Philip Charles Lithman (June 17, 1949 - July 1, 1987), who performed under … Read Full Bio ↴Philip Charles Lithman (June 17, 1949 - July 1, 1987), who performed under the stage name Snakefinger, was an English musician, singer and songwriter. A multi-instrumentalist, he was best known for his guitar work and his collaborations with The Residents.
Lithman was born in London, England, and came from the British Blues scene. He moved to San Francisco in 1971 and became associated with the avant-garde group The Residents. It is said he was given the name 'Snakefinger' by The Residents themselves when they saw his proficiency with the guitar during their first live performance together. Another explanation for the name comes from a story concerning a party in San Francisco, at The Residents' collective, wherein all in attendance watched Lithman's fingers dart snake-like at the neck of his violin.
In 1972 Lithman returned to England and formed the pub rock band Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers with Martin Stone, a fellow ex-member of Junior's Blues Band. As a duo, they released the album "Kings of the Robot Rhythm". In 1974, as a full band and popular live act in Britain, they released "Bongos Over Balham".
Chilly Willy lasted until 1975, their last record not selling well, and by 1976 Lithman was back in the United States, this time in Los Angeles, California, seeking a recording contract, shopping his rock-style demos.
After a few years, Lithman moved back to San Francisco, reconnected with The Residents, and performed and recorded with them. Lithman's solo records, recorded under the name Snakefinger, were released by The Residents' record label Ralph Records.
His first album on Ralph was "Chewing Hides the Sound" in 1979, featuring original material co-written with The Residents as well as esoteric covers like Kraftwerk's "The Model". The songs showcased Lithman's distinctive slide guitar playing and often surreal imagery. This album was followed by "Greener Postures" in 1980, which included his first solo compositions as Snakefinger.
While on tour in Australia in 1980, Lithman had a heart attack that left him hospitalized for six months.
In 1982 Lithman formed his backing band The Vestal Virgins with former Captain Beefheart sideman Eric Drew Feldman. Snakefinger and The Vestal Virgins released "Manual of Errors" on Ralph in 1982. This was followed by the blues cover album "Snakefinger's History Of The Blues- Live In Europe" in 1984 and a new collection of largely original material in 1986 called "Night of Desirable Objects".
Lithman performed with The Residents on their 13th Anniversary Tour in 1986. On July 1st, 1987, Snakefinger and his band, The Vestal Virgins, were in Linz, Austria, on the European Night tour. During a performance at the Posthof Club Lithman suffered a fatal heart attack. On that same day his single, "There's No Justice in Life", was released.
Snakefinger was buried in England. The Residents participated in a wake for him, known as The Snakey Wake, in San Francisco.
Snakefinger is sorely missed by all.
Lithman was born in London, England, and came from the British Blues scene. He moved to San Francisco in 1971 and became associated with the avant-garde group The Residents. It is said he was given the name 'Snakefinger' by The Residents themselves when they saw his proficiency with the guitar during their first live performance together. Another explanation for the name comes from a story concerning a party in San Francisco, at The Residents' collective, wherein all in attendance watched Lithman's fingers dart snake-like at the neck of his violin.
In 1972 Lithman returned to England and formed the pub rock band Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers with Martin Stone, a fellow ex-member of Junior's Blues Band. As a duo, they released the album "Kings of the Robot Rhythm". In 1974, as a full band and popular live act in Britain, they released "Bongos Over Balham".
Chilly Willy lasted until 1975, their last record not selling well, and by 1976 Lithman was back in the United States, this time in Los Angeles, California, seeking a recording contract, shopping his rock-style demos.
After a few years, Lithman moved back to San Francisco, reconnected with The Residents, and performed and recorded with them. Lithman's solo records, recorded under the name Snakefinger, were released by The Residents' record label Ralph Records.
His first album on Ralph was "Chewing Hides the Sound" in 1979, featuring original material co-written with The Residents as well as esoteric covers like Kraftwerk's "The Model". The songs showcased Lithman's distinctive slide guitar playing and often surreal imagery. This album was followed by "Greener Postures" in 1980, which included his first solo compositions as Snakefinger.
While on tour in Australia in 1980, Lithman had a heart attack that left him hospitalized for six months.
