Chip and Tony Kinman fronted the punk band, The Dils, in San Diego in 1976 and released their DangerHouse Records single “Class War” in 1977. The Kinman brothers moved to San Francisco in the late ’70s and the band’s reputation spread, helped by stories about them in magazines like Creem and opening for bands like the Clash.
After their U.S. tour in 1979 the band split up, but the Kinmans started cow-punk Rank and File in 1980, which then lead to other projects Cowboy Nation and Blackbird.
There are several Dils compilations released featuring their singles, as well as rarities. Sadly, Tony Kinman passed away in May of 2018 of pancreatic cancer.
The reason for the resurrected Dils? Chip explains in an interview with Rock & Roll Globe, “…It’s not really a Dils “reunion,” that would be impossible. It’s not a reboot or even a tribute. Simply put, it’s me, Chip Kinman, playing songs I wrote with my brother. Since I’m only doing Dils songs it makes sense to just call it the Dils.”
Chip plays guitar and is joined by his step-son, Dewey Peek (Giuliano Scarfo) on drums and Brian Melendez on bass. The Dils go on between 12:15 -12:30 a.m. early Thursday morning, with an on-air interview with the band to follow. Listen live at KXLU 88.9fm or stream it live at kxlu.com
