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Germs

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Band Timeline

1976

Formation of the Germs in Los Angeles

The Germs formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1976. The founding members included singer Darby Crash (born Jan Paul Beahm) and guitarist Pat Smear (born Georg Ruthenberg). The band initially had a longer, unreleased name, "Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens," but it was shortened due to practical reasons. The early lineup also involved bassist Lorna Doom and transitional drummer members including Dottie Danger (who would later become Belinda Carlisle). Early performances were chaotic and marked by raucous crowds among the band’s friends, with the band's sound influenced by punk rawness and artists like Iggy Pop and the Ramones.
1977

First Single "Forming" Released

In July 1977, the Germs released their first single, "Forming," on the What? label. The recording was done in Pat Smear's family garage using a two-track reel-to-reel recorder. The single sleeve came with a cautionary note humorously warning that it might cause ear cancer, reflecting the band's rebellious, noisy style. This release helped to establish the Germs within the Los Angeles punk scene despite its raw and unpolished sound.
1979

Release of Album (GI) Produced by Joan Jett

The Germs released their only studio album, titled (GI), in 1979. The album was produced by Joan Jett, who was a prominent figure in the rock scene. (GI) captured the band's raw energy and chaotic punk style, becoming an influential record within the punk subculture and beyond. This album solidified the Germs’ legacy as pioneers of the Los Angeles punk movement and showcased the talents of the classic lineup: Darby Crash, Pat Smear, Lorna Doom, and drummer Don Bolles.
1980

Darby Crash's Suicide and Band's Initial Breakup

In 1980, the Germs disbanded following the suicide of their lead singer Darby Crash. His death marked a tragic turning point and effectively ended the band's initial run. Despite their short career span, the Germs had made a significant cultural impact within the punk rock world. The band was notably featured in the documentary film The Decline of Western Civilization, which showcased the Los Angeles punk scene. After the breakup, Pat Smear went on to achieve greater fame playing with Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
2005

Biopic Film ‘What We Do Is Secret’ and Band Reunion

In 2005, a biographical film titled What We Do Is Secret was released, portraying the life of Darby Crash and the Germs. Actor Shane West was cast to play Crash and performed with original band members Pat Smear, Lorna Doom, and Don Bolles at the film's wrap party. Following this event, the Germs reunited with Shane West as their new frontman. This reunion lineup toured internationally, generating renewed interest in the band’s legacy and exposing their music to new generations of punk fans.
2006-2008

Touring Years Post-Reunion

After reuniting with Shane West as lead vocalist, the Germs embarked on touring globally, including notable appearances at the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours. These tours were significant for reviving the band's presence in the live music scene and celebrating the lasting influence of their music. The lineup rekindled the spirit of the original band while introducing the Germs' groundbreaking punk ethos to audiences around the world.

Albums

germs_1st_album
(GI)
16 tracks
1979
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Don Bolles

1978
1980

Drums (drum set)

Don Bolles

2013
2013

Drums (drum set)

Pat Smear

2013
2013

Guitar

Charlotte Caffey

2013
2013

Bass guitar

Darby Crash

1976
1980

Lead vocals

Dinky

1977
1977

Bass guitar

Michelle Baer

1976
1976

Drums (drum set)

Pat Smear

1976
1980

Lead vocals

Guitar

DJ Bonebrake

1978
1978

Drums (drum set)

Nickey “Beat” Alexander

1978
1978

Drums (drum set)

Shane West

2005
2009

Lead vocals

Don Bolles

2005
2009

Drums (drum set)

Lorna Doom

1976
1980

Bass guitar

Donna Rhia

1977
1977

Drums (drum set)

Lorna Doom

2005
2009

Bass guitar

Pat Smear

2005
2009

Guitar

Cliff Hanger

1977
1978

Drums (drum set)

Robin Henley

1980
1980

Drums (drum set)

David Winogrond

1977
1977

Drums (drum set)

Dottie Danger

1980
1980

Drums (drum set)

Story of Germs

The Germs, a seminal Los Angeles punk band, exploded onto the scene in 1976, leaving an indelible mark on the genre before disbanding in 1980. Their classic lineup – Darby Crash (vocals), Pat Smear (guitar), Lorna Doom (bass), and Don Bolles (drums) – forged a raw, fiercely energetic sound, culminating in their only studio album, 1979s *GI*, produced by Joan Jett. Captured in Penelope Spheeris influential documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, the Germs embodied the chaotic energy of the LA punk scene. Tragically, the bands history was cut short by Crashs suicide.

Despite their brevity, their influence on subsequent rock acts remains undeniable. Smears later success with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters further cemented the Germs legacy. A 2005 biopic, What We Do Is Secret, starring Shane West as Crash, sparked a remarkable reunion. West, alongside the original Smear, Doom, and Bolles, toured extensively, including appearances at the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours, demonstrating the enduring power of the Germs` music and the impact of their explosive, albeit short-lived, career.

The band`s formation itself is the stuff of punk legend. Crash (Jan Paul Beahm) and Smear (Georg Ruthenberg), expelled from University High for alleged "mind control" antics, initially christened their band the far more verbose "Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens." Budgetary constraints – specifically, the cost of printing T-shirts – quickly led to a much-needed name change to the iconic and appropriately concise "The Germs."

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