Theatrical NEPA punk rock band Psycho Nurse reunites after 30 years in Wilkes-Barre on Oct. 24
From a press release:
Just when you thought it was safe… Psycho Nurse the band is back for their 30th anniversary reunion and the launch of their Mid-Life Crisis Tour, featuring 99 percent of the original founding members!
Head Nurse Roxie, Dr. D. Raper, Nurse Raven Madd, Dr. BB Arthur, Nurse Ricki Rachett, Dr. Robbie, Dr. Fred, Dr. Dirty Fingers, Nurse Julia Oh!, and DJ Pantherbabe will all be in the Chandelier Lobby of the F.M. Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) on Saturday, Oct. 24 for a special night of music and spooktacular events, including a pre-Halloween costume contest with prizes and surprises.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and showtime is at 8 p.m. General admission is $30 and limited VIP passes are $50, which include a VIP laminate, autographed poster, reserved seating, Psycho Nurse t-shirt, and a pre-show meet and greet from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Kirby Center box office, online at kirbycenter.org, and by phone at 570-826-1100.
Psycho Nurse emerged from Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1985, combining raw, energetic punk rock music with gritty lyrics and “medical burlesque” from the empowered female front singers. Their shows were at once reminiscent of a P.T. Barnum exhibition and a John Waters movie. Performances were very controversial for the time.
Psycho Nurse was a living “in your face” self-parody; the music of Psycho Nurse amused, offended, informed, and enlightened as it spoke to political and social issues of the time. Songs such as “Feed the Children (to the Lions)”, “Suzi’s Got an Uzi,” and “Christopher Street” offered commentary (albeit tongue-in-cheek) on apathy for the poor, bullying and brutality, equality, and the freedom to be yourself. (It is interesting how some social themes never change.)
CBGB’s booking agent Louise and owner Hilly Crystal said that Psycho Nurse was “the wildest thing we have seen in 10 years.” The Village Voice said, “Even the skinheads think they are outrageous!” Frank Blank of the Philadelphia City News wrote, “Their songs are funny, and their band is tight and powerful.”
Come relive their unforgettable, churning punk vibe, sometimes described as a musical experience where “The Andrews Sisters from hell meet The Ramones.” Bring your jumper cables, holy water, antacid, and appetite for camp.
The night will be emceed by Mama Sophie Tucker, and DJ Pantherbabe will be spinning punk and rock classics of the ’80s and ’90s.
Arrive early to be judged in the costume contest; prizes will awarded at approximately 8:30 p.m.:
- 1st prize for Best Psycho Nurse (doctor or nurse)
- 2nd prize for Best Themed Costume
- 3rd prize for Best Drag Queen
Prizes to be awarded include dinner gift certificates from area restaurants, tickets to see the Kirby Center’s midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 31, and much more.
For more information, visit psychonurse.com, the band’s Facebook page, and the Facebook event page.
