Germs (band)

The Germs
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1976 in Los Angeles, California, United States
Defunct	1980
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Punk rock music, album (GI)

The Germs were a punk rock group originating from Los Angeles, California, active between 1976 and 1980. The band's most recognized lineup consisted of vocalist Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and drummer Don Bolles. Their sole album, (GI), produced by Joan Jett, came out in 1979. The Germs also featured prominently in Penelope Spheeris' documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, which documented the LA punk movement. The group dissolved following Crash's suicide in 1980. Their style and sound went on to influence numerous rock musicians, with Smear later achieving greater prominence through his work with Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

In 2005, actor Shane West took on the role of Crash in the biographical film What We Do Is Secret. After the movie’s release, West joined forces with Smear, Doom, and Bolles to revive the Germs, embarking on international tours that included appearances at the 2006 and 2008 editions of the Warped Tour.

Formation

After being expelled from University High School due to disruptive conduct, Crash (born Jan Paul Beahm) and Smear (Georg Ruthenberg) formed the band. Initially called "Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens," they shortened the name to reduce merchandising expenses. The earliest lineup featured Beahm (performing as Bobby Pyn/Darby Crash) on vocals, Ruthenberg (Pat Smear) on guitar, "Dinky" (Diana Grant) handling bass duties, and Michelle Baer on drums; however, this formation never performed live.

By April 1976, Lorna Doom (Teresa Ryan) had taken over bass responsibilities. Drumming was briefly handled by Dottie Danger—later known as Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's—who was soon forced to withdraw due to illness. Donna Rhia replaced her for three shows and recorded their debut single. Although Carlisle remained connected to the group for a time, she eventually distanced herself over concerns regarding heroin use within the scene. Nickey Beat also contributed as a temporary drummer during this period.

Their debut performance took place at the Orpheum Theater on the Sunset Strip, characterized by chaotic shows that frequently ended abruptly. Influences cited by the band included Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Ramones, the Runaways, Sex Pistols, and New York Dolls. Given that most members lacked extensive musical training, their live acts were raw and energetic, often provoking unruly crowds and near-riot conditions.

Recordings

The Germs’ first single, "Forming", was recorded in Smear's family garage using a Sony two-track reel-to-reel recorder and released in July 1977 on the What? label. The record sleeve controversially warned listeners that "this record may cause ear cancer," much to the band's disapproval. The A-side presented a rough sound while the B-side featured a muddy live version of "Sexboy," recorded at the Roxy for the film Up in Smoke. Despite this, neither the song nor the Germs appeared in the movie itself. They were omitted from the film’s "Battle of the Bands" scene, likely due to their unruly and unscripted food fight during their Roxy performance.

Known for their unpredictable stage presence, Crash often appeared disoriented due to drug use, singing off-microphone and provoking audiences while delivering intense theatrical performances. The band embraced onstage collapses and drunken behavior as part of their act. Smear stood out as a skilled guitarist, and following Crash’s death, critics began to acknowledge his lyrics as poetic. Tomata DuPlenty of the Screamers influenced Crash’s vocal style, while glam rock band Zolar X inspired their rapid tempos and gritty guitar tone.

Throughout their career, the Germs produced two singles featuring alternate tracks, an album-length demo session, and one full-length LP—(GI)—each showing increasing focus and strength. Despite erratic conduct, Crash earned recognition as an exceptional lyricist. By the time of (GI), Smear, Doom, and Bolles had evolved into a world-class rock unit praised by critics for its powerful impact. The album was produced by Joan Jett of the Runaways; certain European editions credited Donny Rose for keyboards on "Shut Down," which was recorded live in-studio with piano accompaniment.

The band also appeared alongside seminal punk groups such as X, Black Flag, and Fear in Penelope Spheeris's documentary The Decline of Western Civilization.

After releasing (GI) through Slash Records, they worked with producer Jack Nitzsche to record six original tracks for the film Cruising, starring Al Pacino. Doom contributed one composition. Only "Lions Share" was included on Columbia’s soundtrack album and briefly featured in a video-booth murder scene set within an S&M club. Additional session recordings surfaced on the 1988 bootleg titled Lion's Share, which also contained material from their final performance at the Starwood. These tracks were later officially released on the CD compilation (MIA): The Complete Anthology.

Disbandment and Darby Crash's Suicide

The group dissolved after Crash grew increasingly frustrated with drummer Don Bolles' conduct, leading him to dismiss Bolles and bring in his partner and friend Rob Henley, who also struggled with heroin addiction.

Following the Germs' breakup, Crash teamed up with Smear to form the brief-lived Darby Crash Band. Just before their inaugural sold-out performance, Circle Jerks’ drummer Lucky Lehrer joined after Crash replaced the original drummer during soundcheck. Smear later described this ensemble as "similar to the Germs, but with less skilled musicians." Their limited number of shows met with tepid reactions before they ultimately disbanded.

Crash later reached out to Smear about organizing a Germs reunion concert, stating the purpose was to "give new fans a clearer understanding of punk." However, Smear disclosed that Crash privately confessed his true motive was to raise funds for heroin to facilitate his suicide. Given Crash’s prior expressions of such intentions, Smear did not take these remarks seriously.

On December 3, 1980, an overcapacity crowd gathered at the Starwood for the final reunited Germs performance, featuring Bolles on drums. Crash addressed the audience, saying, "We did this show so you new people could see what it was like when we were around. You're not going to see it again." This concert was officially released by Rhino Handmade on June 14, 2010, as Live at the Starwood Dec. 3, 1980, accompanied by memorabilia including a reproduction of the original poster and set list.

