Tanz Waffen - Led Astray 1985-1991​ (​Extended) (2020)

Tanz Waffen was born of the ashes of an Austin band called the Secret Six (which in turn had been born of Jesse Sublett's band The Skunks, with some help from my old band Almost Anyone (featuring me and the late Gary Guthrie), in Austin Texas, somewhere around 1984.

The name, occasionally a source of controversy, means Dance Weapons, translated from it's German origins. We didn't intend to be a duo necessarily, and often augmented our frequent live shows with percussionists - both to add musically and visually. We also used to occasionally augment our live shows with films, videos and slides, so many thanks to Ken & James for their work there.

Three things stand out in our 6 years, and while we never really "made it", these three things still stand as some of the more important things in my life. First we were fortunate enough to hook up with Razormaid Records and release 4 songs remixed by Joseph Watt. This gave us some exposure outside of Austin and enabled us to travel a bit and not go broke.

Second, in 1986 we met the band Mark of Kane, formed lasting friendships and played many a show together, engineered for each other, and eventually merged into one band in 1991 called Voodoo Dali.

Lastly, in 1988 we met, befriended and eventually toured with (both opening as well as being her band) the new wave star Lene Lovich. Touring with Lene was as close as we came to "making it" and it enabled us to play all over the country at some great places. It is an experience I will not forget.

Tanz Waffen never really had a "last show" or farewell as we simply "became" Voodoo Dali and picked right up where Tanz Waffen left off, originally playing many Tanz Waffen songs.

Group Members
Jeff Campbell and Nanz Campbell (now Nancy Wilde-Pion) Plus a slew of folks helping us live: Mark Gavini, Louis Hicks, James, Phillip on percussion. Mike Soliz on drums. Plus Ken Kelsoe and James Schubert doing live films and slides