Sniper (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Joey Ramone, Bob Butani, Danny Wray, Peter (Morgan) Morales, Patrick Franklyn |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music (glam punk) |
Sniper was a pioneering American glam punk ensemble that originated in New York City in 1972. They held performances at notable locations such as the Mercer Arts Center, Max's Kansas City, and the Coventry, sharing stages with influential acts including the New York Dolls and Suicide. The group is recognized for being the starting point of frontman Joey Ramone (born Jeff Hyman), prior to his formation of the Ramones, as well as guitarist Frank Infante, who later became a member of Blondie.
History
The founding members of Sniper comprised Joey Ramone, guitarists Bob Butani and Danny Wray, bassist Peter (Morgan) Morales, and drummer Patrick Franklyn. Performing under the alias "Jeff Starship," Ramone was distinguished by his unique stage wardrobe. He stayed with the band until early 1974, when Alan Turner took over his role.
During the emergence of the punk movement, Sniper frequently appeared at venues such as Max's Kansas City, Club 82, and CBGB. In 1975, they produced their sole demo titled Hots at Record Plant Studios. That same year, Butani departed to join Tuff Darts and was succeeded by Infante. The band then adopted the name Kid Blast and incorporated Vinny (Bank) Sanchez on keyboards. By 1977, Michael Harrington replaced Turner, while Infante left to become part of Blondie.
From 1978 onward, operating under the name Grand Slam, the group performed throughout New York City and along the East Coast. They contributed "Stitch in Time" to the compilation Max's Kansas City Volume 2. The band ultimately dissolved in 1979.
Following their split, members engaged in various musical endeavors: Wray pursued work as a studio session guitarist and joined the DCvers; Sanchez stayed active in New York with Mrozinski Music; Morales and Franklyn established Hunter in London; Turner reactivated Age of Reason in 2015; and Wray continues performing with Wrayband.
In 2022, previously unseen footage featuring Jeff Hyman with Sniper appeared on YouTube, shedding light on the band's foundational role in punk rock history.