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The Nails
The Nails
The Nails
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The Nails were originally a five-piece new wave band that formed in Boulder, Colorado in 1976.[1] In Colorado, they were originally named The Ravers. The band members were Marc Campbell (lead vocals, guitar), Dave Kaufman (keyboards), Al Leis (drums), Artie Freeman (lead guitar), and Jon Cormany (bass). The band's roadie, Eric Boucher, went on to be known as Jello Biafra, lead singer of the Dead Kennedys.

History

[edit]

In 1977, the Ravers recorded an EP in Boulder with Screwball Records. The Ravers moved to New York in June 1977 and played the showcase clubs CBGB and Max's Kansas City. Shortly after arriving in NY, The Ravers changed their name to The Nails (there was a local band named Raver). A 45 with the band's original lineup was recorded in New York City in 1978. By mid-1978, Leis (now deceased), Cormany, and Freeman (now a medical school professor) had left the band.

By the late 1970s, The Nails had established themselves on the club circuit and were now composed of Campbell and Dave Kaufman, along with bassist George Kaufman (Dave's brother),[2] saxophonist Douglas Guthrie, and drummer Tommy Cotogna. Hotel for Women, an EP recorded in 1981, contained an early version of "88 Lines About 44 Women", a song that caught the attention of RCA. The Nails were signed to RCA by Bruce Harris, also known for bringing The Clash to America. In 1984, the group, with new guitarist Steve O'Rourke in tow, re-recorded "88 Lines About 44 Women" for RCA, who included it on The Nails' full-length debut LP, Mood Swing. The re-recorded version did not feature a live drummer, as Cotogna had left the band at this point (drummer Dennis McDermott performed on the remaining tracks on Mood Swing).[3] The song received regular airplay despite a number of double entendres and lyrical references to masturbation and sadomasochism.[4]

Two years later, with new drummer Mike Ratti firmly established in the band, they released Dangerous Dreams, also on RCA. Both Mood Swing and Dangerous Dreams made the Billboard top 200 album chart and were critically acclaimed. However, following the release of Dangerous Dreams, The Nails left RCA, who consequently did not release either LP on compact disc. "88 Lines About 44 Women" continued to appear on compilations 20 years after its release and was featured in a Mazda television commercial that aired in the late 1990s.[5]

In 1988, the band reconvened (without Guthrie and Dave Kaufman) to record a third album, Corpus Christi, which was not released until 1993 and received little exposure. The Nails deny ever receiving any proceeds from this album, citing a rift with their former producer, claiming that he swindled them out of their rights. They posted re-recordings of these songs on the late George Kaufman's site, along with the explanation of the dispute. They strongly discourage fans from purchasing the album, as they will never be compensated.[6]

In 2007, the band licensed Mood Swing and Dangerous Dreams from RCA parent company Sony-BMG Entertainment and released these albums on compact disc for the first time.

In March 2009, bassist George Kaufman died of complications following heart surgery.[2] He is survived by his wife, Sharla, and his children, Isabel and Michael Kaufman.

Lead vocalist and lyricist Marc Campbell died of a heart attack at his home in Austin, Texas, on December 21, 2024, at the age of 73.[7][8]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Mood Swing - 1984
  • Dangerous Dreams - 1986
  • Corpus Christi - 1993

Singles & EPs

[edit]
  • "Cops Are Punks / Big Star / Another Lesson" - 1977
  • "Back Street Boys / Rock & Roll Show" - 1978
  • "Young and Wild / Transcontinental Ska" - 1980
  • Hotel for Women - 1981
  • "88 Lines About 44 Women" - 1984
  • "Let It All Hang Out" - 1985
  • "Things You Left Behind" - 1986

CD/MP3 reissues

[edit]
  • Mood Swing (remastered with bonus tracks) - 2007
  • Dangerous Dreams (remastered with bonus tracks) - 2007
  • Hotel for Women (remastered with bonus tracks) - 2009

