The punk world lost a true original this week. Bruce “Loose” Calderwood, longtime singer-bassist of the legendary San Francisco punk band Flipper, passed away at age 66. Known for their noisy, slowed-down, bass-heavy take on punk, Flipper inspired countless bands—from Nirvana to the Melvins—by being unapologetically themselves.
To honor Bruce and the band’s chaotic, beautiful legacy, here are 20 amazing facts about Flipper.
Flipper formed in San Francisco in 1979, part of the city’s raw underground punk scene.
They slowed punk down into a heavy, noisy sludge that confused some but inspired many.
Bruce “Loose” Calderwood replaced original singer Ricky Williams early on.
Bruce and Will Shatter both played bass onstage, trading vocals in chaotic harmony.
Their early single “Ha Ha Ha” became an underground classic of noisy punk.
The 1981 single “Sex Bomb” ran nearly eight minutes with one repeated line.
Their 1982 debut LP was cheekily titled Album – Generic Flipper.
Fans spray-painted “Flipper Rules” across walls around the world.
They appeared in the 1983 indie film Emerald Cities performing live songs.
The 1984 record Gone Fishin’ featured a cut-out model of Ted Falconi’s van.
Their 1984 live cassette Blow’n Chunks captured their wild CBGB performance.
The 1986 double live album Public Flipper Limited unfolded into a playable board game.
Bassist and co-vocalist Will Shatter died in 1987 but left a lasting legacy.
Kurt Cobain often wore a Flipper T-shirt, including on Saturday Night Live.
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic played with Flipper from 2006 to 2009.
R.E.M., the Melvins, and others covered Flipper songs like “Sex Bomb.”
Henry Rollins once described them as simply “heavier than anything.”
Bruce changed his stage name from “Lose” to “Loose” in the 2000s.
After Bruce stepped away in 2015, David Yow of the Jesus Lizard took over vocals.
Flipper’s distorted chaos continues to echo in punk, grunge, and noise rock.