Didjits

Didjits were a punk rock band from Mattoon, Illinois, USA. The band was formed in 1983 by brothers Rick (vocals & guitar) and Brad (drums) Sims, along with Doug Evans (bass). The trio's music was characterized by its high-energy guitar attack, which displayed a heavy influence of early rock 'n roll like Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, and Rick Sim's smart aleck lyrics. Also of note was Rick Sims onstage persona, which consisted of the front man wearing suits and sunglasses while hurling insults at the audience. The group's debut LP, "Fizzjob" came out on their own Bam Bam Records in 1986. In 1988, the group signed to Touch & Go Records after the label heard an advance copy of their 2nd LP, "Hey Judester". The label would remain the band's home (with the exception of a few singles) for the rest of their career (they would also subsequently reissue "Fizzjob"). Following 1991's "Full Nelson Reilly", Brad Sims left the band to concentrate on work and family. Rey Washam was drafted to fill his spot on the band's 1992 EP "Little Miss Carriage". Todd Cole would take over the drum throne for the band's next LP, "Que Sirhan Sirhan" but the group split the following year. In 2006, the original line-up reunited to perform at Touch & Go's 25th Anniversary Party, followed a week later by a show in Champaign, IL. Doug Evans passed away on December 28, 2016.