Snakefinger
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Multi-instrumentalist Philip Charles Lithman (June 17, 1949 - July 1, 1987), a musician, was born in London, England. He is best known for his work, primarily on guitar, with The Residents.
Lithman, who came from the British Blues and avant-garde scenes in England and the UK, moved to San Francisco in 1971. He became associated with a group of makers of odd and menacing noise, called The Residents. Phil was given the name "Snakefinger" by The Residents themselves when they saw his proficiency with the guitar during their first live performance together. Another source for this name comes from a story concerning a party, in San Francisco, at The Residents' collective, wherein all in attendance watched Phil's finger actually transform into a snake while he played the violin.
In 1972 Lithman returned to England and thereupon formed the pub rock band Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers with Martin Stone, a fellow ex-member of Junior's Blues Band. As a duo, they released a record called Kings Of Robot Rhythm. In 1974, as a full band and popular live act in Britain, released was Bongos Over Balham.
Chilly Willy lasted until 1975, their last record not selling well, and by 1976 Lithman was back in the USA, this time in Los Angeles, California, seeking a recording contract, shopping his California Rock-style demos.
After a few years, Lithman moved back to San Francisco, California, reconnected with The Residents, performed and recorded with them. Lithman solo records, recorded under the name Snakefinger, were released by their record label Ralph Records.
While on tour in Australia in 1980, Lithman had a heart attack that left him hospitalized for six months.
On July 1, 1987, Snakefinger and his band, The Vestal Virgins, were in Linz, Austria, on the European Night tour. During a performance at the Posthof Club Lithman had a fatal heart attack. On that same day his single, "There's No Justice in Life" was released.
Also worked with ...
- Paul Bailey (guitar, banjo, and sax player)
- Dave Barret
- Miguel Bertel (guitar player)
- Carlos (guitar player who worked with the Dead Kennedys)
- Beth Custler
- Dick 'Deluxe' Egner
- Josh Ende (wind, brass)
- Eric Drew Feldman (worked with Captain Beefheart, Pixies, P.J. Harvey, Pere Ubu, and Frank Black)
- Opter Flame
- George B. George (bass player)
- Ben Guy (bass player)
- Dave Kopplin
- Colin Hansford (guitar player)
- Madame Lulu
- Richard Marriot (wind, brass)
- Paul Riley (bass player)
- Steve Royal (drummer)
- Jonny B. Ryan (Philip's drummer from 1980 onward)
- N. Senada (ethnomusicologist)
- Michelle Steele (worked with The Bangles)
- Martin Stone (guitarist, literary expert)
- Pete Thomas (drummer)
- David Whitten (bass player)de:Philip Charles Lithman