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Geoff Kresge
Geoff Kresge
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Key Information

Geoff Kresge is a songwriter, guitarist, bassist, and record producer.[2][3][4][5][6]

Career

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Kresge [far right] in 1995.

Kresge played with the punk group AFI during their early career,[7] from 1992 through 1997, and co-wrote the majority of their early material alongside frontman Davey Havok. During an AFI hiatus in 1993, he briefly moved to New York to join street punk band Blanks 77.[8] He later went on to play with Canadian horror rock group The Forbidden Dimension and also a high-energy rock band, The Daggers.

Kresge joined psychobilly band Tiger Army in 1999 just as the band became a full-time touring band, hitting the road in support of their debut album[9] though he played an electric bass in his previous bands, the upright bass is used for Tiger Army's music. He appeared as standup bassist on the band's next two full-length albums, Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlite and Tiger Army III: Ghost Tigers Rise, and in each of the videos from those records. In September 2004 he announced his departure from Tiger Army. He co-founded the band Viva Hate with longtime friend Matt "Wedge" Wedgley (formerly of The Force) and joined the HorrorPops on guitar,[10] not long afterward. He co-wrote and played guitar on the band's second album, Bring It On!.

In July 2007, Kresge announced that he had left HorrorPops and disbanded Dead Body Records, stating that he wished to dedicate full attention to Viva Hate, which was followed by an American tour in support of Sick of it All and Madball.[citation needed]

Tiger Army's official website announced Kresge's return to the band in January 2008.[11]

In February 2014, Kresge announced he would be leaving Tiger Army for the second and final time via a statement on his Facebook page. He stated that "Tiger Army has been off the road since the end of 2008 and has not released an album since the year before. The fans all around the world have been hungry for new music and tour announcements for the past five years. I’ve finally accepted that if I want to remain a full-time musician, it’s time for me to move on."[12]

From 2018 to 2023, Kresge played bass for Californian hardcore punk band, Fear.

Discography

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With AFI

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With Blanks 77

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  • Shut Up And Pogo (1993, Self-Released)

With The Daggers

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  • She Told Me She Said 7-inch vinyl (1998, Sloth Records)
  • Right Between the Eyes (2002, Sloth Records)

With Tiger Army

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Compilation appearances

With HorrorPops

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With Viva Hate

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  • Hateful and Hollow Demo CD (2007, self-released)
  • Save Me 7-inch EP (2008, Black Cat Records)
  • Goodnight My Love (EP) 7-inch EP (2010, Black Cat Records)

Other

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  • Heckle - We're Not Laughing With You (Co-Producer, Backing Vocals) (Wingnut Records, 1996)
  • The Force - "I Don’t Like You Either" (Co-Writer on "Star Destroyer", Backing Vocals) (Spider Club Music, 1997)
  • NekromantixBrought Back to Life Again (Digital Editing) (2005)
  • 12 Step Rebels – Go Go Graveyard Rockin' with 12 Step Rebels (Featured as producer) (2005) Dead Body Records
  • Graveyard Shift – Rest Without Peace (Featured as producer) (2005) Dead Body Records
  • Mr. Cliff Greenwood – Musical Heritage (Digital Editing) (2006) Dead Body Records

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Geoff Kresge (born Geoff Tilander) is an American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer, renowned for his contributions to the punk and psychobilly genres as a bassist, upright bassist, and guitarist in several influential bands, including AFI, Tiger Army, and the HorrorPops. Kresge co-founded the punk band AFI in 1991 and served as its primary bassist and songwriter from 1992 to 1997, contributing to early releases such as the Dork EP, Behind the Times, Fly in the Ointment, and the full-length album Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995), which he helped record in just ten days at Art of Ears studio in Hayward, California. He also played bass for Blanks 77 from 1993 to 1994 and briefly for Loose Change in 1992, establishing his roots in the East Bay punk scene. After departing AFI, Kresge joined as upright bassist from 1999 to 2004, contributing to albums like III: Ghost Tigers Rise (2004), before rejoining the band from 2007 to 2014 for releases including Music from Regions Beyond (2012). In 2004, he became the guitarist and a key songwriter for the band the , appearing on their debut album Love in the Time of Scurvy (2004) and touring extensively until 2007. Throughout his career, Kresge has been involved in other projects, including bass duties with (2005–2013) and work with the punk band from 2018 to 2024. He founded the independent record label Key Lime Pie Records, through which he originally released early AFI material and later reissued it independently, sparking public disputes with his former bandmates in 2017, and co-founded the label Dead Body Records in the early to produce records for other artists. More recently, Kresge has transitioned into tattoo artistry, working at Secret Kingdom Tattoo in , while maintaining an active presence in the music community via .

Early Career

AFI

Geoff Kresge co-founded AFI alongside drummer in late 1991 in , initially serving as the band's bassist after replacing original member Vic Chalker in the summer of 1992. The group, which also featured vocalist and guitarist Mark Stopholese, quickly immersed itself in the local scene. Kresge's early involvement helped solidify AFI's raw, aggressive sound rooted in influences from the Bay Area. In 1992, Kresge briefly played bass for , contributing to the 1993 split EP Dork with AFI. As AFI's primary bassist, Kresge contributed significantly to the band's debut full-length albums, Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995) and (1996), both released on . He co-wrote lyrics for several tracks on Answer That and Stay Fashionable, including "Half Empty Bottle," "Your Name Here," "The Mother in Me," "Don't Make Me Ill," and "High School Football Hero," shaping the album's themes of youthful rebellion and interpersonal tension. On , Kresge co-wrote and facilitated re-recordings of earlier songs like "Yurf Rendenmein" and "Two of a Kind" to fulfill the label's contract requirements, ensuring the band's evolving songcraft maintained its punk edge. Key milestones during Kresge's tenure included the recording of the live EP Eddie Picnic's All Wet in 1994, capturing AFI's energetic performances at venues like The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. The band gained traction through frequent live shows in the Bay Area punk scene, often donning Reservoir Dogs-inspired suits that became a signature visual element, as documented in photographs by Steve Z. However, internal band dynamics strained relationships, culminating in Kresge's departure in 1997 following the tours supporting . This move marked the end of his foundational role in AFI's early punk phase.

Blanks 77

During an AFI hiatus in 1993, Geoff Kresge briefly joined the New York-based band Blanks 77 as bassist, replacing Brendan for a six-month tenure involving intense East Coast tours. Kresge participated in their high-energy live shows that emphasized fast-paced, anthemic performances. His tenure was defined by relentless touring, adapting to Blanks 77's Oi!/street punk style—rooted in raw aggression and working-class themes—which marked a stylistic shift from AFI's West Coast hardcore influences. Kresge departed in 1994 amid ongoing band lineup changes, returning to the West Coast to rejoin AFI.

Mid-Career Projects

Tiger Army

Geoff Kresge joined Tiger Army in 1999 as the band's upright bassist, shortly after the release of their self-titled debut album earlier that year. His collaboration with vocalist and guitarist Nick 13 played a key role in refining the band's psychobilly sound, merging punk rock intensity with rockabilly rhythms and upright bass-driven energy. Kresge contributed to two pivotal albums during his initial tenure: II: Power of Moonlite (2001), where he provided stand-up bass and backing vocals, and III: Ghost Tigers Rise (2004), on which he also handled mixing duties alongside his instrumental and vocal work. These releases solidified Tiger Army's position in the scene, with Kresge's slap bass lines adding a distinctive, propulsive foundation to tracks blending gothic themes and high-energy performances. In late 2004, however, Kresge departed the band for personal reasons, shifting focus to other projects. Despite his exit, Kresge maintained ties with the group, providing additional backing vocals on their 2007 album Music from Regions Beyond. He rejoined full-time in early 2008, reuniting with and drummer James Meza for an extensive touring schedule that included dates across the , , , , and . These tours, culminating in the multi-night Octoberflame festival in , showcased Kresge's mastery of slap bass techniques, emphasizing the upright bass's rhythmic drive in live settings. Kresge's second stint with lasted until February 2014, when he announced his departure amid the band's touring hiatus since 2008 and lack of new material. His work with 's psychobilly foundation later informed his guitar contributions to the rockabilly-infused sound of .

Geoff Kresge joined the as rhythm guitarist in late 2004, replacing Karsten Johansen and bringing his experience from to the Danish band's evolving punk-ska- sound. The band, originally formed in in 1996 by vocalist and guitarist , had relocated its base to the by the early 2000s, influencing a shift toward broader international touring and a fusion of high-octane punk energy with twang and rhythms. Kresge's integration marked a period of heightened creativity, as he collaborated closely with Day on songwriting and performance. Kresge's key contributions included co-writing and delivering sharp guitar riffs on the band's second album, Bring It On! (2005, ), which captured the group's dynamic blend of genres through tracks like "Got to Get Away," where his rhythmic interplay supported Day's driving bass lines and Nekroman's leads. His prior upright bass work with aided in bolstering the band's , adding a pulse to songs that balanced aggressive punk verses with skanking choruses. The album's production, overseen by , highlighted Kresge's role in elevating the band's live-oriented sound, with his guitar work providing the gritty edge that defined their high-energy sets. During his tenure from late 2004 to July 2007, Kresge participated in extensive European and U.S. tours, including slots on the 2005 Vans Warped Tour and packages with acts like the Daggers, blending punk ferocity with flair in performances featuring go-go dancers Kamilla Vanilla and Naomi for added theatricality. These tours, spanning , , Australia, and Asia, showcased the band's relocation-inspired evolution from Danish underground roots to a global psychobilly-punk presence, with Kresge's contributions helping maintain their reputation for electrifying, danceable live shows. In July 2007, Kresge departed the alongside Vanilla and Naomi to focus on other projects, including reuniting with , leaving the band to revert to a core trio format.

Later Work and Collaborations

Viva Hate and The Daggers

Following his departure from in mid-2004, Geoff Kresge formed the garage punk band as a creative outlet during a transitional period in his career. Kresge served as the band's bassist and primary songwriter from 2005 to 2013, contributing to their raw, high-energy sound rooted in punk traditions. The group remained active through the mid-2000s, releasing limited material including the Hateful and Hollow demo CD (2007, self-released) featuring Kresge on bass alongside vocalist Matt Wedgley, guitarist Eric Razo, and drummer Greg Utter. Viva Hate's output was modest, with additional releases such as the Save Me 7-inch EP in 2008 and the Goodnight My Love EP in 2010, both on Black Cat Records, emphasizing short, aggressive tracks that echoed Kresge's earlier punk experiences. The band toured sporadically, including a U.S. run promoting their vinyl EPs alongside hardcore acts like , allowing Kresge to explore electric and upright bass roles amid his evolving projects. Around the same time, Kresge maintained ties to The Daggers, a short-lived band from , , where he played bass and provided vocals during their core active years from approximately 1998 to 2000. The group, influenced by late-1970s punk, saw renewed brief activity in 2004–2005, including a Canadian tour slot supporting from late April to early May 2005, connecting Kresge back to the broader punk scene. These efforts marked interim punk explorations post-Tiger Army.

Other Bands and Productions

In addition to his primary band affiliations, Geoff Kresge has made notable guest appearances in the punk scene, including serving as bassist for the band from 2018 to present. During this period, he contributed to live performances, such as the band's show at in Santa Cruz on March 4, 2023, alongside vocalist , guitarist Eric Razo, and drummer . Kresge also played bass on tracks for 's 2023 EP Nice Boys, released on Atom Age Industries and FEAR Records. This stint with marked a return to his roots, with the band performing classic material and new recordings during his tenure. Kresge has also taken on production roles for various punk acts, particularly in the psychobilly genre. He produced the 12 Step Rebels' album Go Go Graveyard Rockin' with 12 Step Rebels, released in 2004 on Dead Body Wreckerds, handling the recording and overall sound for the psychobilly trio's sophomore effort. This project showcased his expertise in capturing the raw, energetic style of the LA punk underground, drawing from his experience in similar scenes. In recent years, Kresge has remained active in reflecting on his career through interviews and contributions to the punk community. In a July 4, 2025, interview with Dying Scene, he discussed the 30th anniversary of AFI's debut album Answer That and Stay Fashionable, sharing insights into his early songwriting process and the album's raw production, which he helped remix for its reissue. In February 2025, released a limited edition self-titled LP on Skeletunes Records, featuring 10 songs from their catalog. As of 2025, Kresge continues to engage with the punk scene, focusing on selective projects that align with his foundational influences in hardcore and psychobilly.