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Nails

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nails are four historic brass pillars, known as "nails," located on Corn Street in Bristol, , outside the Corn Exchange. These flat-topped pedestals, dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, were used by merchants to seal business deals by placing cash directly upon them for immediate payment, thereby originating the idiom "cash on the nail" or "pay on the nail." Originally situated in the Tolzey Walk near All Saints' Church during Bristol's prosperous era as a major port city, the Nails served as public tables for transactions, with raised edges to secure coins and prevent disputes. The oldest pillar is undated but from the late Elizabethan period, while the second was donated by Robert Kitchen, who died in 1594; the remaining two bear inscriptions from 1625 and 1631, including one linked to merchant and former John Barker. In the , following the construction of the around 1743 by architect , the Nails were relocated to their current position on the pavement, where they remain as symbols of Bristol's mercantile heritage and a popular . Today, they are protected as part of the city's historic , underscoring the role of in shaping Bristol's economic and from the Elizabethan age through the Georgian period.

History

Formation and early years as The Ravers

The Ravers formed in early 1976 in , when student Dave Kaufman placed a classified advertisement seeking musicians to assemble a reggae band. The group's original lineup consisted of Marc Campbell on lead vocals and guitar, Kaufman on keyboards, Al Leis on drums, Artie Freeman on lead guitar, and Jon Cormany on bass. Drawing from , , and mid-1960s rock influences, the band soon incorporated emerging punk elements, evolving into a five-piece new wave and punk outfit that helped pioneer Colorado's scene. As one of the state's earliest punk bands, The Ravers developed a dedicated local following through performances in Boulder's and Denver's nascent punk and new wave circuit. They frequently opened for national touring acts, including The Ramones and , at venues such as in during 1976 and early 1977, where their energetic sets with a $2 left a mark on the regional rock landscape. The band's roadie at the time was Eric Boucher, a student who would later become known as of the Dead Kennedys after witnessing punk shows like The Ramones' debut. These gigs positioned The Ravers as influencers on subsequent punk acts, fostering a vibrant but small-scale underground community centered around DIY ethos and raw energy. In spring 1977, The Ravers entered Mountain Ears Studio in to record a nine-song demo on a four-track setup, three tracks from which formed their debut release. Titled Cops Are Punks / Big Star / Another Lesson and issued on the independent Records later that year, the EP represented Colorado's first punk recording effort and showcased the band's sharp, satirical songwriting amid the local scene's limited resources. This self-produced project captured their transition from reggae aspirations to punk urgency, with limited copies circulating primarily within the Boulder-Denver area before broader exposure.

Relocation to New York and name change

In 1977, The Ravers relocated from , to , drawn by the explosive energy of the punk and scenes thriving there. The move, occurring around May or June, marked a pivotal shift as the band sought greater exposure amid the city's influential club circuit. Shortly after arriving, they rechristened themselves The Nails to distinguish their identity in the competitive local landscape. The Nails wasted no time integrating into New York's underground music ecosystem, securing early gigs at iconic venues such as and , where they shared stages with emerging acts and honed their raw, energetic sound. These performances immersed the band in the milieu, exposing them to diverse influences and fostering connections within a community that included figures like , who had roadied for them back in . The transition to NYC's fast-paced scene tested their resilience, as they navigated the challenges of establishing a foothold in a hub teeming with talent. As they adapted to their new environment, The Nails underwent initial lineup adjustments to solidify their , notably adding George Kaufman on bass, whose contributions brought a tighter groove to their performances. This change helped stabilize the group alongside core members Marc Campbell on vocals and guitar, and Dave Kaufman on keyboards. The evolving configuration reflected the band's determination to evolve amid the demands of frequent club appearances. Their first independent release, the 1977 three-song single "Cops Are Punks / / Another Lesson" on Screwball Records, captured this transitional spirit; originally issued under The Ravers moniker, it was soon reissued as The Nails, signaling their fresh start in New York. Tracks like the titular "Cops Are Punks" showcased their punk-infused edge with undertones, earning attention within indie circles and laying groundwork for future endeavors.

