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The Heartbreakers

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Band Timeline

1975

Formation of The Heartbreakers and Early Gigs

The Heartbreakers were formed in New York City in 1975 by Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan, both former members of the New York Dolls, alongside Richard Hell who recently left Television. The band was quickly expanded with the addition of Walter Lure. Their first performance took place on May 30, 1975, at the Coventry club in Queens, marking the start of their musical journey. The band gained traction in the New York punk underground scene, headlining renowned clubs like CBGB, Mother's, and Max's Kansas City. This period was notable for their shared songwriting and vocal duties and their growing reputation despite challenges securing a recording contract due to their notorious heroin use.
1976

Lineup Change and New Musical Direction

In early 1976, internal tensions led Richard Hell to lay an ultimatum about performing roles, which resulted in his departure after his last show on May 14, 1976. He was replaced by Billy Rath, whose arrival solidified the band’s sound. The new lineup embraced a more defined rock and rhythm & blues style mixed with punk energy. Under manager Leee Black Childers, the band refined their image towards a '50s street-tough aesthetic, moving away from their glam rock roots. They performed their first shows with this lineup at Max's Kansas City in July 1976 to rave reviews, maintaining regular gigs and expanding their influence within the New York punk scene.
1977

Release of Debut Album 'L.A.M.F.'

In 1977, The Heartbreakers released their debut studio album, 'L.A.M.F.' (Like a Mother Fucker), which became their most enduring work and a landmark record in punk rock history. The album captured their raw, high-energy sound and combines elements of rock, punk, and rhythm & blues. Despite production issues and dissatisfaction with the sound quality, 'L.A.M.F.' secured critical acclaim and a loyal following. The band toured extensively to support the album, helping to expand their audience beyond New York. This period cemented The Heartbreakers' place in the pantheon of early punk pioneers and influenced countless bands in the punk and rock genres.
Late 1970s - Early 1980s

Continued Touring and Legal Challenges

Following the release of 'L.A.M.F.', The Heartbreakers continued performing live, gaining a dedicated fan base with their energetic shows and musical authenticity. However, the band dealt with ongoing struggles including drug addiction problems among members and legal battles related to management and royalties. Despite these challenges, they managed to release live recordings such as 'Live at the London Lyceum'. The band's influence persisted in the punk community during this period, even as internal difficulties and changing musical landscapes affected their commercial trajectory.
2019

Release of Early Demo Recordings

In 2019, decades after their original formation and active years, The Heartbreakers' early demos from the Thunders/Hell/Nolan/Lure lineup were finally released. This offered fans and critics insight into the band's formative sound before their official debut album. The release highlighted the raw power and songwriting abilities of the group members during their earliest days, shedding new light on a band that had struggled to secure a recording deal initially. This retrospective release helped to reaffirm the cultural and musical significance of The Heartbreakers within the punk rock genre and historic New York music scene.

Albums

the-heartbreakers_1st_album
L.A.M.F.
12 tracks
1977
the-heartbreakers_2nd_album
L.A.M.F. Revisited
13 tracks
1984
the-heartbreakers_3rd_album
D.T.K. L.A.M.F.
24 tracks
1986
the-heartbreakers_4th_album
L.A.M.F. The Lost ’77 Mixes
14 tracks
1994
📷
No Image
L.A.M.F.T.M.J.B. - A Mixed Attempt For The Best Mixes
21 tracks
2012
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Story of The Heartbreakers

Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan, fresh off their tumultuous tenure with the New York Dolls, ignited the New York City punk scene in 1975 with the formation of the Heartbreakers. Often dubbed "Johnny Thunders` Heartbreakers," this seminal band spearheaded the first wave of punk rock, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Their story begins with the Dolls implosion amidst creative tensions and poor sales. Thunders and Nolan, departing mid-Florida tour in March 1975, found themselves unexpectedly aligned with Richard Hell, whod just bailed on Television, citing its increasing pretentiousness. Hells desire for a raw, compelling rock & roll band perfectly complemented Thunders and Nolans vision.

The trio, christened the Heartbreakers, debuted at Queens Coventry club on May 30th, 1975 (note: a different band, Tom Pettys Heartbreakers, wouldnt start gigging until the following year). Adding guitarist Walter Lure (formerly of the glam-punk Demons) in July at CBGBs completed their explosive lineup.

The Heartbreakers rapidly ascended to underground New York royalty, commanding sold-out shows at iconic venues like CBGB, Mothers (across from the Chelsea Hotel), and Maxs Kansas City. Their raw energy and uncompromising sound cemented their place as pioneers of a genre that would soon take the world by storm.

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