Musical Style and Legacy

Influences and Techniques

Geoff Kresge's musical influences stem from the Bay Area punk scene, particularly the hardcore community, where he encountered bands such as the Germs, GBH, DOA, and during his formative years. His early exposure included high school jam sessions that introduced him to , alongside the local scene's energy at venues like and the impact of Green Day's breakthrough with . Kresge developed his skills in the Ukiah DIY punk environment, where he and his peers formed bands without formal training, learning instruments like bass from scratch to capture the raw spirit of the genre. Later influences drew from , a European-originated fusion of punk and , which shaped his contributions to projects emphasizing open-minded subcultural sounds. In terms of techniques, Kresge excelled at slap bass on the upright bass in contexts, delivering percussive slaps against the strings to propel fast-paced rhythms with swinging energy. His bass work in settings featured aggressive, distortion-heavy lines that supported rapid tempos, while his songwriting emphasized melodic hooks and collaborative lyricism rooted in youthful themes. Transitioning to guitar in rockabilly-punk ensembles, Kresge applied adept riffing to enhance dynamic, band-driven arrangements, adapting his punk foundation to more versatile roles.

Impact on Punk and Psychobilly

Geoff Kresge played a pivotal role in shaping the early sound of AFI, contributing bass lines, lyrics, and production elements to albums like Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995), which blended fast-paced with playful energy drawn from influences such as D.O.A., GBH, and . This raw DIY ethos helped establish AFI as a cornerstone of East Bay hardcore, influencing subsequent and punk acts through its emphasis on youthful aggression and melodic hooks. Kresge's involvement extended to remixing the album for re-release on the indie label , preserving its foundational impact on the genre's evolution. In the psychobilly scene, Kresge's work with Tiger Army advanced the revival of the genre by integrating punk's intensity with rockabilly roots, particularly through his driving upright bass performances on albums like Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlite (2001) and Tiger Army III: Ghost Tigers Rise (2004). As the band's rhythmic anchor, Kresge's slap bass technique—self-taught and adapted from electric bass—propelled the trio's international tours and live energy, helping Tiger Army draw diverse audiences of punks, greasers, and hardcore fans while countering the genre's mid-2000s decline. His 2008 return to the band restored the classic lineup after a three-year hiatus, providing continuity and enabling tours across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe that solidified Tiger Army's status in the psychobilly revival. Kresge's adoption of the upright bass helped popularize the instrument in modern punk and , where it serves as the primary rhythmic force, often outpacing drums in percussive slap style. He mentored musicians like Rancid's on the technique, extending its use beyond traditional into broader punk circuits and indie productions. In , Kresge's guitar work facilitated cross-genre fusions of punk, , surf, and , creating a versatile rock sound that distanced itself from strict while inspiring hybrid acts in the punk underground. Reflecting in on AFI's 30-year milestone, Kresge highlighted 's enduring fanbase, attributing its loyalty to the authentic charm of their early punk output, which continues to resonate with new generations despite AFI's stylistic shifts.

Discography

With AFI

Geoff Kresge served as the bassist for AFI from 1992 to 1997, contributing to their early releases with prominent bass lines and significant songwriting involvement, particularly in composing music for numerous tracks. His tenure with encompassed their debut full-length album and subsequent efforts, where he co-wrote lyrics and music on multiple songs alongside vocalist , while also handling backing vocals and occasional production duties. Kresge's bass work emphasized the raw, energetic sound of the era, often driving the rhythm section in collaboration with drummer . On the 1995 debut album Answer That and Stay Fashionable, released via Wingnut Records, Kresge performed bass and backing vocals across all 15 tracks, composed music for all tracks, and wrote for five tracks including "Half-Empty Bottle," "Your Name Here," "The Mother in Me," "Don’t Make Me Ill," and "High School Football Hero." The album's production involved Kresge in a co-producer role for select tracks like "Half-Empty Bottle." Kresge's contributions continued on the 1996 follow-up , issued by , where he again handled bass and backing vocals on all 20 tracks, composed music for all tracks, and co-wrote lyrics on several songs with Havok, such as "File 13," "Wake-Up Call," and "This Secret Ninja." He also created the album's distinctive cover illustration and contributed to layout design. Examples of his songwriting include "Theory of Revolution" and "Aspirin Free," showcasing his role in shaping the band's melodic hardcore elements. Kresge had left the band prior to recording the 1997 album Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes and did not contribute to it. Earlier, Kresge contributed bass to the 1994 EP Eddie Picnic's All Wet, AFI's third release on Tater Tot Records, performing on all four tracks including the title song and "Theory of Revolution" (a precursor to its full-length version). This EP highlighted his foundational role in the band's during their formative hardcore phase.