Major label debut and peak period

In 1984, The Nails signed with through A&R executive Bruce Harris, who had previously introduced to the American market, marking the band's transition from independent releases to major-label support. This deal came after years of building a following in New York City's underground scene, where the band had honed a distinctive new wave sound blending punk energy with atmospheric elements. The band's major-label debut, , arrived later that year, produced with a focus on capturing their evolving style through sessions at in New York. A standout track was the re-recorded "88 Lines About 44 Women," originally from their 1981 EP Hotel for Women; the song's witty, spoken-word verses over a synth-driven beat earned it significant radio play and a peak position of number 46 on the Billboard chart, providing the band with their first notable commercial breakthrough. The album itself charted modestly on the , reflecting the band's growing but niche appeal in the mid-1980s new wave landscape. Building on this momentum, The Nails released their follow-up album, Dangerous Dreams, in , which expanded their sonic palette with more layered arrangements and thematic depth in lyrics exploring darker emotional territories. Douglas Guthrie's contributions added a jazzy, atmospheric texture to tracks like "Voices" and "Darkness Grows Uncivilized," complementing Marc Campbell's poetic songwriting and the band's rhythmic foundation. The album received critical praise for its maturity but faced some pushback for its grim undertones, challenging the band to reconcile their rock-poet sensibilities with broader commercial viability. During this peak era, the lineup underwent shifts that influenced their creative evolution; joined as guitarist around 1982, solidifying the core sound by the time of , while original drummer Tommy Cotogna departed prior to the album's recording, with Mike Ratti taking over percussion duties by 1985. These changes, amid the pressures of label expectations, tested the band's cohesion but ultimately contributed to a more refined collaborative dynamic evident in Dangerous Dreams.

Later albums and disbandment

In 1988, The Nails reconvened without saxophonist Douglas Guthrie and keyboardist Dave Kaufman to record their third album, Corpus Christi, at 151 Studios in New York City, with mixing completed at Recordamatt in Babylon, Long Island. The album was eventually released in 1993 on the independent Safe House Records label, but the band faced significant disputes over rights, as a former record company partner appropriated the masters, distributed the record, and retained all profits without compensating the members. Vocalist Marc Campbell and guitarist Steve O'Rourke publicly disavowed the release due to these issues and the defective original mastering, leading the band to provide free remastered MP3 versions online while discouraging fans from purchasing the commercial edition. The Corpus Christi lineup featured Campbell on lead vocals and guitar, O'Rourke on guitar, bassist George Kaufman, and drummer Mike Ratti, with additional contributions from Drew Perkins on fiddle and mandolin for one track. During this period, the band's live performances relied on a core touring lineup that included Mike Ratti and Dennis McDermott alternating on drums, alongside Campbell, O'Rourke, and Kaufman, reflecting ongoing lineup fluidity amid reduced activity. By the mid-1990s, The Nails effectively disbanded, hampered by persistent creative differences among members and unresolved label conflicts that eroded momentum following the troubled Corpus Christi rollout. The band's dissolution marked the end of their recording and touring era, though its impact lingered through reissues and compilations. In March 2009, bassist George Kaufman died at age 58 from complications following heart surgery, a loss that further distanced any prospects of reunion. On December 21, 2024, lead vocalist and guitarist Marc Campbell passed away at his home in , at age 73 from undisclosed causes, closing a definitive chapter for the group.

Band members

Core and original members

The Nails were founded in 1976 in , initially under the name The Ravers, with an original lineup comprising Marc Campbell on lead vocals and guitar, Dave Kaufman on keyboards, Al Leis on drums, Artie Freeman on lead guitar, and Jon Cormany on bass. This quintet laid the groundwork for the band's punk-infused new wave style, recording an early EP in 1977 before relocating to . Following the move, Cormany departed, and George Kaufman—Dave's brother—joined on bass in 1977, solidifying the core membership that propelled the band through its major label releases and peak years in the . Marc Campbell, the band's charismatic frontman, handled lead vocals and guitar from 1976 until the group's dissolution in the 1990s, serving as the primary songwriter responsible for iconic tracks like "" and shaping the band's lyrical wit and narrative flair. His contributions extended to co-writing several key songs, including "Home of the Brave," which underscored the band's evolution from raw punk energy to polished new wave. Campbell passed away from a heart attack at his home in , on December 21, 2024, at the age of 73. Dave Kaufman provided keyboards from the band's inception in 1976 through the 1980s, infusing their sound with atmospheric and rhythmic layers that bridged punk aggression and synth-driven new wave. As a co-writer on hits such as "" and "Home of the Brave," he played a pivotal role in the band's studio productions, including the 1984 album . Kaufman is the older brother of bassist George Kaufman, with whom he collaborated closely during the band's formative and peak periods. George Kaufman took over bass duties in 1977, remaining with the band through the and contributing to its tight, driving rhythm section on albums like Dangerous Dreams (1986). His tenure helped stabilize the lineup during the transition to major label success, and he also worked as an on some recordings. Born in 1950, Kaufman died on March 8, 2009, at age 58, following complications from heart surgery. The original rhythm section included Al Leis on from 1976 to 1977, whose energetic style defined the band's early live performances and EP recordings in . Artie Freeman played lead guitar during the same initial period (1976-1977), adding sharp riffs that captured the raw punk edge of The Ravers era. Jon Cormany served as the first bassist from 1976 to 1977, providing foundational grooves before the lineup shift in New York. These early members were instrumental in the band's grassroots formation but departed shortly after the relocation. Later additions, such as new drummers and guitarists, joined in the early 1980s to support the core trio's vision.

