Who are the Class of '77 ?
Class of ’77 is the brainchild of lead singer and front person extraordinaire, Chelsea Rose. Initially deciding to cover the Sex Pistol’s song No Feelings, Chelsea pivoted to launching a band dedicated to the groundbreaking music of the year of that song’s release: 1977. Long time musical friends Pauli Gray, guitarist, Carmela Thompson, bassist, and Ian Larkin, drummer, were invited to join. At the first rehearsal, the chemistry and magic of the group was immediately apparent.
Class of ‘77 is still a relatively new band, but have already rocked amazing gigs including the Bottom of the Hill on a Saturday night and San Francisco classic Karla LaVey’s Black Xmas.
In addition, the band has recorded an original song which resonates with their audience when played live. More originals are planned.
Our collective experience has jumpstarted this band.
Chelsea Rose is the lead singer and songwriter for longtime SF punk stalwarts BITE and member of the infamous White Trash Debutantes, Ginger Coyote’s’ punk institution. Chelsea is an iconic San Francisco rock figure; her blistering versatile vocal, commanding attitude and electrifying stage presence is known to all.
Pauli Gray, guitar/back up vox is the founding member and primary songwriter of several bands including Candy from Strangers, the Lipstick Stains (aka Stains), and Shot in Dark. In addition to his popular solo singer/songwriter act, he is the longtime guitar player in White Trash Debutantes. His huge guitar sound is gritty and he is capable of the difficult feat of forging several guitar parts into his blistering rhythms and solos.
Carmela Thompson, bassist and backup vocalist is a veteran of many much-loved SF bands including Short Dogs Grow, Cameltoe, Hellfire Choir, and the Meat Sluts. Carmela is known for her groove, stage presence and devil-may-care attitude.
Musical prodigy Ian Larkin brings ferocious chops, thunder and groove to the drums. He is also known as an excellent bassist, guitarist and pianist and comes to us by way of the Screaming Bloody Marys, and the Nerv.
But it all comes back to chemistry and a reawakening of a revolution.
It is still music for the outcast and artist in every one of us.
Meet the Band
Singer Chelsea Rose possesses a superpower- a rich, blistering, evocative alto
voice. She broke onto the scene in 93’ with the White Trash Debutants, formed
Broken Doll in ‘95 and then forged the San Francisco powerhouse band Bite in ‘97.
Chelsea fronted the Plasmatics tribute band The Slapmatics in 2017, fiercely
stepping into Wendy O. Williams’ thigh high leather boots, with Carmela and Beth
from the Meats Sluts on bass and guitar. She continues her legacy with her
creation of Class of ’77 in 2022.
Pauli Gray is a celebrated, eclectic guitarist, songwriter and vocalist incorporating
old school punk, Americana and Celtic music into his unique style. Pauli has
toured the United States in bands including Candy from Strangers, the Lipstick
Stains, Shot in the Dark and the White Trash Debutants.
Pauli brings his creative spirit to Class of
’77, reworking guitar and piano solos to evoke the classic sound, while also
introducing original tunes that keep the band’s spirit fresh.
Carmela Thompson is the bass player known to have a spring in her step. A San
Francisco native, she founded OG punk band Short Dogs Grow, and went on to
become a member of Cameltoe, Hellfire Choir, Psychology of Genocide and the
Meat Sluts. A veteran of many tours, she brings her experience and expertise to
drive the high energy performances of Class of ’77.
Drummer Ian Larkin is a multi-instrumental musician and talented songwriter; a
prodigy who started studying piano at age 5 and playing recitals by age 11. He
moved to San Francisco in ’06 to continue his session career in piano, guitar, bass
and drums. He has toured and performed as bassist with Immortal Concept,
Heavy Lies The Crown, The Nerv, and Screaming Bloody Marys. Ian provides the
heavy backbeat that holds together the eclectic mix of 77’s song catalogue.