Derf Scratch (Born Fred Milner III)
DOB Unknown – July 28, 2010
Derf Scratch is best remembered as the founding bassist for legendary Los Angeles hardcore punk band, Fear. Formed with Lee Ving in 1977, the band would become one of the foundations on which hardcore was built. During their early years, Fear found a fan in John Belushi who championed them enough to get them a coveted spot on a 1981 episode of Saturday Night Live. That performance became that on which rock legends are built, as it quickly devolved into a partially planned mini-riot. Meanwhile, Scratch and Belushi became good friends and partners in substance abuse. Later that year, Scratch and the band were prominently featured in Penelope Spheeris’ landmark punk documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization. In May of 1982, Fear released its debut album, The Record, which generally lands high upon lists of the most influential punk, if not overall rock albums, ever recorded. Scratch and the band parted ways later that year. On July 28, 2010, Derf Scratch passed away reportedly following a long illness. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
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Darby Crash is best remembered as founder and lead singer for influential Los Angeles punk band, the Germs. Formed in 1977, the Germs were part of the same scene that produced X, Fear, the Circle Jerks and Black Flag. In 1977, they released a single, “Forming,” which is regarded by many to be the first punk record to come out of Los Angeles. The Germs disbanded in 1980, with Crash going on to form the Darby Crash Band, that didn’t last much longer than a handful of gigs. He got the Germs back together for a reunion show on December 3, 1980. Four days later he took his own life by overdosing on heroin in an apparent suicide pact with friend, Casey Cola who actually survived the OD. In 1981, Crash and the band were featured prominently in Penelope Spheeris’ acclaimed documentary on the L.A. punk scene, The Decline of Western Civilization.