Nova Mob, named after characters from William S. Burroughs' book Nova Express, was an Alternative Rock group formed in 1989 by former Hüsker Dü drummer Grant Hart.
After the demise of Hüsker Dü, Hart overcame his addiction to heroin and returned to music. After releasing a solo album, he formed Nova Mob with himself on vocals and guitar, along with Tom Merkl (bass), Kevin Lavaly (guitar), and Tommy Rey (drums). Rey was later replaced by Michael Crego. Together they wrote and released the album "Last Days of Pompeii" in 1992 (on Rough Trade). Touring Europe and America, now with Mark Retish on drums (Lavaly had left due to alcohol problems), the band gained a loyal following.
In 1994, their second, self-titled, album was released; featuring Johnny Clegg and his horn section. By then, Retish had also left the band and was replaced by Steve Sutherland; Chris Hesler had also joined the band as guitarist. However, the album made little impression and was panned by music critics. Since Merkl planned to move to the Netherlands to be with his partner, the band finally disbanded after a final tour in 1997.
Hart subsequently returned to solo work, and Merkl formed the band Iffy, which released an album in 2001.
United States