Degenerates

Degenerates originated in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan in 1979 ^[1], during the formative years of the Detroit hardcore scene^[2]. The group predated the Process of Elimination EP^[3], which some reviwers view as the beginning of the Midwest hardcore scene^[4]. Members branched out to other bands^[5], including Dualtone Records recording artist Mike Mangione & the Union^[6], and the Kalamazoo based band Spite. Degenerates vocalist Scott Boman became a much noted libertarian politician.

This group was composed of: Scott Boman (Vocals & noise makers), John Butterfield (Bass & Vocals), Robin Corley (Guitar & vocals), Robert Vansile (Drums), as well as Guest Artists: Dana Wills (Drums) & John Collins (Stand-up Bass).^[7][8]

They did not release their work on CD until their self-titled release in 2006. Songs include: Pseudo Scientist, Armageddon , Let’s Start a War!, and Teenage Rockstar.^[8]

The Degenerates upright bass player, John Collins also recorded with Spanking Bozo their song “I Don't Understand You” was recorded on the Wanghead With Lips compilation It came from the Garage I (1986)^[9], and their song “Tell Me something” was recorded on the compilation Maniacs from the Motor City which was produced on the 44 Caliber Records label in 1989 (later distributed by Headline Records), and featured the band Inside Out.^[10][11] While with Spanking Bozo Collins also recorded their first complete CD, McFly on the 44 Caliber Records label (1993).^[12][13][14]

In 2004 Collins provided bass and vocals for the self-titled CD by the Pindrops^[15]. More recently, he was recorded on the CD “Tenebrae” by Mike Mangione^[16] and has been performing as a member of Mangione's group, “Mike Mangione & the Union,” which has recorded a self-titled work in 2010.^[17]

According to a bio on the Mike Mangione Page,

“When John was younger he wrote a substantial amount, and sang lead, of and on the material he was performing. Now, he gets even greater satisfaction from writing a part that augments and grounds the music of others.”^[18]

The Degenerates lead vocalist, Scott Boman, went on to attend Western Michigan University^[19], and sing with the Kalamazoo band Spite.^[20][21] Most recently, Boman has been involved in spoken word performances. In 2009 he was featured in Detroit's Annual Erotic Poetry and Music Festival. This "eclectic celebration of the erotic arts" is a charitable event for Paws with a Cause. Paws with a cause pairs shelter dogs with disabled human companions.^[22]

Member Robert VanSile is brother of Grosse Pointe notable Norman B. VanSile.

• Degenerates (2006)^[8]
• Armageddon (2008). A recently released Video of a performance recorded in 1981.^[23]

• It came from the Garage I (Spanking Bozo, 1986)^[9]
• Maniacs from the Motor City (Spanking Bozo, 1989)^[10]
• McFly (Spanking Bozo, 1993)^[13]
• Pindrops (Pindrops, 2004)^[15]
• The Emotion Not The Point (Spite, 2007)^[20]
• Tenebrae (Mike Mangione, 2007)^[16]
• Mike Mangione & the Union (Mike Mangione & the Union, 2010)^[17]

The 1979 group “Degenerates” is distinct from a more recent New York based group, “The Degenerates" that started in 2001.^[24] The New York group changed their name to Fairway.^[25][26]

• Homepage of Degenerates and Spite
• Informational page about "Degenerates"
• Degenerates information page
• Information about their CD
• The Official Mike Mangione Website