In 1982 Lithman formed his backing band The Vestal Virgins with former Captain Beefheart sideman Eric Drew Feldman. Snakefinger and The Vestal Virgins released "Manual of Errors" on Ralph in 1982. This was followed by the blues cover album "Snakefinger's History Of The Blues- Live In Europe" in 1984 and a new collection of largely original material in 1986 called "Night of Desirable Objects".
Lithman performed with The Residents on their 13th Anniversary Tour in 1986. On July 1st, 1987, Snakefinger and his band, The Vestal Virgins, were in Linz, Austria, on the European Night tour. During a performance at the Posthof Club Lithman suffered a fatal heart attack. On that same day his single, "There's No Justice in Life", was released.
Snakefinger was buried in England. The Residents participated in a wake for him, known as The Snakey Wake, in San Francisco.
Snakefinger is sorely missed by all.
Stolen Moments
Snakefinger Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Stolen Moments' by these artists:
Alicia Keys Remembering the days when our love began Thinkin' of a mill…
Anna Sweeney You took my hand Showed me around Laughing at the pictures i…
B.B. and J.M. Trio Some things just come on strong A sudden rush of chemicals M…
Cautious Clay I don't wanna listen too closely To a single word you…
Common Down da-down-da-down-down-down, what Down da-down-da-down-do…
Common feat. Black Thought It's a frantic situation Extra salty cause whoever beat m…
Dan Fogelberg Every time we speak, our words betray intentions Insincere i…
Dreamtigers Pick up the phone, Then put it away Why do my hands…
Frank Zappa (Oliver Nelson) [Trumpet solo by Walt Fowler Frauenthal Aud…
Hank Snow Stolen moments are all we have together Two hearts that must…
Jim Witter Oh my little one sitting on my lap Everytime I look…
Jimmy Smith Stolen moments... Stolen moments... If i told you i love y…
John Hiatt I used to drink a lot in those days you…
Larkspur Falls Years go fast, time takes away It seems to me only…
Mark Murphy (Oliver Nelson) [Trumpet solo by Walt Fowler Frauenthal Aud…
Mark Murphy (born 1932) (Oliver Nelson) [Trumpet solo by Walt Fowler Frauenthal …
Mary Stallings You make choices, you know what the cost is Then, you…
Michael Mayo I don't want to go, it's only stolen moments Only stolen…
Murphy Mark (Oliver Nelson) [Trumpet solo by Walt Fowler Frauenthal Aud…
NERVD Beauty glimpsed through the rain A second, split, cut off fr…
New York Voices Stolen moments... Stolen moments... If i told you i love y…
R. Harlan Smith & Chris Nielsen I LEFT THE HOUSE TO DO SOME WINDOW SHOPPING WHEN I…
SOIL & Stolen moments Stolen moments If I told you I love you, pr…
SOIL &“PIMP”SESSIONS Yeah Stand out, din da (stand out, din da) (Da la la…
The Vamps You tell me I′m a friend But confused minds and blurred…
The Visual Why should I stay here? You keep running back to her,…
United Future Organization feat. Mark Murphy Stolen moments Stolen moments If I told you I love you, pr…
Vamps The You tell me I'm a friend But confused minds and blurred…
Y. Dan Rubinstein The first real kiss The late night park The breath fogged wi…
Yuji Ohno & Friends Aguas do rio Que so correm pro mar Trazendo o aroma no…
Yuji Ohno Trio Lingering in the soft midnight breeze Sweet scents of perfum…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Snakefinger:
Children Of The Sea Residents: Hey! Hey Snakefinger! Snakefinger: What? RZ: He…
Golden Goat No way up and no way down No room in the…
I Come From an Island I come from an island (listen) I come from an I…
Save Me From Dali The light bulb went out Late last night And left me wanting …
The Golden Goat No way up and no way down No room in the…
The Man in the Dark Sedan I'm the man in the dark sedan and I have…
The Picture Makers Residents: Hey! Hey Snakefinger! Snakefinger: What? RZ: He…
The Picture Makers vs. Children of the Sea Residents: Hey! Hey Snakefinger! Snakefinger: What? RZ: He…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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