Gaza Strippers, a rock band from Chicago, was formed in 1996 by Rick Sims and Darren Hooper. After the dissolution of Sims' previous band, Didjits, he founded Gaza Strippers with the aim of blending the sounds of Thin Lizzy and Queen. The band's first single was released in 1997, followed by their debut album Laced Candy in 1999 on Man’s Ruin Records. Their subsequent albums included Electric Bible (2000) and 1000 Watt Confessions (2000). In 2002, they released their final album, From the Desk of Dr Freepill, which featured covers of "Me 262" by Blue Öyster Cult, "Sheer Heart Attack" by Queen, and "Yin and Yang The Flowerpot Man" by Love and Rockets. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a European tour with Hellacopters and Datsuns. After entering a lengthy hiatus, members of The Gaza Strippers became involved in other musical ventures: Guitarist Mike Hodgkiss joined Urge Overkill and Sims played at Didjits reunion shows.
