The Sonics

About

American rock and roll group, formed 1963 in Tacoma, Washington, counting as the pioneers of “proto-punk” and “garage rock”. They played in several local dance halls and in high schools, until Buck Ormsby, bass player of The Wailers, discovered them. They recorded two LPs with Ormsby that were released in 1965. They scored some minor hits before disbanding in 1969. Reunited in 2007, still actively performing as of 2015.

They're renowned for their crude and brutal sound, for Gerry Roslie’s lyrics (hinting at drugs, evil women and disturbing mental states) and screams.

Original lineup: Gerry Roslie (organ, piano, lead vocals), Rob Lind (saxophone, vocals, harmonica), Larry Parypa (lead guitar, vocals), Andy Parypa (bass guitar), Bob Bennett (drums)
Lineup 2015: Gerry Roslie, Rob Lind, Larry Parypa, Freddie Dennis (bass guitar, lead vocals), Dusty Watson (drums)

Data provided by Discogs