Could the history of the Melvins get anymore interesting?
Read the short history about Shirley Temple's daughter, Lori Black, and her time with Melvins.
GENERAL
7/11/20266 min read
The Background:
The Washington-born sludge metal band, Melvins, has had a long history of lineup changes and connections with other bands. Ever since their formation in 1983, numerous members have come and gone, bringing or later forming ties with other bands. Notable examples include Mike Dillard and Dale Crover briefly working percussion for Nirvana and it's predecessor band, Fecal Matter respectively. Bassist Matt Lukin went to form Mudhoney after leaving the band in 1987. Also members Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover joining Coady Willis and Jared Warren of Big Business for the Melvins 15th album (a) Senile Animal. The Melvins would probably make a good subject for a music trivia game just based on the history alone, having reached over 40 years. But undoubtedly one of the most interesting facts is who their bassist was from 1987 to 1993. As the Melvins moved to San Fransisco in 1987, Matt Lukin stayed behind in Washington. To fill the empty role left by the soon to be grunge pioneer, Lori Black filled in to play bass. In which she just so happened to be former child actress and politician, Shirley Temple's daughter.
Clown Alley:
Before joining the Melvins in 1987, Lori had already make her mark on the metal scene with Clown Alley. It all roots back to 1978 when founding member Mark Deutrom met Lori Black at the California Institute of the Arts. Mark taught Lori how to start playing bass and they got interest in forming a band. Soon enough they would start Clown Alley. Lori would also stick with the nickname "Lorax," that carried on later into her music career. Both Lori and Mark moved to Hollywood and recorded a couple unreleased tracks with Cliff Martinez from the early form of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. After a couple years, they moved back to San Fransisco and recorded their first demo tape after picking up vocalist Dan Duran and drummer Neil. Not too long after in 1986, Justin Clayton replaced Neil on drums and Clown Alley released their standout record, "Circus of Chaos." Clown Alley was apart of the 80s crossover thrash scene. The Bay Area had already carried a heavy thrash scene with giants like Metallica, Exodus, and death metal pioneer, Possessed. The band would pick up fairly quickly in the area. Even Kurt Cobain claimed their track "On the Way Up" to be one of his all time favorites. Not too long after, Mark cofounded Alchemy Records with Victor Hayden. They picked up Bay Area bands on the label like Clown Alley of course, Neurosis, Virulence, and lo and behold, the Melvins. In 1987, Clown Alley peacefully split up as each member got involved in other projects.
History with the Melvins:
Shortly after the formation of Alchemy Records, the Melvins moved from Washington all the way down to San Fransisco. Bassist Matt Lukin stayed behind to form Mudhoney in the soon to be grunge scene. This left Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover with an empty spot in the band. With the ties of Clown Alley and Melvins both in the same record label, it didn't take long for Lori Black to be introduced to Buzz Osborne. Soon enough they began dating. And it's only natural to let your bassist partner join your bass-less band. She joined the band in 1987 and played in what I consider some of their best years. As somewhat expected, Buzz and Dale ended up meeting Shirley Temple Black and Charles Black. They described their experience as odd and explaining how their family was guarded and conservative. Though Shirley treated Buzz nice enough without any threats. You could only imagine feeling like some weird junky meeting your girlfriends wealthy celebrity parents.
Her first official recording with the band was in 1989 with their release of Ozma. She played in the masterpiece of an album, "Bullhead" and the ep "Eggnog," both released in 1991. Lori briefly left the band after touring for the ep due to personal health issues and substance addictions. In the meantime, Melvins released their album, "Lysol" with Joe Preston making a short replacement. Soon Lori would make her return into the band in 1992, though it was very short lived. She played in the tour for their 1993 album "Houdini." Lori was credited for bass on the album itself and she was featured in artwork featuring her and the other members. However, Buzz later claimed she had no part in the making of Houdini; only the tour. Since Joe had left the band after Lysol, the bass recordings were left up to Buzz and Dale. Her time with Buzz and the Melvins unfortunately came to a halt as Lori Black and Buzz Osborne broke up sometime in 1992. Then she left the band shortly after in 1993. She left due to the growing mental health struggles and substance abuse. There were also multiple cancer related operations she had to go through. These issues didn't pair well with the bands the immense growth and busy schedule after their first major label release. Lori Black's ties with the band ended and there has been no reports of her and Buzz Osbourne keeping contact since then.
Melvins members, Dale Crover, Buzz Osborne, and Lori Black
Back cover artwork for the Melvins "Houdini" cd
Lori Black on the road with Clown Alley in 1987
Lori Black performing in 1992
Lori's Impact and Whereabouts:
Naturally, Lori had a large impact on the making of sludge metal being an early member in one of the pioneers of the genre. Ozma and Bullhead are undeniably import in shaping the coming decade of metal. Her contributions brung an emphasis on droning and textures bass tones. Most of her riffs used slow, yet intentionally unruly tempos. One of my favorite charms about the Melvins early in their career is the unpredictability in their music. Each instrument carries its own unique weight, making unexpected turns and odd tempos that manage to meet in the middle. Lori Black's bass riffs are no exception. She kept every song both crushing and groovy. It's unfortunate how short her time was in the band, though she managed to use that time well. I also can't help but imagine she had some impacts on the uprising of women in underground metal scenes. Every now and then I'll come across a comment of someone calling her a nepo baby. If that were the case I think we would've found her playing in a mediocre glam rock band that died out as soon as the new decade hit. She managed to form natural ties with Buzz Osborne with her prior experience playing with Clown Alley under Alchemy Records. Though the fact that she's the daughter of a rich republican politician, playing in punk inspired bands might be a different arguement.
Ever since leaving the Melvins, Lori has stayed out of the public spotlight. There are no reported interviews of her since then and she refrains from using a public social media account. Most public media of her comes from past photos posting by acquaintances like Mark Deutrom. Many claim her to be a freelance photographer still living in San Fransisco. I couldn't find any direct evidence but the rumors have spread pretty wide. It'd be a good assumption that she doesn't like to relish in her band days because of all her struggles going on during the time. But your guess is as good as mine. Who knows if she'll remain reclused for her time being in San Francisco. Though it's good she was able to leave in impact in some of the most essential albums in the creation of sludge metal.