Lineup changes and additional contributors

Throughout the 1980s, The Nails experienced several lineup shifts, particularly on drums and guitar, while incorporating temporary contributors to refine their evolving new wave sound. Original drummer Al Leis departed early on, leading to Tommy Cotogna joining as drummer in the early 1980s; he contributed to key recordings, including stereo drum parts captured in 1981, and appeared in band photos from 1982 alongside core members. Cotogna died in the 1990s. By 1984, guitarist Steve O'Rourke had joined the group, bringing a jagged edge to their sound on the album Mood Swing, where he handled lead guitar duties amid the transition from punk roots. Saxophonist Douglas Guthrie was added around 1981, providing atmospheric textures that accentuated the band's new wave leanings; his work featured prominently on tracks like an early version of "" from the 1981 EP Hotel for Women and continued through live performances in 1986, blending seamlessly with keyboards and guitars for a more layered aesthetic. Drummer changes persisted into the mid-1980s, with Cotogna leaving before , where session drummer Dennis McDermott performed on multiple tracks, including electronic drum enhancements, and later supported late-period tours as a replacement for earlier percussionists. Mike Ratti solidified the drum role starting in 1985, delivering versatile percussion across the band's RCA era, notably on the 1986 album Dangerous Dreams—where his work underpinned the moody, Doors-influenced tracks—and the delayed 1993 release Corpus Christi, recorded in 1988, amid production challenges at the band's home studio. Brief contributors enriched specific projects, such as Connie Garcia providing backing vocals on Mood Swing to add vocal depth. Similarly, David Kaufman, best known for his longstanding keyboard role, engaged in early experimental solo recordings tied to the band's nascent songwriting phase post-relocation to New York in 1977, experimenting with backward tape effects and multi-tracked elements. These additions and rotations helped maintain the core duo of Marc Campbell and George Kaufman's stability while adapting to major-label demands.

Musical style and influences

Genre evolution from punk to new wave

The band's origins as The Ravers in , from 1976 to 1977, captured the raw energy of early through simple guitar riffs, fast tempos, and high-volume performances that positioned them as Colorado's punk forefathers. Following their relocation to in the late and subsequent name change to The Nails, the group evolved by integrating keyboards and synthesizers into their sound, marking a transition to the more angular and eclectic aesthetics of new wave while retaining punk's DIY ethos. This shift became evident in their major-label debut era with , particularly on the 1984 album Mood Swing, where polished production techniques—courtesy of studios like Electric Lady—emphasized pop hooks, theatrical vocals, and sardonic new wave elements, blending minimal with rock structures for broader appeal. By their 1986 follow-up Dangerous Dreams, The Nails further experimented within new wave boundaries, incorporating saxophone contributions from Douglas Guthrie and atmospheric textures influenced by moroseness, creating a more cinematic and layered sonic palette.