Crash took his own life on December 7, 1980, at just 22 years old. Unreported at the time, he died from a heroin overdose in a suicide pact with close companion Casey "Cola" Hopkins, who survived the attempt. Hopkins later revealed that Crash never intended for her to survive nor reconsidered his decision to die. According to Spin, legend has it that while dying, Crash attempted to write "Here lies Darby Crash" but ultimately left only a note addressed to David "Bosco" Davenport stating: "My life, my leather, my love goes to Bosco."

The announcement of Crash’s death was largely eclipsed by John Lennon’s assassination the following day. A local news outlet erroneously reported that Crash had died due to sleeping pill overdose.

Consequences and Legacy

After the Germs dissolved, Bolles played with several Los Angeles-based bands such as Nervous Gender, 45 Grave, Celebrity Skin, and Ariel Pink. In 2009, he appeared in the cast of the web series Oblivion.

In 1993, Slash released (MIA): The Complete Anthology, which included liner notes by Pleasant Gehman.

Smear joined Nirvana during their final year and following Kurt Cobain's passing collaborated with Mike Watt before eventually becoming part of Foo Fighters.

The 1996 tribute album A Small Circle of Friends featured contributions from artists such as Watt, Free Kitten, Melvins, Meat Puppets, L7, NOFX, among others. Notably, Smear performed a rendition of "Circle One" alongside Hole, credited as "the Holez."

What We Do Is Secret, reunions and Lorna Doom's passing (2005–present)

The Germs biographical film, What We Do Is Secret, debuted on June 23, 2007 at the Los Angeles Film Festival and had its theatrical release on August 8, 2008. Shane West portrayed Darby Crash in the movie.

Smear, Doom, and Bolles revived the Germs with West assuming vocal duties. They performed during the Warped Tours in 2006 and 2008 and toured various U.S. clubs throughout 2007. Some figures within punk circles such as Fat Mike and Jello Biafra voiced criticism regarding West’s involvement as frontman.

In July 2009, Bolles announced intentions to re-record tracks for a box set titled Lest We Forget: The Sounds of the Germs. The project involved reworking songs from the Germicide and Cruising sessions along with plans to record material from the Darby Crash Band era. Live recordings were also slated for inclusion. The release was planned for 2010 under a label owned by Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan. Two previously unrecorded compositions by Crash and Smear—"Out of Time" and "Beyond Hurt – Beyond Help"—were set to feature West on vocals. West departed from the group later in 2009.

In December 2013, Charlotte Caffey of the Go-Go's stepped in on bass for a tribute concert honoring Bill "Pat Fear" Bartell when Doom was unavailable.

On January 16, 2019, bassist Lorna Doom passed away after battling breast cancer.

Members

Original lineup

Darby Crash (Jan Paul Beahm) – lead singer (1976–1980; deceased 1980)
Lorna Doom (Teresa Ryan) – bassist (1976–1980, 2005–2009; deceased 2019)
Pat Smear (Georg Ruthenberg) – guitarist, backing vocals (1976–1980, 2005–2009, 2013)
Don Bolles – drummer (1978–1980, 2005–2009, 2013)

Additional past members

Michelle Baer – drums (1976)
Dinky (Diana Grant) – bass (1976)
Dottie Danger (Belinda Carlisle) – drums (1977)
Donna Rhia (Becky Barton) – drums (1977)
David Winogrond – drums (1977)
Luisa Terrence – drums (1977)
Cliff Hanger – drums (1977–1978)
D. J. Bonebrake – drums (1978)
Nicky Beat (Nickey Alexander) – drums (1978)
Rob Henley – drums (1980)
John Lorey – drums (1980)
Shane West – lead vocals (2005–2009, 2013)
Charlotte Caffey – bass guitar (2013)

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Studio album

(GI) (1979, released by Slash Records)

Singles and EPs

"Forming"/"Sexboy (live)" 7-inch single (1977, What? Records)
Lexicon Devil 7-inch EP (1978, Slash Records)
What We Do Is Secret 12-inch EP (1981, Slash Records)
(DCC) 7-inch EP (1992, Rockville/Gasatanka Records)

Live albums

Germicide (also known as Live at the Whisky, First Show Ever) (1981, Mohawk/Bomp! Records/ROIR)
Rock 'N' Rule (1986, XEX Records)
Live at the Starwood 12/3/80 (double LP) (2019, Rhino Entertainment Company, Run Out Groove) ROGV-080

Compilation albums

(MIA): The Complete Anthology (1993, Slash/Rhino Records)
Media Blitz (1993, Cleopatra Records)

Compilation appearances

Tooth and Nail (1979, Upsetter Records)
Yes L.A. 12-inch EP (1979, Dangerhouse Records)
Life Is Beautiful So Why Not Eat Health Foods (1981, New Underground Records)
We're Desperate: The L.A. Scene (1976-79) (1993, Rhino) – featuring "Forming" and "Lexicon Devil"

Soundtrack contributions

Cruising soundtrack (1980, Lorimar Records)
The Decline of Western Civilization soundtrack (1980, Slash Records)

External links

Lipton, Shana Ting (August 23, 2005). "Rekindling the punk flame". Los Angeles Times.
Adams, Tim (August 24, 2008). "The death and afterlife of an LA punk". The Observer.