Sold Date: January 30, 2024
Start Date: January 25, 2024
Final Price: £18.79 (GBP)
Bid Count: 1
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THE GERMS - 'GI' - LTD EDITION JET BLACK REISSUE ALBUM.

An absolute must have Germs album for any serious Punk rock record collector.

The Germs "classic" lineup consisted of singer Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom and drummer Don Bolles.

Just like their heroes the Sex Pistols they released only one album, 1979's G.I. although the Germs disbanded following Crash's suicide in 1980, their music was influential to so many later rock acts, and Smear went on to achieve greater fame performing with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.

The band's first ever public performance was at the Orpheum Theater, on Sunset Strip, Smear recalled: "Darby stuck the microphone in a jar of peanut butter, we had no songs or anything!, Lorna wore her pants inside out, and Darby covered himself in red licorice, we made a loud disgusting noise for five minutes until they threw us off the stage".

Smear was the only musically experienced member, Doom survived their early performances by sliding a finger up and down the fretboard of her bass while Rhia generally kept a minimal beat on the bass drum, periodically bashing the odd cymbal, it was generally chaos onstage but the band remained energised drawing on their early influences, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols and the New York Dolls to keep on going.

Their first single "Forming", was recorded on a Sony two-track reel to reel in Smear's family garage, and arrived back from the pressing plant with a note warning "this record may cause ear cancer" printed on the sleeve, the single featured a shambolic performance on the A Side and a muddy live recording of "Sexboy" on the B-side.

The Germs, despite most expectations, developed a sound that became highly influential, throughout their career, they had a reputation as a chaotic live band, Crash often arrived onstage incoherent from drink and drugs, singing everywhere but into the microphone and taunting the audience to fights between songs.

The other band members prided themselves on their own problems, with many gig reviews citing collapses, incoherence and drunken vomiting, smashing bottles onstage and rolling in the broken glass, with the music coming and going.

The final end of the germs came when Darby Crash committed suicide on December 7, 1980, at the age of just 22.

Crash had overdosed on heroin in a suicide pact with close friend Casey Hopkins, who ended up surviving, She later insisted that he did not intend for her to live, nor did he change his mind at the last minute and intend for himself to live.

Sadly Crash attempted to write "Here lies Darby Crash" on the wall as he lay dying, but never finished.

In his mind he wanted a newsworthy death just like his hero Sid Vicious but Crash's death was largely overshadowed by a fresh news story breaking the next day the tragic murder of John Lennon.

The Germs influence can't be understated though and the many bands that followed in their chaotic wake owe them a great debt.

DARBY CRASH...R.I.P.

This luxury vinyl limited reissue of their debut album is in great condition overall with just one bumped corner - see photos but its not excessive, the vinyl is near mint and is unplayed.

Grab it while you have the chance. Sold with no reserve. Check out my other items, lots more punk classics and rare items to find.