Taking advantage of Seattle's insatiable appetite for music festivals, organizers of the seventh annual Seattle Tattoo Expo have added a hefty lineup of live bands to this year's event Aug. 8-10 at Seattle Center.

Tattoos are an essential fashion accessory for edgy punk or heavy-metal musicians. So it makes sense to invite them to play at the city's annual tattoo fest.

Among the bands and musicians performing at Fisher Green during the annual celebration of tattoo art and culture are Tiger Army, Nashville Pussy, Nevermore, Loaded (featuring Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses), Pleasure Elite, Witchburn and singer-guitarist Vince Mira, aka Juanny Cash.

More than 200 top tattoo artists showcase their work at the festival. Featured are Jack Rudy, Shawn Barber, Jeff Gogue, Damon Conklin, James Kern, Jeff Cornell, Orly Lacquiao, Chula, Matt Arriola, Tim McCartney and others. Activities include seminars, gallery exhibits, daily contests and a children's entertainment village. Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass, or $35 for a three-day pass, at TicketsWest.com.

Attendees can also register to win an Epiphone Les Paul Vintage Sunburst guitar at the STE merchandise booth.

The event kicks off with an exhibit of non-tattoo art created by well-known tattoo artists Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at BLVD Gallery, 2316 Second Ave. Admission to the all-ages event is free.

Here's the musical lineup for Tattoo Expo:

Aug. 8: Nevermore, Murdock, Point One, Mos Generator, The Pleasure Elite, Zero Down and Witchburn.

Aug. 9: Nashville Pussy, Throw Rag, Viva Hate, Dragstrip Riot and Thee Sgt. Major Three.

Aug. 10: Tiger Army, Vince Mira, Loaded and Kane Hodder.

Hours are noon to 10 p.m. each day.

Oh, and one more thing: There's an after party each night of the festival at El Corazon. On Aug. 8, Loaded, as well as Mike McCready's band, Flight to Mars, and People Eating People perform. Tickets are $15 at the door or at TicketsWest.com.