Kevin Carnes and
Adam Sherburne knew each other from playing in Houston, TX.
Michael Franti and Rono Tse met each other clubbing in San Francisco. In 1986, Franti and Tse formed the band with Carnes, Andre Flores and Henry Flood. Louis 'Troy' Dixon (AKA
The Crack Emcee) joined later as a touring member. In 1988, The Beatnigs released a
self-titled studio album and a
12" EP of their most famous song, "Television". Both on the record label
Alternative Tentacles. That same year they played their New York City debut at the
New Music Seminar, and recorded for the
BBC's
Peel Sessions. The band toured with
Billy Bragg and
Michelle Shocked in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Other groups they performed with include
D.O.A.,
MDC,
Fugazi,
Living Colour and
Einstürzende Neubauten.
Post breakup Franti and Tse would later form
The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. They reworked the Beatnigs song "Television" to become "Television, The Drug of the Nation" for the new group. Kevin Carnes would later form Broun Fellinis (with
The Crack Emcee, again, as a touring member).
Adam Sherburne would later form
Until December and
Consolidated. Louis 'Troy' Dixon would later form
The Crack Emcee and Little White Radio (with Kevin Carnes on drums).
The Crack Emcee would also be featured on the Consolidated release "
Play More Music". == Style ==