The U-Men were an Americanrock band, formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1980 and active until 1989. They toured extensively across the United States. Their musically "dirty" sound and off-the-wall sense of humor were a forerunner for the later grunge bands to come out of Seattle.[2]
History
Drummer Charlie Ryan performing with The U-Men in a Seattle club
The U-Men were fronted by vocalist John Bigley[3] and included Tom Price,[3] Charlie "Chaz" Ryan,[3] Robin Buchan,[3] Jim Tillman,[4]Tom Hazelmyer[5] and later Tony "Tone Deaf" Ransom.[5] Their alternative rock sound was credited by Allmusic for helping to inspire the Seattle grunge sound.
In 1983, The U-Men became the first band managed by renowned Seattle band manager Susan Silver.[6]
Tom Price moved on to form Gas Huffer,[4] and also play in The Monkeywrench. Bigley and Ryan co-founded The Crows. Jim Tillman, who is recognized as the main line-up bass player having played on the first two full releases which included the self-titled EP, "The U-Men" (1984), "Stop Spinning" (1985), and the Deep Six compilation (1986) track "They", went on to play bass for other local bands, most notably Love Battery.[4]Mark Arm from Mudhoney noted on Sub Pop's anthology release announcement that the band was never the same after Tillman's departure.[8]
