeared on Episode 2 of the cult Public-access television show "Decoupage" with Summer Caprice.
In 1990, Redd Kross signed with Atlantic Records, releasing Third Eye, and appeared with David Cassidy in the film Spirit of '76, and issued several singles, including "Annie's Gone", which had some mild success on college radio. Former Red Hot Chili Peppers / future Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons joined for the Third Eye tours, and appears in the promotional video for "Annie's Gone", which saw some light rotation on MTV. Brian Reitzell succeeded Irons as drummer in the band, and appears in the promotional video for "1976".
In 1991, Robert Hecker took leave from the band.
The album Phaseshifter was released in 1993, with new band members Eddie Kurdziel, Gere Fennelly, and Brian Reitzell. The videos for "Jimmy's Fantasy" and "Lady In The Front Row" were both shown on MTV's 120 Minutes. They toured on Phaseshifter for over a year, headling their own shows as well as tours supporting The Lemonheads and The Spin Doctors in late 1993 and Stone Temple Pilots in 1994. In 1995, Jeff and his wife, Charlotte Caffey (from The Go-Go's), had a daughter, named Astrid.
In 1997, Redd Kross released Show World, produced by Chris Shaw (who also produced albums for Weezer and Soul Asylum) and toured supporting The Presidents of the United States of America. The band took an indefinite hiatus after the Show World tour, and their future was uncertain after the untimely death of guitarist Eddie Kurdziel on June 6, 1999.
On July 1, 2006, Redd Kross returned to the live stage after almost a decade's absence. The Neurotica-era line up of Jeff McDonald, Steven McDonald, Robert Hecker and Roy McDonald performed a career-spanning set at the REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater) at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. The band has subsequently gone on to play at the Azkena Festival in Spain, the Detour Festival in Los Angeles, give a performance of their entire first EP in honor of Rodney Bingenheimer's being awarded a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and a set consisting of the entire Born Innocent album opening for Sonic Youth (who performed Daydream Nation) at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. They toured Spain and England in January, 2007. They have played a number of one-off shows including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. In 2008 they played the Coachella Festival in Coachella, California; ATP vs Pitchfork festival in Sussex, England; and NXNE Festival in Toronto, Ontario. In 2010, Redd Kross headlined the Turbo Rock Festival in Spain. In 2011 they headlined the POP Montreal Festival.
Redd Kross will tour Australia again as part of the Hoodoo Gurus' 30th Anniversary on the "Dig It Up" Festival concert series.
The band released "Researching the Blues" in 2012.
Elephant Flares
Redd Kross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know why she don't comb
Or wash her hair
Well all my friends they all say
There's things in there
I am free and so is she and you are me
People say - we'll never change
Her inner light shows and we all go
'Cuz everyone's there
I really like the way she looks in that halter top
And elephant flares
Driving down the highway
In my Trans Am custom T-top car
Hear some Tracy Lea
Playing on the radio - turn it up and go!
Elephant flares with her greasy long hair
No one can stop her - she is all - so don't even try
See her groovy movements, connect with her third eye
A teenage incantation
Some say she is the high priest
Of the confection generation
I am free and so is she and you are me
And we are altogether - altogether
People say -
Driving down the highway
In my Trans Am custom T-top car
Hear some BTO
Playing on the radio - turn it up and go!
Elephant flares with her greasy long hair
No one can stop her - she is all - so don't even try
Elephant flares and her greasy long hair
And she wears round glasses - x-ray eyes that see through your soul
Apples and oranges - are good for you
Don't miss the opening act - Miss Ross and Glue
I said yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)........
The lyrics of "Elephant Flares" by Redd Kross depict a countercultural figure, a young woman who defies conventional beauty standards and embraces her own unique style. The singer admires her for her inner light, her groovy movements, and her x-ray glasses that can see through your soul. He acknowledges that some people may criticize her appearance, but he celebrates her sense of freedom and individuality. The song is infused with references to popular culture of the time, such as the Trans Am car, the music of Tracy Lea and BTO, and the opening act of Miss Ross and Glue.
The repetition of the phrase "I am free and so is she and you are me / And we are altogether - altogether / People say - we'll never change" reinforces the theme of individuality and unity among those who reject conformity. The elephant flares, which are wide-legged pants with a distinctive shape, are a symbol of this nonconformity and self-expression. The singer sees the young woman as a leader of a new generation that challenges the status quo and creates its own rules.
Overall, the lyrics of "Elephant Flares" celebrate the beauty of diversity and the importance of being true to oneself. The singer admires the young woman for her courage to be different and encourages others to do the same. The song is a nostalgic tribute to a time when youth culture was defined by rebellion, experimentation, and free-spiritedness.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know why she don't comb
I am unsure why she chooses not to comb
Or wash her hair
Or take care of her hygiene
Well all my friends they all say
My friends have all mentioned
There's things in there
There are substances in her hair
Her inner light shows and we all go
Her positive qualities are evident and we all gravitate towards her
'Cuz everyone's there
Because everyone is present
I really like the way she looks in that halter top
I find her appearance appealing in a halter top
And elephant flares
And flared pants reminiscent of an elephant's legs
Driving down the highway
Traveling on the road
In my Trans Am custom T-top car
In my customized Trans Am with a T-top roof
Hear some Tracy Lea
Listening to music by Tracy Lea
Playing on the radio - turn it up and go!
Turning up the volume and continuing to drive
No one can stop her - she is all - so don't even try
She is unstoppable and in charge of herself, so there's no use trying to interfere.
See her groovy movements, connect with her third eye
Observe her cool dance moves and connect with her spiritual side
A teenage incantation
A chant among teenagers
Some say she is the high priest
Some speculate that she is a spiritual leader
Of the confection generation
Of the younger generation who enjoy sweets and treats
And she wears round glasses - x-ray eyes that see through your soul
She wears glasses that give her the appearance of having insight into your inner self
Apples and oranges - are good for you
Healthy foods such as apples and oranges are beneficial
Don't miss the opening act - Miss Ross and Glue
Don't miss the beginning of the performance, featuring Miss Ross and Glue
I said yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)........
I repeated an enthusiastic affirmation
Contributed by Caden O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.