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Rollins, MacKaye to Release Cramps' “Gravest Gravy” August 21, 2026

5/28/2026

Summary

Rollins & MacKaye Release

Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye will release Cramps' Gravest Gravy album on August 21, 2026, with Pete Lyman mastering it at Infrasonic Sound, Nashville.
Brian Kehew transferred October 1977 recordings with Alex Chilton from reels.
Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye selected mixes as Don Zientara EQ’d two tracks in Arlington.
Cramps Inc., formed by Poison Ivy Rorschach, Larry Hardy and Jimmy Maslon, sell merchandise.
RAM Prod. handles editing, mixing, mastering and lacquer cutting.

Summary

Chilton Revives Album

The reissued album incorporates recovered October 1977 Ardent Studios recordings featuring Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory, Nick Knox and producer Alex Chilton.
Among the newly unearthed tracks are Cramps covers “Hungry” (1966) and “Problem Child” (written by Sam Phillips).
Alex Chilton adds organ on “Jungle Hop” (1958) and other vintage numbers.
Jason Willis directed a new video for “TV Set,” completing the visual package for the reissue.

History

Historical Context

Formed in New York’s CB-GB scene in 1975, the Cramps recorded two Alex Chilton-produced singles at Memphis’s Ardent Studios in 1977, later compiled on the 1979 Gravest Hits EP. The 2026 reissue of those 1977 sessions, overseen by Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara, revives the raw psychobilly sound for new listeners.

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Rollins & MacKaye Release

Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye will release Cramps' Gravest Gravy album on August 21, 2026, with Pete Lyman mastering it at Infrasonic Sound, Nashville.
Brian Kehew transferred October 1977 recordings with Alex Chilton from reels.
Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye selected mixes as Don Zientara EQ’d two tracks in Arlington.
Cramps Inc., formed by Poison Ivy Rorschach, Larry Hardy and Jimmy Maslon, sell merchandise.
RAM Prod. handles editing, mixing, mastering and lacquer cutting.

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