Rodney Linderman

Rodney Linderman (born 21 May 1963^[3][4]), also known by his stage name Rodney Anonymous, is an American musician, journalist, and humorist currently based in Philadelphia. He is best known as the lead vocalist, keyboardist and co-songwriter of the satirical punk rock band The Dead Milkmen.

Rodney Linderman
Linderman with a hurdy gurdy
Background information
Also known as	Rodney Anonymous, Rodney Amadeus Mozart,[1] H.P. Hovercraft[2]
Born	Rodney Linderman (1963-05-21) 21 May 1963 (age 62)[3][4]
Genres	Punk rock folk
Instruments	Vocals keyboards tin whistle
Years active	1983–present
Labels	Restless Records, Hollywood Records, Razler Records
Website	www.rodneyanonymous.com

Early life and education

Linderman grew up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.^[5] He attended Coatesville Area High School with future bandmate Joe Genaro.^[6] He went on to attend West Chester University.

Musical career

With the Dead Milkmen (1983–1995)

Main article: The Dead Milkmen

Linderman joined an embryonic version of Genaro's basement group the Dead Milkmen while in high school around 1981. Briefly serving as drummer, Linderman had become the group's lead singer by the time of their first public performance in 1983.^[5]

Following the success of their 1985 debut LP, Big Lizard in My Backyard, the group toured extensively and enjoyed college radio and modest MTV-based success behind eight LPs. Linderman played keyboards and split vocals with Genaro.

Later activity; Dead Milkmen reformation (1995–present)

Linderman performing with The Dead Milkmen in 2010

Main article: Burn Witch Burn

Shortly before the Dead Milkmen disbanded, Linderman founded the group Burn Witch Burn with his wife Vienna and four other musicians. The group blended American roots music with Celtic folk, Pogues-styled punk and gothic leanings. They released a demo tape, one CD-EP and one full-length album before breaking up in 2001.

After two reunion shows in 2004, the Dead Milkmen officially reformed in 2008. Linderman, Genaro and drummer Dean Sabatino were joined by bassist Dan Stevens who replaced the deceased former bassist of the group, Dave Schulthise. They have since resumed performing regular concerts and working on new material.

Linderman also played in the group 25 Cromwell Street with Bill Fergusson of Burn Witch Burn.^{[citation needed]}

He was also played synthethizers and drum machines in an industrial duo called 7th Victim with Janet Bressler on vocals.^[7]

Journalism

Linderman keeps an active comedic/topical blog, Rodney Anonymous Tells You How to Live, as well as a radio show of the same name on Y-Not Radio.^[8] He regularly contributed to the Philadelphia City Paper, writing about music, as well as political, social and local issues.