Key influences and songwriting approach

The Nails drew significant inspiration from the New York punk and new wave milieu of the late 1970s and early 1980s, where they immersed themselves after relocating from . Frontman Marc Campbell, frequently described as a visual and stylistic look-alike to , incorporated elements of her poetic intensity and performative flair into the band's aesthetic, blending raw emotional delivery with artistic expression. This influence aligned with broader nods to American poetic rock traditions from artists like , , and , emphasizing narrative depth and atmospheric mood-building. Concurrently, the band's sound reflected the angular, rhythmic complexity of new wave acts such as , whose innovative structures informed The Nails' shift toward intricate arrangements, while the high-energy minimalism of early punk progenitors like the fueled their foundational drive and DIY ethos during their Ravers phase and beyond. Central to The Nails' songwriting was Marc Campbell's stream-of-consciousness approach, which produced lyrics that flowed organically in trance-like sessions, often capturing personal anecdotes in a hypnotic, narrative form. A prime example is "" (1984), structured as a list-style chronicle of romantic encounters—88 couplets depicting 44 archetypal figures—emerging spontaneously over a simple keyboard riff in just two hours using a typewriter for drafting. This method echoed literary influences like Joe Brainard's I Remember and Jim Carroll's confessional style in "People Who Died," prioritizing evocative, rhythmic over conventional schemes to create mantric effects. Campbell viewed songs as "little fictions," cinematic vignettes that evoked specific moods through texture and language, drawing from Leonard Cohen's reflective lyricism to infuse personal memory with universal resonance. Collaboration played a pivotal role in their compositional process, particularly the dynamic interplay between keyboardist Dave Kaufman's atmospheric synth layers and Campbell's rhythmic guitar work, which formed the core of their textured soundscapes. This partnership, honed since their Ravers days in , allowed for experimental blending of punk urgency with new wave electronics, as seen in tracks where Kaufman's keys provided angular counterpoints to Campbell's driving riffs. Thematically, their work centered on urban alienation amid 1980s New York life, fractured relationships, and sharp social —often portraying city dwellers as isolated yet resilient figures navigating love, loss, and cultural excess, as in the wry relational catalog of "." These elements underscored a satirical lens on modern existence, critiquing superficiality while celebrating human connection's chaotic vitality.

Discography

Studio albums

The Nails released their debut studio album, Mood Swing, in 1984 through . The album consists of 10 tracks and was produced by Gregg Winter, with recording taking place primarily at in . Notable tracks include the re-recorded single "," a favorite that highlighted the band's witty and new wave sensibilities, alongside "Every Time I Touch You" and "Home of the Brave," which showcased their blend of punk energy and pop hooks. The band's second album, Dangerous Dreams, arrived in 1986, also on , featuring 10 tracks produced by Pete Solley. This release integrated contributions from band member Douglas Guthrie, adding a layer of atmospheric texture to songs like "The Veil" and "Hello Janine," which explored themes of longing and introspection within a framework. Other highlights include "Dig Myself a " and the title track "Dangerous Dream," emphasizing the group's evolving sound with darker, more experimental edges. Their final studio album, Corpus Christi, was recorded in 1988 but shelved until its independent release in 1993 on Safe House Records, comprising 10 core tracks plus 3 bonus tracks amid ongoing band disputes. Produced by Marc Campbell, George Kaufman, and , the album delved into gothic and synth-driven territories with tracks such as "Jesus Calling Jesus" and "14 Dreams," reflecting a more introspective phase; however, the band has publicly disavowed the release, citing a rift with a former producer that prevented them from receiving any proceeds.

Singles and EPs

The Nails' early output included a self-released debut EP under their original name, The Ravers, marking their entry into the punk scene. This was followed by additional singles during their transition period, then their first EP after rebranding and signing with a small label, showcasing their evolving new wave sound. Their most notable single came later via a major label, achieving moderate chart success and becoming a favorite.
ReleaseYearLabelFormatTracksNotes
"Cops Are Punks / Big Star / Another Lesson"1977Screwball Records7" vinyl EPA1: "Cops Are Punks" (2:32)
A2: "Big Star" (2:45)
B: "Another Lesson" (5:12)		Debut release as The Ravers (later The Nails); self-released in Boulder, Colorado, reflecting their punk roots. No chart performance.
"Back Street Boys / Rock & Roll Show"1978Unknown7" vinyl single"Back Street Boys"
"Rock & Roll Show"		Early release during transition from The Ravers; limited documentation available. No chart performance.
"Young and Wild / Transcontinental Ska"1980Unknown7" vinyl single"Young and Wild"
"Transcontinental Ska"		Pre-major label single showcasing ska influences. No chart performance.
Hotel for Women1981City Beat / Jimboco Records12" vinyl EPA: "Hotel for Women" (6:07)
B1: "Cutting Edge" (3:46)
B2: "88 Lines About 44 Women" (4:30)		Three-track EP produced by Doug Epstein and Jim Reynolds; featured an early version of their signature song, blending new wave and ska elements. No chart performance.
"88 Lines About 44 Women" / "Let It All Hang Out"1984RCA7" and 12" vinyl singleA: "88 Lines About 44 Women" (edited version)
B: "Let It All Hang Out"		Re-recorded version from the Mood Swing album; peaked at #46 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 1985. The spoken-word novelty track gained cult status for its humorous lyrics.

