Biography
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Years Active
1977 – present (47 years)
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Founded In
Santa Ana, Orange County, California, United States
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Members
- Bruce Atta (1977 – 1980)
- Jeff Atta (1977 – present)
- Matt Simon (1980 – present)
- Mike Atta (1977 – present)
- Mike Patton (1977 – present)
Middle Class from Santa Ana, California, were one of the first "hardcore" bands in history. Debate continues to this day as to whether Middle Class were the first hardcore band or if Black Flag or Bad Brains were. (It is unlikely that Bad Brains were aware of the Middle Class, however, as they were unknown outside of California.)
Their sound evolved from being a blistering, shouted, arty version of punk which would be extremely influential to the hardcore sound that would emerge in the years following their first release, the 1978 "Out Of Vogue" 7 inch. This record featured the title track along with three other songs. After this they released the "Scavenged Luxury" 7 inch in 1980 which retained the assault of the first record while introducing the influence of UK bands Gang of Four and Joy Division. 1982 saw the release of their first full length album, the dark "Homeland". Their first seven inches were rereleased on the compilation album "Blueprint For Joy" along with several live tracks and songs they contributed to the Tooth and Nail compilation.
In the mid-1980s Mike and Bruce Atta briefly formed a soul/dance band with former The Bags vocalist Alice Bag called the Cambridge Apostles.
Bassist Mike Patton went on to produce The Adolescents' first album, guitarist Mike Atta now owns and operates a vintage furniture shop in Fullerton, California called "Out Of Vogue", and drummer Bruce Atta went on to UCLA to major in Philosophy and now teaches Philosophy at Cal State University at Los Angeles. -
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