Monks

Monks are a 1960s garage rock and proto-punk band made up of American servicemen stationed in Germany. They begin in 1964 under the name the Torquays, playing cover versions of Chuck Berry songs and music shaped by British Invasion bands before developing a more unusual sound through constant experimentation.

By the start of 1965, Dave Day and Roger Johnston shave their heads into monks’ tonsures, and the rest of the group follows. The band also adopts a stark image, wearing black clothing, sometimes cassocks, with nooses used as neckties. This visual style becomes part of their identity and helps set them apart from other bands of the period.

Monks are primarily active in Germany in the mid to late 1960s. They reunite in 1999 and continue to play concerts, although they do not make new studio recordings. Their music develops a cult following among musicians and rock fans.

The band’s influence extends to later artists: The Fall covers Shut Up (Shut Up) on Middle Class Revolt and also records I Hate You and Oh, How To Do Now on Extricate.