Compilation and reissue releases

In 2007, City Beat Records released remastered CD editions of The Nails' major-label albums (1984) and Dangerous Dreams (1986), marking the first widespread CD availability of these titles after their original vinyl pressings. These reissues featured bonus tracks, including extended mixes and rarities sourced from the original masters, to appeal to longtime fans and introduce the band's new wave sound to newer audiences. The band's debut EP Hotel for Women (1981) received an expanded CD reissue in 2009 via City Beat Records, transformed into a full-length compilation with remastered audio, additional demos, and alternate versions of key tracks like "." This edition preserved the original's punk edge while adding context through unreleased material from the era. Beginning in the 2010s, The Nails' catalog, including the City Beat reissues, became accessible on digital streaming platforms such as and , enabling broader global reach without . The Nails have not produced official compilation albums, though select tracks have appeared in punk and new wave anthologies, such as "88 Lines About 44 Women" on Living in Oblivion: The 80's Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1994). More recently, their 1979 pre-debut song "Real Proof" was included on the 2025 compilation Praise Poems 11: A Journey into Raw, Energetic Power Pop from the 1980s, highlighting early influences.

Legacy and impact

Cultural significance of notable songs

"88 Lines About 44 Women," released as a single in 1981 and re-recorded for the band's 1984 Mood Swing, stands as The Nails' most enduring track, celebrated for its clever lyrical structure that condenses vignettes of 44 romantic encounters into 88 rhyming lines delivered over a minimalist new wave backing. The song's witty, confessional style drew comparisons to Lou Reed's narrative-driven work, contributing to its status as a cult favorite in circles and its inclusion on numerous 1980s compilation that revived interest in the era's alternative sounds. The track's cultural footprint expanded through licensing deals, notably its prominent feature in a 1998 Mazda Protegé commercial titled "Cool World," which aired widely on major TV networks and earned a Clio Award for advertising excellence. This exposure introduced the song to a broader audience beyond niche radio play, embedding it in popular memory as an emblem of 1980s quirkiness and helping sustain streams and sales into the digital era. Additionally, a reworked and retitled version, "26 Lines About 13 Psychos," was used in a promotional campaign for the Showtime series Dexter (2006–2013), adapting its format to fit the show's thematic elements of dark humor and psychological profiling. Earlier tracks like "Big Star," from the band's 1977 debut EP Cops Are Punks / Big Star / Another Lesson, played a foundational role in shaping The Nails' reputation within underground indie and punk communities, particularly in Colorado's burgeoning scene where the song's raw energy and satirical edge resonated with local acts transitioning from punk to more experimental forms. Following frontman Marc Campbell's death on December 21, 2024, tributes across music publications underscored the innovative wordplay in "88 Lines About 44 Women," positioning it as a pioneering example of lyrical economy in new wave that influenced subsequent indie songwriters blending humor with autobiography. Outlets like Punknews and Post-Punk Monk highlighted how the track's posthumous revival in playlists and retrospectives amplified its appeal, cementing The Nails' niche legacy amid renewed interest in 1980s alternative music.

