The Germs Totally Explained

Everything about The Germs totally explained

The Germs are a punk rock band from Los Angeles formed in the late 1970s. Their 1977 single, "Forming/Sexboy (live)", is generally regarded as the first punk record from Los Angeles. Two members went on to join much more famous groups: guitarist Pat Smear joined Nirvana during the band's dramatic last months and has also been a member of the Foo Fighters, and drummer Belinda Carlisle is the lead singer for the Go-Go's (and a successful solo artist.)

History

The band began when Paul Beahm and Georg Ruthenberg decided they should start a band after being kicked out of University High for antisocial behaviour, allegedly for using 'mind control' on fellow students. The (initially hypothetical) band was named "Sophistifuck & The Revlon Spam Queens," with Beahm (then 'Bobby Pyn,' and later Darby Crash) on vocals, Ruthenberg (then and later called Pat Smear) on guitar, an early member named "Dinky" on bass, and Michelle Baer playing drums. This lineup never played in front of a live audience.
   In April '77 the band added a trumpet player, Chia Pet Darna, with transitional member "Dottie Danger" on drums, later famous as Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go's. Carlisle never actually played with the band, due to her being sidelined by a bout of mononucleosis for an extended period, and she was replaced by her friend Donna Rhia, real name: Becky Barton, who played three gigs and recorded their first single. Carlisle remained a friend and helper of the band throughout (she can be heard introducing the band on the Live At The Whiskey recording), only leaving because her new band, the Go-Go's was becoming popular, and, as she put it, "I was really disturbed by the heroin that was going on." Nicky Beat, of various noteworthy LA bands, also sat in on drums for a time.
   The band's first live performance was at the Orpheum Theater. Pat Smear recalled: ť "We made noise. Darby stuck the mic in a jar of peanut butter. It was a dare, we'd no songs or anything! Lorna wore her pants inside out, and Darby covered himself in red licorice...we made noise for five minutes until they threw us off." The film stars Shane West in the role of Darby Crash. The film was savaged in reviews and hasn't resurfaced since.
   Smear, Doom, and Bolles reactivated the Germs with West taking over the vocal spot. They played on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour and toured club shows in the US later that summer, and again in 2007. Some prominent members of the punk rock community such as Fat Mike and Jello Biafra have been critical of the band's decision to replace Darby Crash with an actor.

Bolles' arrest

After a long, troubled history of drug addiction and run-ins with the law, Don Bolles, the Germs' drummer, was arrested April 4th, 2007, for possession of GHB, when an 8 oz. bottle of peppermint Dr. Bronner's Magical Soap in his possession tested positive for the banned chemical. Both the internet community and the manufacturer came to his aid for a brief time before distancing themselves from Bolles. It should be noted that the bottle didn't contain any GHB, and that the test they used is known to be grossly inaccurate when used on certain substances such as soap.

Members

Current lineup

Shane West "Shane Wreck" – vocals (2005-present)
Pat Smear – guitar (1977-1980, 2005-present)
Lorna Doom – bass (1977-1980, 2005-present)
Don Bolles – drums (1978-1980, 2005-present)

Former members

Darby Crash – vocals (1977-1980)

Dottie Danger a.k.a. Belinda Carlisle – drums (1977)

Donna Rhia – drums (1977)

David Winogrond – drums (1977)

Cliff Hanger – drums (1977-1978)

D. J. Bonebrake – drums (1978)

Nickey Beat – drums (1978)

Rob Henley – drums (1978)

Discography

Forming/Sexboy (live) 7", 1977, What? Records

Lexicon Devil 7" EP, 1978, Slash Records

(GI) LP, 1979, Slash Records

The Decline of Western Civilization Soundtrack (live tracks) LP, 1980, Slash Records

What We Do Is Secret EP, 1981, Slash Records

Live At The Whisky, First Show Ever LP, 1981, Mohawk/Bomp Records

Germicide cassette, 1981, ROIR

Germs (MIA) - The Complete Anthology CD, 1993, Slash/Rhino Records

Germs Rock 'N' Rule--Recorded Live At The Masque Christmas Party--Whisky A-Go-Go, December 1979, Hollywood (1986 Xes Records)Further Information
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