Mink DeVille (formed 1974; split 1986) was an American rock band formed in San Francisco but best known for its association with early punk rock bands at New York's CBGB nightclub and for being a showcase for the music of Willy DeVille. The band recorded six albums during the years 1977 to 1985. Except for frontman Willy DeVille, the original members of the band played only on the first two albums ('Cabretta' and 'Return to Magenta').
Except for frontman Willy DeVille, the original members of the band played only on the first two albums ('Cabretta' and 'Return to Magenta'). For the remaining albums and for tours, Willy DeVille assembled musicians to play under the name Mink DeVille. After 1985, when Willy DeVille began recording and touring under his own name, his backup bands were sometimes called ?The Mink DeVille Band,? an allusion to the earlier Mink DeVille.