Initially formed as ‘Acid Rain’ at the University of California in Berkley’s Barrington Hall student co-op in 1985. Founding members include bassist Dan Rathbun, guitarist and composer Nils Frykdahl, along with violinist and guitarist Gene Jun; early drummers included Daniel Roth and David Shamrock. As ‘Acid Rain’, the band released a tape titled We Were All Very Worried in 1987.
The group adopted the Idiot Flesh name in ‘87 prior to releasing their debut record four years later; which also featured drummer/artist Chuck Squier. Idiot Flesh often toured the U.S. in a converted city bus driven by Rathbun with the destination banner set for 'HELL’. Their live performances often incorporated such acts as Butoh dancers, acrobatics, marching band routines, puppet shows, pantomime performances, and even playing household items as tuned instruments.