The Queers: fast, loud, and unapologetically pop‑punk

The Profile

The Queers are an American punk rock band formed in 1982 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, led by Joe Queer (Joe King). Known for Ramones-inspired speed, ’60s pop harmonies, and irreverent lyrics, they became fixtures of the Lookout! Records pop‑punk scene in the 1990s.

Reviews highlight the band’s origins in 1982 with Joe Queer, early raw EPs like Love Me and Kicked Out of the Webelos, and a 1990s run on Lookout! Records. Love Songs for the Retarded (1993) was recorded in under 20 hours with Ben Weasel and Mass Giorgini. Writers compare their sound to the Ramones and Descendents and note lineups featuring Joe, B‑Face, Hugh, and contributions from Wimpy.

Reviewers hail The Queers for a punchy blend of punk, hardcore, and pop hooks with a defiantly irreverent streak. Love Songs for the Retarded (1993) is praised as a ’90s touchstone, recorded in under 20 hours with Ben Weasel and Mass Giorgini for Lookout Records. A Day Late and a Dollar Short showcases the raw early EPs with Wimpy. Comparisons to the Ramones and Descendents abound, with melodies and mischief front and center.

Notable Quotes

❝ When we talk about the Queers today, we think of one of the best pop punk bands of the ’90s: lots of melody, fun lyrics, and an irredeemably carefree attitude.

❝ Punk, hardcore, and pop, that’s what it is: and if in the ’70s the reference point is «Rocket To Russia» and in the ’80s «Milo Goes To College», in the ’90s it’s time for «Love Songs For The Retarded».

❝ The title alone makes me smile, and how many times have I caught myself whistling some ‘tune’ from the album in question while walking down the street...