David Kendrick, born on March 23, 1955, is an American musician who has had a diverse and extensive career in various bands and projects.
Kendrick grew up in the Midwest, just outside of Chicago, where he was exposed to a wide range of music from an early age. He developed a strong interest in the drums, citing Keith Moon and Ginger Baker as his role models.
He began playing in bands in the 1970s and relocated to Los Angeles in 1977 to join the punk band Venus and the Razorblades. However, the band disbanded shortly after.
Kendrick then formed the Continental Miniatures, which had a charting single in 1978 with a cover of Dusty Springfield's "Stay Awhile." The band broke up due to pressure to record non-original material.
In 1980, he joined the new wave band Bates Motel, which released the track "Live Among the Dancers" on the compilation album Sharp Cuts - New Music from American Bands.
Kendrick and two other members of Bates Motel, bassist Les Bohem and guitarist Bob Haag, were recruited by the brothers Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks, with whom they toured and recorded between 1981-1986.
During this time, Kendrick and Bohem formed the side project Gleaming Spires, which had a hit with the single "Are You Ready for the Sex Girls?" from their 1981 album Songs of the Spires. The song was later featured in the films The Last American Virgin and Revenge of the Nerds.
Gleaming Spires released two more albums and an EP before breaking up after their final album in 1985. The band's music evolved from "catchy, synthesizer-strewn silliness" to "more arty and serious" with lyrics that became increasingly bizarre.
After Gleaming Spires disbanded, Kendrick continued to work with various musicians, including Andy Prieboy and Revolushn. He is currently a member of the experimental pop band Xiu Xiu and is based in Los Angeles, California.