Post-band activities and tributes

Following the band's disbandment in the late 1980s, frontman Marc Campbell pursued a career in music writing and occasional solo musical endeavors. Campbell contributed pop-culture criticism and record reviews to outlets such as the Daily during his earlier years and later to Richard Metzger's website in the , where he blogged on eclectic topics of interest. He also penned a pointed critique of the 2013 film for , decrying its inauthenticity in portraying the punk scene. In music, Campbell released a solo project as Tantric Machine in 2010, collaborating with guitarist Hugh Pool; the record, featuring experimental tracks, became available primarily through streaming platforms like . Campbell's unexpected death on December 21, 2024, at age 73 in Austin, Texas, sparked widespread obituaries and renewed attention to his legacy, including reflections on his lyrical wit and contributions to post-punk. Keyboardist and co-founder Dave Kaufman has remained the primary steward of the band's archival presence, maintaining the official website the-nails.com, which hosts interviews, outtakes, and historical materials. He has participated in occasional interviews, including a 2021 discussion with Jeremy Hincks alongside Steve O'Rourke for the Sticky Jazz , covering the band's creative process, and a 2025 Substack exchange responding to tributes following Campbell's passing. In September 2025, Kaufman appeared on Radio NY International, discussing the band's history and Campbell's legacy. Earlier, in 2011, Kaufman shared memories of the band for a Colorado New Wave/Punk Rock site interview. Other former members adopted more low-profile paths, with pursuits ranging from session work to private lives. Drummer Dennis McDermott, who contributed to the band's 1984 sessions after an earlier lineup change, continued as a New York City-based session and touring drummer, performing with artists including , , and Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams into the and beyond. Details on figures like Scott Lipe and Jon Cormany remain sparse, indicative of their retreat from public musical activities. Tributes to The Nails have sustained interest through reissues and online commemorations. Remastered editions of Mood Swing (2007) and Dangerous Dreams (2007), both with bonus tracks, were released by CityBeat Records, followed by a 2008 remaster of Hotel for Women, revitalizing accessibility to the band's catalog amid growing nostalgia for 1980s new wave. In the 2010s and 2020s, fan-maintained sites like the official the-nails.com and niche forums preserved memorabilia, while podcasts such as Sticky Jazz (2021) featured band retrospectives, fostering discussions among post-punk enthusiasts. Campbell's 2024 death further amplified these efforts, with online memorials and streams highlighting tracks like "88 Lines About 44 Women."

References

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  36. https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Dreams-Nails/dp/B000TAYU7K
  37. https://www.songfacts.com/blog/playingmysong/marc-campbell-88-lines-about-44-women
  38. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-nails/mood-swing/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/9004690-The-Nails-Dangerous-Dreams
  40. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-nails/dangerous-dreams/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/695160-The-Nails-Corpus-Christi
  42. https://www.discogs.com/artist/140579-The-Nails
  43. https://www.the-nails.com/nra.html
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/662733-The-Nails-Hotel-For-Women
  45. https://www.musicvf.com/The+Nails.songs
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/1581668-The-Nails-Mood-Swing
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/1583220-The-Nails-Dangerous-Dreams
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/2092621-The-Nails-Hotel-For-Women
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/12203482-Various-Living-In-Oblivion-The-80s-Greatest-Hits-Volume-2
  50. https://tramprecords.bandcamp.com/album/praise-poems-11-a-journey-into-raw-energetic-power-pop-from-the-1980s
  51. https://www.the-nails.com/video.html
  52. https://wxojsubculture.wordpress.com/tag/new-wave-songs-in-commercials/
  53. https://www.discogs.com/master/485700-The-Nails-Cops-Are-Punks-Big-Star-Another-Lesson
  54. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/marc-campbell-o/
  55. https://mylifeinmusiclists.ca/tag/the-nails/
  56. https://www.the-nails.com/interv.html
  57. https://david.the-nails.com/
  58. https://music.amazon.co.jp/podcasts/68a215ae-f88c-486c-852c-429cd28a52e2/episodes/1fe3e493-131a-4cbb-b8de-162bc75175b6/sticky-jazz-sticky-jazz-interview-the-nails
  59. https://timnapalmstegall.substack.com/p/56-more-lines-about-marc-campbelldavid
  60. https://bubbawithsauce.com/blogs/airplay/posts/7638937/bubba-with-sauce-radio-ny-international-interview-with-dave-kaufman-9-21-25
  61. https://www.dennymcdermott.com/live-performances
  62. https://www.the-nails.com/news.html
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