Actor and comedian Gregg Turkington, known by his alter ego Neil Hamburger, was once part of the experimental Bay Area band Caroliner. During his time with Caroliner, Turkington had not yet developed the polarizing Neil Hamburger persona, which would come later in the early 1990s. His involvement with Caroliner provided an early outlet for his love for the surreal and absurd, qualities that would later define his comedy career.
Turkington’s time in Caroliner gave him firsthand experience in creating unconventional performances that defied expectations. Caroliner‘s dedication to theatrical live shows, complete with puppetry, blacklight-reactive costumes, and bizarre props, was a formative influence on Turkington’s artistic sensibilities. These elements of unpredictability and chaos can be seen in his Neil Hamburger character, whose comedy style often challenges audience expectations in a similar way.
While Turkington was with Caroliner, he was deeply involved in the band’s DIY ethos, contributing to their handmade, one-of-a-kind album covers. The covers were often painted, sewn, or adorned with unusual elements like compartments, flaps, or locks of hair. This hands-on approach to artistic creation foreshadowed Turkington’s later dedication to crafting unique comedic experiences as Neil Hamburger, where each performance feels distinct and tailored to the audience.
Caroliner‘s lineup also included members from influential underground groups like Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 and Faxed Head. Not unlike The Residents, another mysterious Bay Area band known for its anonymity and surreal performances, Caroliner maintained an enigmatic presence, further deepening their cult status. Their constantly changing roster and array of names, such as Caroliner Rainbow Hernia Milk Queen, Caroliner Rainbow Snake Tailed Waxwalker, Caroliner Rainbow Tongue On The Fingermill Of The Paste Demon, Caroliner Rainbow Stand Still Or Fight Beans And Sunstroke, Caroliner Rainbow Gems You Poop Out, and MANY MANY others.
Caroliner‘s albums were handmade, one-of-a-kind artifacts. Covers were often painted or sewn, featuring unexpected elements like compartments, flaps, or locks of hair. Each release was unique, reflecting the band’s unpredictable and anarchic spirit.
Their live performances were elaborate, with blacklight-reactive costumes, puppetry, and surreal props, creating a chaotic and unforgettable experience. Concertgoers never knew what to expect, which added to the band’s allure.
Caroliner also drew inspiration from the 19th century, incorporating themes of American folklore and frontier life. Their concept of channeling the ghost of a singing bull from the 1800s added a mythic, otherworldly feel to their work.
Caroliner‘s dedication to handcrafted detail and unpredictability gave them a unique place in underground music and visual art. Their DIY nature and ever-changing persona made them a true cult phenomenon, always challenging expectations and creating colorful, chaotic experiences.
Here’s an hour-long concert video from a Caroliner performance in Japan circa 1994. Note the fitting comments such as “This is why medicine has an expiration date,” or “fuck im at that part of the internet again.”
