THE BAND
As most every American and Latvian knows, the hair-metal and even more hair power-trio Crappy Reefer changed Rock music forever. In their brief but brilliant career they shot to the top of the charts while alienating everyone they met. Drugs and alcohol barely dulled the pain of misused talent and abject stupidity. With a combined IQ of 93, these giants of rock remained mercifully unaware of their imminent demise. To this day, thirteen years after their breakup, their drummer still believes they are playing nightly gigs.
l to r Steve, Joe, and Ken. Crappy Reefer in New Orleans.
THE DOWNFALL
After this photo was released to the public, Joe berated, and then beat unconscious the photographer for "Making me look gay."
This was the beginning of the end for Crappy Reefer.
Steve Milam, guitar: Drunken rage and a proclivity for doing anything he is told, Steve was the most dangerous member of the band. He once pulled a knife on himself and at the conclusion of a heated and completely bizarre argument, stabbed himself in the groin.
Ken Graham, drummer: Master photographer, bug assassin, Coors drinker. Ken now kills insects with Formula 409. Banquet Beer is the beer of choice, unless Natty Light is around. A violent bout with Boones Farm resulted in 6 indictments in 1993 but Ken fled the state until the statute of limitations had expired.
Joe POON, bass and vocals: A lifetime of fury at his parents for not changing their last name prepared Joe for his time with Crappy Reefer. Now a successful architect, Joe has threatened to sue and/or cry uncontrollably if we release his new last name.
BILLBOARD CHART May 15, 1986:
Rank
TITLE Artist(s)1 THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Dionne Warwick and Friends2 SAY YOU, SAY ME
Lionel Richie3 DON'T BOGART THAT BONG, MY MOFO
Crappy Reefer4 ON MY OWN
Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald5 BROKEN WINGS
Mr Mister6 HOW WILL I KNOW? Whitney Houston
7 PARTY ALL THE TIME Eddie Murphy
8 BURNING HEART Survivor
9 HIGHER LOVE Steve Winwood
10 ADDICTED TO LOVE Robert Palmer