With Tiger Army

Geoff Kresge joined in late 1999 as their upright bassist, initially supporting live performances for the band's self-titled debut album, though recording credits for that release went to predecessor Joel Day. His first full recording contribution came on the follow-up album Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlite (2001), where he performed across all tracks. Kresge's role expanded on the 2002 Early Years EP, providing backing vocals on track 6 ("Power of Moonlite"). He continued as the band's core and on Tiger Army III: Ghost Tigers Rise (2004), also co-mixing several tracks alongside engineer Andrew Alekel. After departing the band in September 2004 for personal reasons, Kresge contributed additional to Music from Regions Beyond (2007), including on the lead single "Forever Fades Away." Kresge rejoined Tiger Army in early 2008, performing upright bass on extensive tours across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan through 2014, while also participating in reissues of earlier catalog material.
ReleaseYearRoles
Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlite2001Double bass
Early Years EP2002Backing vocals (track 6)
Tiger Army III: Ghost Tigers Rise2004Double bass, backing vocals, mixing
Music from Regions Beyond2007Additional backing vocals

With HorrorPops

Geoff Kresge joined the HorrorPops as rhythm guitarist in November 2004, replacing Karsten Johansen following the band's debut album Hell Yeah!. His primary contributions came on the band's second studio album, Bring It On!, released in September 2005 on Hellcat Records. Kresge is credited as guitarist on all 13 tracks, providing rhythm guitar alongside lead guitarist Kim Nekroman. The album, produced by Brett Gurewitz and recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, blended psychobilly with punk elements, showcasing Kresge's shift from upright bass in prior projects to electric guitar. In addition to his performance role, Kresge co-wrote the opening track "Freaks in Uniforms" with vocalist and bassist and guitarist Dan Gaarder. This song exemplifies the band's thematic focus on horror-tinged rebellion, with Kresge's input helping shape its energetic, riff-driven structure. Other notable tracks like "Walk Like a " and "Hit 'N' Run" highlight his guitar work, though specific arrangements are not individually attributed beyond the collective band credits. Kresge departed the band in 2007 to rejoin but contributed partial songwriting to early stages of the ' third album, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill, released in 2008. His overall tenure marked a mid-career pivot toward psychobilly's guitar-driven sound, influencing the band's evolution during a period of increased U.S. touring and label support.

Other Releases

Kresge served as bassist for the band Blanks 77 during a brief stint from 1993 to 1994, playing live before rejoining AFI. He later played bass and provided vocals for The Daggers from 1998 to 2000, appearing on their self-titled EP where he handled both bass and guitar duties. In 2004, Kresge produced demos for The Daggers, marking an early production credit in his career. As a key member of from 2005 to 2013, Kresge co-wrote songs and played bass on their Hateful and Hollow demo CD EP released in 2007. He expanded his production work in the 2000s, helming the album Go Go Graveyard Rockin' for psychobilly outfit 12 Step Rebels in 2004 on Dead Body Wreckerds Records. This collaboration highlighted his influence in the psychobilly scene, with the record featuring tracks like "Hunt of the Unnamed" and "Skinwalkers." From 2017 to 2024, Kresge performed on bass for the band , contributing to live recordings such as the 2023 triple LP Live...For The Record, which captured performances from their tours and included his layout design work. He also appeared on their 2023 single "For Right and Order," playing bass alongside vocalist and drummer . Although no major new releases tied to Kresge emerged in 2025, he participated in interviews commemorating the 30th anniversary of AFI's Answer That and Stay Fashionable, reflecting on his foundational contributions to the band's early sound. Kresge's miscellaneous contributions include occasional guest spots, such as layout and production assistance on various punk projects, though specific ties to groups like the Transplants remain unverified in primary discographies.

References

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