Nivek Ogre
For other uses, see Ogilvie.For other uses, see Ogre (disambiguation).Nivek Ogre (real name
Kevin Graham Ogilvie) born
December 5,
1962 is the vocalist best known for his work in the seminal, and notably experimental,
industrial band
Skinny Puppy. Since that band featured another Kevin (Crompton, aka
cEvin Key) and was produced by another Ogilvie (Dave, aka
Rave), Ogre's alias was practical as well as theatrical.
Ogre is the driving force behind Skinny Puppy's live shows which feature performance art, horror makeup and elaborate special effects. He has spoken out on
animal rights and the legalization of
marijuana.
In the 1990s, the musical press reported on Ogre's
heroin addiction, speculating that it was the source of band discord that might lead to Skinny Puppy's dissolution. Ironically, bandmate
Dwayne Goettel died from an overdose in
1995 and Ogre eventually recovered. He briefly downplayed his horror associations in the late 1990s, remarking that
Marilyn Manson had co-opted and popularized his image. While working on the
Rx project with
Martin Atkins he told an interviewer that he preferred to be known as Kevin Ogilvie rather than as Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy.
Ogre has been involved with many
industrial music acts such as
KMFDM,
Rx,
Pigface,
PTP, the
Revolting Cocks and
Ministry. His current projects include the reformed
Skinny Puppy as well as his solo project
ohGr.
