The Tragic Tale of The Gits: A Journey Cut Short

Imagine a world where four dedicated musicians finally break free from the relentless cycle of underappreciated gigs and indie recordings, chasing the same dream that propelled bands like Nirvana to international stardom. At the forefront of this musical revolution was Mia Zapata, whose hauntingly poetic vocals positioned her as the rightful heir to legends like Janis Joplin and Patti Smith.

However, the story of The Gits is not merely one of triumph; it is also a harrowing tale, as recounted in shows like “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Forensic Files,” and the poignant documentary “The Gits.” This account is one that many may already know: a talented singer is discovered raped and murdered on a Seattle street, just as her band stands on the brink of significant success.

In an effort to resurrect the legacy of what could have been, the iconic Seattle label Sub Pop is set to release remastered recordings by The Gits on November 13. During their time together, the band, composed of Zapata, bassist Matt Dresdner, guitarist Andy Kessler (a.k.a. Joe Spleen), and drummer Steve Moriarty, produced only one album showcasing their unique brand of complex thrash rock, titled “Frenching the Bully” (1992). The upcoming releases will also feature three LPs filled with unfinished recordings, early works, and live performances. Additionally, a concert album named “Live at the X-Ray” will make its debut in December.

“It’s been a long, long road to get to where we are now,” Dresdner, 57, shared during a video interview from Seattle alongside Kessler. “For many years, I lacked the emotional bandwidth and strength to tackle a project like this.” As the group diligently worked to finally bring their music to the forefront, Dresdner noted that a “secondary motivation” began to emerge. “Mia’s incredible talent as a singer — the magic we created together — we hope will serve as the first sentence of our story moving forward.”

By the year 1993, The Gits had forged their sound and paid their dues in the music scene. But their rise to fame was tragically halted by the devastating loss of Zapata.

The band originated after Dresdner witnessed Zapata’s mesmerizing performance at an open mic night at Antioch College, a small liberal arts institution in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1986. “When we formed the band, it was because I was captivated by Mia’s voice,” he reflected. “It was not only beautiful and powerful but also deeply intimate.”