Bloods Biography & Awards

Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

Artist Info

Formed

New York, NY

Disbanded

New York, NY

Members

Adele Bertei

Biography

No Wave outfit Bloods formed in New York City in 1979 -- led by vocalist Adele Bertei, also a member of James Chance's Contortions, the original lineup additionally featured guitarist Kathy Rey, bassist Ann Phelan, keyboardist Annie Toone and drummer Kathleen Campbell. Phelan exited three months into the band's existence, and with new bassist Brenda Alderman, Bloods committed their funk-punk provocations to vinyl with 1981's "No Button," issued on the Au Pairs' Exit label and named Single of the Week by Britain's New Musical Express upon its release. Although Bloods maintained a relentless live schedule, opening for everyone from the Clash to Gang of Four to the Go-Go's, their subsequent recorded output was limited to their contributions on the soundtrack of Lizzie Borden's film Born in Flames, which co-starred Bertei. Bloods dissolved in 1982 after completing a European tour; Bertei later served with Bush Tetras before enjoying a solo career. "Button Up" appears on the Soul Jazz label's acclaimed 2003 compilation New York Noise. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide