David Yow Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Siblings, Bands, Movies, Controversy
David Lambeth Yow, professionally known as David Yow, is an American musician, actor, illustrator, and writer who gained international recognition as the frontman and lead vocalist of the influential noise rock bands Scratch Acid and The Jesus Lizard.
He first established himself in the underground music scene during the 1980s with Scratch Acid before achieving wider alternative rock recognition in the following decade as the unpredictable frontman of The Jesus Lizard.
Trending Now!!:
His reputation grew through his intense vocals and famously chaotic stage performances, while his later work in independent cinema introduced him to a broader audience through films such as I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore and Under the Silver Lake.
Alongside music and acting, Yow has developed a career in visual art, illustration and writing.
| David Yow | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | David Lambeth Yow |
| Stage Name: | David Yow |
| Born: | August 2, 1960 (age 66 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | American |
| Height: | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Yow |
| Siblings: | Kathy Yow |
| Occupation: | Musician, Actor, Illustrator, Writer |
| Net Worth: | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
David Yow, who reached the age of 66 years old, was born on August 2, 1960, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Because his father worked as a fighter pilot, his family moved several times during his childhood before eventually settling in central Texas.
He grew up alongside his sister, Kathy Yow, and developed an early interest in visual art and music rather than following a conventional academic path.
His upbringing also exposed him to the emerging counterculture and underground music scenes that were developing throughout Texas during his teenage years.
After completing high school, David attended Southwest Texas State University, where he studied graphic design and painting. He initially considered pursuing a career in art education and became interested in illustration, painting and other visual disciplines.
His time at university was eventually cut short when his growing involvement in Austin’s punk scene drew him toward music. He left his formal studies and began concentrating on the developing underground rock community that would become the foundation of his professional career.
Personal Life
David Yow is unmarried and has kept his romantic life largely private. There is no reliable public information identifying a current wife or confirming that he has ever been married.
Outside music and acting, Yow has maintained a strong interest in visual art. He has worked as an illustrator and artist, using painting, digital manipulation and photography-related techniques during periods when he was not touring.
Career
David Yow began his professional music career in 1982 when he co-founded the Austin noise rock band Scratch Acid. The group became an influential part of the American underground scene before disbanding in 1987.
That same year, Yow formed The Jesus Lizard with guitarist Duane Denison and bassist David Wm. Sims, with drummer Mac McNeilly joining the lineup. The band relocated to Chicago and developed a reputation for aggressive noise rock, intense performances and Yow‘s unpredictable stage presence.
The Jesus Lizard released a series of influential records during the late 1980s and 1990s, including Goat, Liar and Down. Yow became particularly well known for his confrontational live performances, which often involved climbing into the audience and behaving unpredictably onstage.
The group eventually broke up in 1999 after its initial run, although the members later reunited for performances. Yow also worked with the band Qui and performed with other artists, including guest appearances with Flipper.
After establishing himself in music, Yow increasingly moved into acting. He developed a reputation for playing eccentric and unconventional characters in independent productions.
Among his notable film appearances was his role as Marshall in the 2017 dark comedy I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. He later appeared as the Homeless King in Under the Silver Lake and took roles in films including Dinner in America, Free LSD and The Toxic Avenger.
Yow has also maintained a career as an illustrator and writer. In 2014, he published Copycat: And a Litter of Other Cats, a book built around his cat drawings and artwork. His creative interests have allowed him to move between music, cinema, visual art and literature rather than concentrating on a single medium.
In 2024, Yow returned to the recording studio with The Jesus Lizard for Rack, the band’s first studio album in 26 years. Released on September 13, 2024, the album marked a major return for the group, with Yow again handling lead vocals alongside Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims and Mac McNeilly. The record was followed by live performances and renewed touring activity.
Awards
- Grand Jury Prize – Sundance Film Festival for I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore – Won (2017)
Net Worth
David Yow has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His income has been generated through his decades-long career in music, including recording royalties, live performances and touring with The Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid.
He has also earned money from acting roles, visual artwork, illustration, writing and other creative projects.
Controversy
David Yow became notorious during the height of The Jesus Lizard’s popularity for his extremely provocative live performances. His unpredictable behavior frequently pushed the boundaries of conventional stage performance, and in 1995 he was arrested for indecent exposure following a performance at the Lollapalooza festival.
His reputation for wild performances became closely associated with The Jesus Lizard’s identity during the 1990s, although his later career has focused more heavily on music, acting and visual art.
Social Media
- Instagram: @the_david_yow
Filmography
- Big Brass Ring (1999)
- The Man in the Silo (2012)
- Entertainment (2015)
- Southbound (2015)
- Al’s Beef (2016)
- I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
- Under the Silver Lake (2018)
- Rattlesnake (2019)
- Dinner in America (2020)
- Free LSD (2023)
- The Toxic Avenger (2023)
Discography
- Scratch Acid (1984)
- Just Keep Eating (1986)
- Berserker (1987)
- Head (1990)
- Goat (1991)
- Liar (1992)
- Down (1994)
- Shot (1996)
- Blue (1998)
- Love’s Miracle (2007)
- Tonight You Look Like a Spider (2013)
- Rack (2024)
Books
- Online Diaries: The Lollapalooza ’95 Tour Journals (1996)
- The Jesus Lizard Book (2014)
- Copycat: And a Litter of Other Cats (2014)
What People Ask
NOTICE!! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!
At TheCityCeleb, we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date biographies and entertainment news, focusing on celebrities. Our editorial team researches information from reputable sources, including interviews, official statements, and verified media.If you spot an error or have additional details, please contact us at editor@thecityceleb.com. We value your feedback and are committed to maintaining trustworthy content.
