The Germs

The Profile

The Germs are an American punk band from Los Angeles formed in 1977 by Darby Crash and Pat Smear, with Lorna Doom and Don Bolles. Their sole studio album, (GI) (1979), produced by Joan Jett, became a cornerstone of hardcore punk. The band disbanded after Crash’s death in 1980 and reunited 2005–2009 with Shane West on vocals.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1977; classic lineup: Darby Crash (vocals), Pat Smear (guitar), Lorna Doom (bass), Don Bolles (drums); debut single “Forming” (1977) on What? Records; (GI) (1979) produced by Joan Jett; Crash died of a heroin overdose on December 7, 1980; mid‑2000s reunion featured Shane West; Pat Smear later played with Nirvana and Foo Fighters; early alias Dottie Danger was Belinda Carlisle.

Across six reviews, The Germs emerge as L.A.’s feral spark for hardcore: lo‑fi beginnings, a 1979 detonation with (GI), and chaotic, myth-making shows. Core voices praise Crash’s howl, Smear’s abrasion, Doom’s driving bass, and Bolles’ tireless drums. The reunion era appears too, with a 2009 live blast keeping the legend noisy.