Jon Spencer is a major figure in noise rock and alternative rock circles known for his gritty, combustible songs, fiercely minimalistic guitar work, and over-the-top performing style. Spencer first made his name in the mid-'80s with combative noise merchants Pussy Galore (best heard on the 1987 album Right Now!), whose raw, purposefully off-putting style and deliberately offensive lyrics made them one of the most polarizing bands of the day. After Pussy Galore's breakup, Spencer launched the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, whose frantic but wildly energetic style mixed elements of punk, R&B, blues, and garage rock into a raucous, celebratory attack that made them one of the best live acts of their day. The band captured the essentials of their sound on Extra Width (1993) and Orange (1994), while they embraced elements of hip-hop and electronics on Acme (1998). While Spencer's approach was easily recognizable, he was able to fuse his ideas with a variety of collaborators, including the raw R&B sound of Boss Hog, the fractured roots rock of Heavy Trash, and the deep but idiosyncratic blues wailing of Spencer Dickinson. After the breakup of the Blues Explosion, Spencer reintroduced himself first with a solo album, 2018's Spencer Sings the Hits, and then by launching a new band, Jon Spencer & the HITmakers, whose raw, noisy rock was documented on 2022's Spencer Gets It Lit. Spencer teamed up with the bassist and drummer of the Bobby Lees for his third solo effort, 2024's Sick of Being Sick!