Gaznevada

The Profile

Gaznevada are a Bologna-born Italian new wave/post‑punk band formed in 1977 from the art-collective Centro d’Urlo Metropolitano. Early releases like Sick Soundtrack (1980) and Dressed To Kill (1981) are celebrated touchstones of Italy’s new wave; by 1983 they embraced electro/Italo‑disco with Psicopatico Party and singles such as I.C. Love Affair and Special Agent Man. They were associated with Italian Records and producer Oderso Rubini; frontman Andy later left the group.

Formed in Bologna in 1977; roots in Centro d’Urlo Metropolitano; early members used aliases (Bat Matic, Andy Nevada, Chainsaw Sally, E‑Robert Squibb, Billy Blade); released on Italian Records with producer Oderso Rubini; noted for a cover of The Doors’ “When The Music Is Over” and the single “I.C. Love Affair”.

Reviews salute Gaznevada’s explosive new wave/post‑punk origins (Sick Soundtrack, Dressed To Kill) and note the later pivot to electro/Italo‑disco (Psicopatico Party). Bologna roots, aliases, and label ties recur. Early work is lauded as a pinnacle of Italian new wave; later dance turns split opinion. Influences cited include Devo, Talking Heads, Contortions, DNA, and more.