Panjandrum
1988–1990
Panjandrum was a Houston funk-rock outfit fronted by a young Johnny Goudie, who would later relocate to Austin and sign a major label deal with Elektra Records. Active primarily in the late 1980s, the band built a reputation on the club circuit with propulsive live shows at the Axiom, Fitzgerald's, and Rice University's SSC Perch. Goudie's powerful vocals sat atop sturdy, syncopated rhythms anchored by bassist Chris King and drummer David Lentz, with Richard Weiss on guitar and Justin Shahan adding texture on keyboards. Goudie later described his Panjandrum persona as "macho" and over-the-top, admitting he spent most shows drinking heavily and ending up in his underwear. Despite the chaos, critics noted his "sugary croon" lifted the band above standard fare. The band recorded a tape called "Chuck" in 1990 and appeared on the Band-It cassette compilation series. Panjandrum imploded in 1990 when tense feelings over a potential publishing deal led to the group's disintegration. Goudie and Weiss left Houston for Austin, where they formed Mr. Rocket Baby and won Best Pop Band at the Austin Music Awards. King went on to play bass for Carolyn Wonderland.
Members
Photos
Discography
Chuck (1990)
Cassette demo/self-released tape. Recorded just before the band's breakup.