Former Green Jelly guitarist and producer CJ Buscaglia (aka Jesus Quisp) passed away Friday, January 16, 2015, in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He was 51.
Originally named Green Jello, Green Jelly started out in Buffalo with the intent of being “the world’s worst band.” After relocating to Hollywood, they convinced Zoo Records to advance them $50,000 to record the world’s first video-only album. The resulting product was 1992’s Cereal Killer. The “album” would become a multi-platinum phenomenon on the strength of the hugely successful MTV staple song “Three Little Pigs.” (watch the video for the song here below). The band’s success would prompt the Kraft Foods Corporation to sue the band over trademark infringement by their use of the Jello brand name. The name of the band was changed in print to Green Jelly, but band members insisted that it was still pronounced exactly as before. On the bright side, Joey Ramone would later name Green Jello as the worst band to ever open for The Ramones, thus validating their “worst band in the world” mission. The height of Green Jello’s success was short lived and Buscaglia, who had produced Cereal Killer, moved on to other projects.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press