Tribute to WAX TRAX!

Wax Trax Records was founded in 1973 in Denver, Colorado by Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher as a record store under the same name.Both men took frequent trips to europe to check out the latest musical trends from Glitter & Glam to punk rock.These trips not only served as Vactions but buying trips.The records they purchased helped them establish not only a loyal following,but all garnered them the national reputation as the authority on indie,alternative and what they called just plain "WEIRD" music.After one too many trips to see thier favorite acts, Jim and Dannie decided that they needed to get out of Denver they sold the store and headed for Chicago in 1978.Driven by the "PUNK" revolution they started over by opening a new store on Lincon Avenue on the north side of Chicago.The Store served as home,and Later ,Record company offices soon became the cultural hub of Chicago's underground music scene.In addtion to selling records WAX TRAX became an information center and the ultimate destination of seemingly every kid in the city and its environs.WAX TRAX became a record company more or less by accident when they released a record by STRIKE UNDER.A band of kids that used to hang out at the record store.The 12"EP title "IMMEDIATE ACTION" was sold exclusively at the store with modest success.Jim and Dannie's second undertaking was Actor/Actress "DIVINE"who is known for his/her roles in many John Waters Films."THE NAME GAME" b/w "BORN TO BE CHEAP" also sold moderately well.Both Jim and Dannie where hooked.WAX TRAX the record label was born.But the modern Preception of the label started with the signing of its third act,no artist is more accountable for the labels success than Ministry."COLD LIFE" became the signature release for WAX TRAX.Soon after they signed groups such as FRONT 242,and later,The Revolting Cocks.The early success of these groups earned WAX TRAX the reputation as an "ARTIST FRIENDLY" label that would release uncompromisingly agressive and"UNCOMMERCIAL" records and dared to challange the peramiters of commercial music. As the labels profile grew in status many of the pioneers of Industrial and Experimental music sought out WAX TRAX! as an outlet for thier creations,such groups include...COIL, CLOCK DVA, KMFDM,PSYCHIC TV, THE YOUNG GODS,FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY,LIABACH,PAILHEAD,MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO,AJAX,GREATER THAN ONE,MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT,SISTER MACHINE GUN.....just to name a few.In 1992 WAX TRAX! Records Filed chapter 11 mainly due to the Loss of some of its Major Acts to other record Lables.TVT records stepped in to aid the Label with new distribution and new resorces to help WAX TRAX! Emerge from its financial doldrums.WAX TRAX! LIVES!! or Does it? Since TVT's Take over of the label it has release maybe a handful of the original WAX TRAX! catalogue,mostly the labels top sellers.I feel as though TVT could do alot better than this.Understanding that they no longer hold the rights to many of the albums that were once part of the WAX TRAX! musical tradition.but there are many albums that they still have locked away.This is not bashing TVT,but they are now the stewarts of a musical heritage that they have the power and responsablity to re-release what they still have.If you have ever Loved WAX TRAX! or any of its Past or present Artists help me by making your voice heard in the preservation of the WAX TRAX! musical Heritage.Thanks for your support!!