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John Joseph (singer)

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John Joseph
Born
John Joseph McGowan

(1962-10-03) October 3, 1962 (age 61)
New York
Occupation(s)singer, author
Known forCro-Mags

John Joseph McGowan (born October 3, 1962) is a musician, author, Ironman triathlete, and most famous for his work as the lead singer of the Cro-Mags. He is currently the vocalist of Bloodclot.[1]

Early life

McGowan was raised in foster care,[2] and grew up on the streets of New York City.

Career

McGowan joined the New York City hardcore punk band Cro-Mags as the lead singer in 1981 for six months until the band broke up, and again from 1984 until 1987, taking over on vocals from Eric Casanova. He sang on a demo and wrote lyrics on the band's first, third, and fourth albums (The Age of Quarrel, Alpha Omega, and Near Death Experience). He also sings lead on the Before the Quarrel CD, essentially a reissue of the demo.

Before, during, and after his time in the Cro-Mags, McGowan served as a roadie for Bad Brains, and he sang background vocals on Antidote's Thou Shalt Not Kill EP. He returned to the Cro-Mags briefly in the 1990s.

He also worked as a bicycle messenger in New York City from 1981 to 1991, and continues to cycle around the city today, often recording it for his social media.

McGowan has also sung for the bands Both Worlds and Bloodclot. His autobiography, The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon, published in 2007, details the major events in his life, including his extensive involvement with the hare krishnas, as well his experiences with the Cro-Mags.

Interviews with McGowan were featured in the 1999 documentary N.Y.H.C. as well as the 2006 documentary American Hardcore. He has also done some voice acting, playing the hippo in the cartoon Three Thug Mice.[3] Since 2010, McGowan started competing in Ironman competitions.[4]

Published works

McGowan authored the harrowing "Evolution of a Cro-Magnon" in 2007 which details his rough upbringing in an abusive foster home, early days on "The Deuce" in NYC and misadventures of the Cro-Mags. McGowan is also the author of the book Meat Is for Pussies, released in the early 2010 on vegan nutrition, training, and the healthy lifestyle. In 2018 he released a book titled The P.M.A. Effect on the idea of positive mental attitude made popular by the punk band Bad Brains.

Personal life

McGowan follows a plant-based diet. He was a vegan prior to becoming plant-based.[5] He lives a straight edge lifestyle, but does not identify with its subculture.[6][7]

McGowan was criticized in 2021 for his anti-vaccine stance on COVID-19 after he played a Bloodclot gig in April 2021 with no safety protocols in place against the spread of the virus. He said that the US vaccine program was "government overreach". He lashed out against Dave Grohl for scheduling shows in July 2021 intended only for audience members with proof of vaccination.[8]

References

  1. ^ Yablon, Elise (February 3, 2021). "John Joseph reforms Bloodclot with new members, releases new single". Metal Insider. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  2. ^ Rogan, Joe. "Joe Rogan Experience #1152 – John Joseph". PowerfulJRE on youtube. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  3. ^ Marcus, Steve (February 12, 2008), Three Thug Mice, retrieved September 25, 2016
  4. ^ "Triathlon: From frontman to Ironman". Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  5. ^ Paul, Aubin (October 1, 2009). "John Joseph (Cro-Mags) announces "Meat Is For Pussies"". Punknews.org. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  6. ^ Ditch (October 9, 2008). "Interview with John Joseph – vocalist of The Cro-Mags". www.bigwheelmagazine.com. Pomona, California. Retrieved April 5, 2017. [...] I don't put X's on my hands but I'm straight edge all the fucking way. [...] I accepted the positivity, but like I said I don't need to wear my shit like a badge. [...]
  7. ^ Conoley, Ben (August 11, 2008). "John Joseph (Cro-Mags)". Punknews.org. Retrieved April 5, 2017. Straight edge, this and that. [...] I'm just saying, be yourself, I don't need a crew, I never needed a crew [...]
  8. ^ Neilstein, Vince (July 19, 2021). "Dave Grohl vs. John Joseph, the Covid-19 Vaccine Battle". MetalSucks. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
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