Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers

The Profile

American punk rock band formed in New York City in 1975 by Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan after leaving the New York Dolls, with early members Richard Hell and Walter Lure. Their definitive album L.A.M.F. (1977) and staples like Chinese Rocks and Born to Lose anchored the CBGB/Max’s Kansas City era.

Founders: Johnny Thunders (guitar, vocals) and Jerry Nolan (drums). Early lineup included Richard Hell (bass, vocals) and Walter Lure (guitar, vocals); Hell left in 1976 and was replaced by Billy Rath. Associated with CBGB and Max's Kansas City. Debut album: L.A.M.F. (1977).

A single, glowing review charts the Heartbreakers’ 1975 formation from ex–New York Dolls and Richard Hell, their CBGB/Max’s habitat, and an early 1976 SBS Yonkers studio bootleg. The tape—restored by the reviewer—captures Thunders and Hell during a brief, combustible partnership. The write-up hails their gritty, subway-style rock and places the session at the peak of their creativity.