The Germs are an American punk band from Los Angeles, California, originally active from 1977 to 1980. Germs have since reformed in 2005 with Shane West replacing Darby Crash. Their 1977 single, "Forming"/"Sexboy", is generally regarded as the first punk record from Los Angeles. The band's early lineup consisted of singer Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and their most consistent drummer Don Bolles. They released only one album, 1979's
(GI) (produced by Joan Jett) and were featured the following year in Penelope Spheeris' documentary film
The Decline of Western Civilization, which chronicled the Los Angeles punk movement.
The Germs disbanded following Crash's suicide on December 7, 1980. Their music was influential to many later punk and alternative rock acts. Smear went on to greater notoriety performing with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters.
In 2005 actor Shane West was cast to play Crash in the Germs biographical film
What We Do Is Secret. He performed with Smear, Doom, and Bolles at a production party for the film, after which the Germs re-formed with West as singer. The new lineup of the band has performed a number of tours in the United States, including performances on the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours.
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