The Plugz Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1978 Los Angeles, CA

Members

Barry McBride, Cliff Roman, Tito Larriva

Biography

Considered by just about everyone to be the first Latino punk bank, the Plugz came together in 1978 in Southern California. Part of the family of bands that was influenced by the Germs and played at legendary clubs like Madame Wong's and the Masque, the Plugz were led by vocalist Tito Larriva and formed their own label, Fatima, in 1979. Their debut, Electrify Me (1979), which featured a ripping version of the classic "La Bamba", and the follow-up, 1981's Better Luck, were well received, and tracks from the latter would eventually find their way onto the soundtrack to the cult classic film Repo Man. Although the band (Larriva, Chalo Quintana, Tony Marsico, and Barry McBride) would split in the mid-'80s, Larriva, Quintana, and Marsico resurfaced with Steven Hufsteter in tow to form the critically acclaimed rock band Cruzados. Larriva continued to supply music for movies and did some acting work, most notably as a neighbor of Pee Wee Herman on an early version of his kids' show. In 1999, Larriva released Santa Sangre with his band the Psychotic Aztecs, while Chalo would go on to play with the Havalinas. ~ Christopher M. True, All Music Guide