Darby Crash Biography review by Chris Auman.
To many, the Germs were the epitome of drugged-out, nihilistic no-talent punk rockers. To others, Darby Crash was a tortured genius who was meant to die young and tragically. The truth lies somewhere in the middle as it usually does. One way to get to that truth, if you’re a devoted Germs fan or simply interested in rock history, is to read Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and the Germs. [Feral House]
By Brendan Mullen (Editor), Don Bolles (Collaborator), Adam Parfrey (Collaborator)
The Notorious Germs
It’s quite possible that the notoriety of 70s LA punk band, The Germs, eclipses their musical output. More people were influenced by the band than actually saw them play. They were known for their raw and aggressive sound, and they played a significant role in the early punk scene. Darby Crash was the charismatic and enigmatic frontman of the Germs. He was also a unique and troubled figure, known for his distinctive stage presence and provocative lyrics.
Darby Crash entered the world as Jan Paul Beahm on September 26, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. He died on December 7, 1980, at the age of 22 of an intentional heroin overdose. The day before John Lennon’s murder, an event vastly overshadowing Darby’s suicide.
Crash formed The Germs in 1977 with guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and drummer Don Bolles. The band became known for their chaotic and intense live performances, fueled by Crash’s charismatic and unpredictable stage presence.
Darby Crash was a complex and troubled individual, often struggling with drug addiction and personal issues. He had a rebellious and provocative persona, and his lyrics often explored themes of alienation, disillusionment, and societal criticism.
His death marked the end of The Germs, but the band’s impact on the punk rock genre and the underground music scene continues to this day.
Live Fast Die Young
Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and the Germs is edited by Brendan Mullen (1949-2009) who has himself an influential figure in the Los Angeles punk rock scene as a music promoter and founder and owner of The Masque club in Hollywood. While Mullen was primarily known for his involvement in the music industry, he didn’t author any books himself. However, he contributed to the writing and documentation of punk rock history through interviews, articles, and his involvement with various publications and media outlets. Germs drummer Don Bolles along with Adam Parfrey chronicles the life and legacy of Darby Crash, the lead singer of the punk band The Germs.
The book provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of Darby Crash’s upbringing, his involvement in the punk scene, and his impact on the music world. It delves into Crash’s complex personality, his charismatic stage presence, and his struggles with drug addiction and personal demons.
Lexicon Devil also delves into the formation and trajectory of The Germs as a band. This includes their raw and aggressive musical style, their chaotic live performances, and their significant influence on the punk rock genre. The book examines the band’s relationships with other prominent figures in the punk scene. It also examines their interactions with the Los Angeles music community.
Motivating Factors
Throughout the book, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive portrait of Darby Crash. This sheds light on his motivations, creative process, and the challenges he faced. “Lexicon Devil” is a valuable resource for fans of punk rock, providing a deeper understanding of the era and the influential figures that shaped it.
The Germs crashed and burned well before I discovered punk rock. The LA punk scene in the 1970s is well documented in a number of books. Rhe Germ’s story was even made into a movie. Of course, we all know that Pat Smear would get a career boost (to put it mildly) when Kurt Cobain asked him to join Nirvana. He is also an on-again-off-again member of Foo Fighters. Before all that, however, there were the Germs.
Buy:
Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and the Germs and other titles from the Punk Rock Book Clube at the RoosterCow Store.
Books on ’70s & ’80s LA Punk
Learn more about the great music that came out of Southern California in the late 1970s and early 1980s with these books.
Some New Kind of Kick
Written by Kid Congo Powers (Author), Chris Campion, Some New Kind of Kick is an intimate coming-of-age story set in the mid-‘70s, depicting a young, queer, Chicano kid navigating his sexual identity amidst the backdrop of a suburban area east of East LA. Glam rock serves as his exploration tool. However, a profound personal tragedy shatters his teenage aspirations. Seeking comfort and a sense of belonging, he discovers solace and community by becoming the founder (known as ‘The Prez’) of the Ramones West Coast fan club. He immerses himself in the rebellious anarchy of the early LA punk scene.
We Got the Neutron Bomb
The Untold Story of LA Punk, written by Marc Spitz and LA club owner and promoter Brendan Mullen. Assembled from hours of interviews with the movers and shakers of of the early LA punk scene. This predates SoCal hardcore and deals primarily with its predecessors. Bands such as the Runaways, Weirdos, the Germs, X, the Screamers, Black Flag, and the Circle Jerks all get their due. A must read for punk musicoligists and anyone interested in gritty rock and roll stories.
Under the Big Black Sun
Under the Big Black Sun, by John Doe and Tom DeSavia. This is the untold story of the LA punk rock movement, tracing its evolution from its early days to hardcore punk. Co-authored by John Doe of X and Tom DeSavia, the book captures the essence of the West Coast scene between 1977 and 1982. It features personal essays from influential figures in the punk scene, complemented by the authors’ own chapter-length tales. John Doe provides interstitial commentary, guiding readers through the gritty landscapes of noir-inspired Los Angeles. Illustrated with 50 rare photos, this book chronicles the birth of an artistic movement under the big black sun.
Spray Paint the Walls
Spray Paint the Walls by Stevie Chick. This bio delves into Black Flag’s story. Author Stevie Chick offers an insider’s perspective through exclusive interviews with band members, contemporaries, and the bands they influenced. The book follows Henry Rollins’ transformation from a fan to an iconic frontman. It explores as well Greg Ginn’s role in both elevating his electronics company to a renowned independent record label. Ginn guided Black Flag’s evolution from punk’s three-chord frenzy to heavy metal and free-jazz. Accompanied by over 30 photographs from Glen E. Friedman, Edward Colver, and others, this book captures the essence of Black Flag’s tumultuous journey.
Read more book reviews from the archives.