The Germs and the Chaos of Early Los Angeles Punk

A deep dive into The Germs—Darby Crash’s fearless frontman, Pat Smear’s relentless guitar work, Lorna Doom’s solid bass, and Don Bolles’ driving drums—showing how their chaotic shows at places like The Masque, DIY recordings, and street‑level touring forged a raw punk identity in 1970s Los Angeles. We examine the band’s rise, the scene’s infrastructure, the controversies that surrounded them, the tragedy of Crash’s overdose, and the lasting influence on later hardcore and pop‑punk acts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices