The Dictators

The Profile

American proto‑punk/punk rock band formed in New York City in 1973. Debut album Go Girl Crazy! (1975), produced by Sandy Pearlman, is widely cited as a proto‑punk cornerstone. Key members include Andy Shernoff, Ross "The Boss" Friedman, Scott "Top Ten" Kempner, and frontman Handsome Dick Manitoba; albums include Manifest Destiny (1977), Bloodbrothers (1978), and the reunion D.F.F.D. (2001).

Formed in New York City in 1973. Associated with CBGB. Debut Go Girl Crazy! released in 1975 (producer: Sandy Pearlman). Subsequent albums: Manifest Destiny (1977), Bloodbrothers (1978), D.F.F.D. (2001). Core figures: Andy Shernoff, Ross "The Boss" Friedman, Scott "Top Ten" Kempner, Handsome Dick Manitoba. Ross "The Boss" later co‑founded Manowar.

Three DeBaser reviews chart The Dictators from their 1975 proto‑punk landmark Go Girl Crazy! to the lean punch of Bloodbrothers and the surprisingly fierce 2001 comeback D.F.F.D. The CBGB stalwarts get praised for Andy Shernoff’s writing, Ross The Boss’s firepower, and Handsome Dick Manitoba’s front‑man antics. Highlights and track shout‑outs abound, with nods to power pop hooks, hard rock grit, and punk velocity.