Rodney Linderman
| Rodney Linderman | |
|---|---|
 Linderman with a hurdy gurdy | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rodney Linderman |
| Also known as | Rodney Anonymous, H.P. Hovercraft |
| Born | 21 May 1963[1][2] |
| Genres | Punk rock, folk |
| Instruments | vocals, keyboards, tin whistle |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Labels | Restless Records, Hollywood Records, Razler Records |
| Associated acts | The Dead Milkmen, Burn Witch Burn, 25 Cromwell Street |
| Website | www.rodneyanonymous.com |
Rodney Linderman (born 21 May 1963[1][2]), also known by his stage name Rodney Anonymous (and such variations thereof as "Rodney Amadeus Anonymous" and "Rodney Anonymous Mellencamp", as well as his briefly utilized "H.P. Hovercraft" pseudonym), is an American musician, journalist and humorist currently based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is best known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist and co-songwriter of the satirical punk rock band The Dead Milkmen.
Musical career
With the Dead Milkmen (1983–1995)
After befriending future band mate Joe Genaro in high school in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Linderman joined an embryonic version of Genaro's basement group the Dead Milkmen around 1981. Briefly serving as drummer, Linderman had become the group's lead singer by the time of their first public performance in 1983.
Following the success of their 1985 debut LP, Big Lizard in My Backyard, the group toured extensively and enjoyed college radio and modest MTV-based success behind eight LPs. Linderman served mainly as the group's lead vocalist until 1992's Soul Rotation album, where he acted primarily as keyboardist behind Genaro's vocals. Later releases saw a balance of these two roles. The group disbanded in 1995.
Later activity; Dead Milkmen reformation (1995–present)
Shortly before the Dead Milkmen disbanded, Linderman founded the group Burn Witch Burn with his wife Vienna and four other musicians. The group blended American roots music with Celtic folk, Pogues-styled punk and gothic leanings. They released a demo tape, one CD-EP and one full-length album before breaking up in 2001.
After two reunion shows in 2004, the Dead Milkmen officially reformed in 2008. Linderman, Genaro and drummer Dean Sabatino were joined by bassist Dan Stevens who replaced the deceased former bassist of the group, Dave Schulthise. They have since resumed performing regular concerts and working on new material.
Linderman also plays in the group 25 Cromwell Street with Bill Fergusson of Burn Witch Burn and guest appearances by members of the Dead Milkmen.
Journalism
Linderman keeps an active comedic/topical blog, Rodney Anonymous Tells You How to Live, as well as a radio show of the same name on Y-Not Radio.[3] He regularly contributes to the Philadelphia City Paper, writing about music, as well as political, social and local issues.
Personal life
Linderman is married to Vienna Linderman, his band mate in Burn Witch Burn. He is a vegetarian.
References
- 1 2 "Rodney Responds on Twitter About Age". Twitter. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
- 1 2 "Celebrate Rodney and Dean's Birthday at Bar XIII". deadmilkmen.com. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ↑ Radio, Y-Not. "Y-Not Radio".