Dark Carnival

The Profile

Dark Carnival is a Detroit band founded in 1990 by Ron Asheton (ex-Stooges) and Niagara (ex-Destroy All Monsters). With Scott Asheton on drums, Cheetah Chrome on guitar, and Joe Hayden on bass (among others), they issued two live sets (1990, 1991), a self-titled studio album (1991), and The Last Great Ride (1997) before ceasing activity.

Documented members include Ron Asheton (guitar), Niagara (vocals), Scott Asheton (drums), Cheetah Chrome (guitar), Joe Hayden (bass); later Greasy Carlisi (guitar), Pete Bankert (bass), L.J. Steele (drums). Releases noted: Welcome To Show Business Live (1990), Greatest Show In Detroit (1991), Dark Carnival (1991), The Last Great Ride (1997). Origin: Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Detroit’s Dark Carnival, formed by Ron Asheton and Niagara, push a fierce Motor City Sound steeped in punk, blues, and murky psychedelia. Reviews spotlight The Last Great Ride (1997) as a raw, feedback-drenched testament. The band’s story threads through Stooges/MC5 lineage, lineup shifts, and live firepower. Recognition lagged, but the records bite.