The Plugz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music |
The Plugz—also referred to as "Los Plugz"—were a trailblazing Latino punk ensemble originating from Los Angeles, active between 1977 and 1984. Alongside The Zeros, they stood out as one of the earliest Latino punk groups, merging the raw energy of punk with Latino musical elements.
History
Established in 1977 amid the burgeoning L.A. punk movement, The Plugz expressed the Chicano perspective through their music, notably with their rapid adaptation of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba." Recognized as L.A.’s inaugural D.I.Y. punk outfit, they launched PLUGZ RECORDS and subsequently Fatima Records.
The original lineup consisted of:
- Tito Larriva (lead vocals and guitar)
- Charlie Quintana (drums) (deceased 2018)
- Barry McBride (bass and backing vocals)
This group produced their first album, Electrify Me (1979), under the production of Alan Kutner. Following McBride’s exit around 1979–80, John Curry from The Flyboys assumed bass duties but departed within a year. Larriva and Curry collaborated on the title track for their sophomore album, Better Luck (1981), which featured:
- Tito Larriva (lead vocals/guitar)
- Charlie Quintana (drums), credited as "Chalo Quintana"
Guest musicians included Gustavo Santaolalla (bass, guitars, charango, backing vocals), Aníbal Kerpel (keyboards), Steve Berlin (saxophone), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Steve Fowler (saxophone), and Brian Qualls (piano).
Tony Marsico joined as bassist in late 1980, while Steven Hufsteter became lead guitarist in 1984.
With Hufsteter onboard, The Plugz made significant contributions to the Repo Man (1984) soundtrack, performing songs such as "Hombre Secreto" and "El Clavo y la Cruz," along with original instrumental pieces compiled as Reel Ten on the album.
A notable collaboration occurred when bassist Tony Marsico and drummer Charlie Quintana teamed up with guitarist JJ Holiday to support Bob Dylan during his March 22, 1984 appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, performing three tracks including "Jokerman."
In 1984, The Plugz transformed into Cruzados, continuing their musical journey with Hufsteter.
The founding members reunited for The Masque’s 30th Anniversary Party and Book Release event on November 11, 2007, held at The Echoplex in Los Angeles.
Discography
- "Move // Mindless Contentment / Let Go" single released by Slash Records (1978)
- Electrify Me (1979) on PLUGZ RECORDS
- "Achin' / La Bamba" single through Fatima Records (1981)
- Better Luck (1981)
- Los Angelinos – the eastside renaissance compilation (1983)
- Repo Man soundtrack (1984)
- Bob Dylan & The Plugz (1984)
- New Wave Hookers soundtrack featuring Electrify Me (1985)
- We're Desperate: The L.A. Scene 1976-79 Rhino compilation including "La Bamba" (1993)
Track listing – Electrify Me (1979)
- "A Gain – A Loss" (Tito Larriva)
- "The Cause" (Tito Larriva)
- "Electrify Me" (Tito Larriva)
- "Satisfied Die" (Tito Larriva/Barry McBride)
- "La Bamba" (public domain)
- "Adolescent" (Tito Larriva)
- "Braintime" (Tito Larriva)
- "Wordless" (Tito Larriva)
- "Let Go" (Tito Larriva/Barry McBride)
- "Infection" (Tito Larriva)
- "Berserktown" (Tito Larriva)
Better Luck (1981) – Track List
- "Better Luck" (Tito Larriva/Curry)
- "Red Eye No. 9" (Tito Larriva)
- "Achin'" (Tito Larriva)
- "American" (Tito Larriva)
- "In The Wait" (Tito Larriva)
- "El Clavo Y La Cruz" (Tito Larriva)
- "Blue Sofa" (Tito Larriva)
- "Touch For Cash" (Tito Larriva)
- "Gas Line" (Tito Larriva)
- "Cesar's Song" (Tito Larriva)
- "Shifting Heart" (Tito Larriva)
- "No Love" (Tito Larriva)
Presence in Popular Media
- The track "Adolescent" by The Plugz was included in the 1984 motion picture Scarred.
- Their song "Electrify Me" was featured in the 1985 adult film New Wave Hookers.
Related Topics
External Resources
- "The Plugz – Biography and Images", The ModPopPunk Archives, 2006.