In the fall of ‘06, Violent Hippie became a band. Starting as a spoofed rock and roll concept in the brains of Chris Cady and Tommy the Silent, they were joined by longtime friend and drummer, Shawn Funk, and thus Violent Hippie was born. Taking influence from classic punk, modern psychedelia, roots and surf rock, Violent Hippie prides itself as a unique band with a unique sound- a minimalist group with no bass player, and plenty of rock. Since the band’s inception, it has shared stages and opened for many major acts including Trampled by Turtles, Papa Mali, Pert Near Sandstone, the Clumsy Lovers, the Donnas, and many others. After a year of live shows, Violent Hippie recorded its first studio effort in April/May of 2008. Intentions were to release the LP in late October and campaign this fall with live support tours. Shawn Funk passed away on September 11th unexpectedly and tragically striking a horse with his car late at night on his way home. Many questions have been wrestled with in continuing with the band, its name, the finished album, and Shawn’s spirit. Violent Hippie’s first album “smokethisbaby” was released in January of ‘09, and live support tours throughout 2009 were conducted regionally in Colorado, Montana and Minnesota. By continuing on, we honor Shawn and his spirit- for he will always be a part of the of this band. A new phase of the band is about to commence as Tommy the Silent has departed and a new lineup, consisting of Joel Adams on Tuba and Chris Teatreault on Drums, with Chris Cady remaining in the Guitar and Vocals station. Many thanks to all our fans, friends, family, and Black Hills community for their incredible outpouring of support. To Mom and Dad Funk…we love you and your son always…