Cheap Sex

Cheap Sex

Cheap Sex is a United States punk group formed in 2002. The band is the brainchild of former The Virus vocalist Mike Virus, and it develops a street punk sound rooted in socially aware lyrics and hardcore punk energy. It also has an associated member listed as Ace Von Johnson.

Early activity and live reputation

Based in Southern California, Cheap Sex builds an audience quickly through word of mouth, drawing strong crowd responses before it has even released a demo. It becomes known for packing venues and for a busy early live schedule.

Albums on Punk Core

The band signs to Punk Core and releases its debut album, Launch off to War, in 2003. It follows with Headed for a Breakdown in 2004 and Written in Blood in 2006. These records establish the group’s sound as a mix of hardcore punk and socially focused writing.

Tours and festivals

Cheap Sex tours aggressively behind its early releases and plays a number of festival dates, including Wasted in Morecambe, Viva le Punk at CBGBs, and British Invasion. On those bills it shares stages with acts including The Anti-Nowhere League, Slaughter and the Dogs, Lower Class Brats, English Dogs, The Feederz, Agent Orange, Defiance and The Icons of Filth.

Line-up setback

During its first tour, the band is involved in a serious road accident with a truck carrying cinderblocks. The crash leaves guitarist John needing emergency open-heart surgery in a Pennsylvania hospital, after which the group returns home and continues recording and performing.

Style

Cheap Sex is associated with street punk, punk rock, hardcore punk and Oi, and its songs are described as combining aggression with socially pertinent lyrics.