IVOX RADIO Presents ● An Interview with Don Bolles of The Germs
The Germs ● L to R Pat Smear, Lorna Doom, Darby Crash and Don Bolles ● photo courtesy Don Bolles
Don Bolles (born Jimmy Michael Giorsetti on July 30, 1956) is best known for his work with the seminal punk rock band The Germs. A pivotal figure in the Los Angeles punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bolles has also contributed to various other bands and projects, solidifying his status as a versatile and innovative musician.
Bolles was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and showed an early interest in music. He began drumming as a teenager, drawing inspiration from the raw energy of garage rock and the experimental ethos of proto-punk acts like The Stooges and MC5. In 1976, he joined his first band, Pseudo Psychics, in Phoenix, cutting his teeth in the underground music scene. However, his ambitions soon led him to Los Angeles, where the burgeoning punk movement was taking shape.
In 1978, Bolles became the drummer for The Germs, replacing their original drummer, Dottie Danger (Belinda Carlisle, who left due to health issues). With Bolles on board, the band solidified its lineup with Darby Crash (vocals), Pat Smear (guitar), and Lorna Doom (bass). Bolles brought a ferocious yet precise drumming style to the group, helping to define their chaotic and abrasive sound.
The Germs released their only studio album, (GI), in 1979, produced by Joan Jett. Widely regarded as one of the first hardcore punk albums, (GI) became a cornerstone of the punk genre, influencing countless bands with its raw intensity and rebellious spirit. Bolles’ drumming on tracks like “Lexicon Devil,” “Manimal,” and “We Must Bleed” showcased his ability to balance frenetic energy with technical precision, a hallmark of his style.
The Germs were infamous for their wild, unpredictable live performances, with Bolles often anchoring the chaos with his relentless rhythms. However, the band dissolved in 1980 following the death of Darby Crash. Despite the tragic end of The Germs’ initial run, their legacy endured, and Bolles became a key figure in preserving their influence.
After The Germs, Bolles remained an active and prolific musician. He played in several other bands, including 45 Grave, a pioneering death rock band, and Celebrity Skin, which blended punk with glam influences. Bolles also explored experimental and avant-garde music, demonstrating his willingness to push creative boundaries.
Beyond music, Bolles became known for his eclectic personality and dedication to the punk ethos. He delved into various artistic endeavors, including DJing and writing. His deep knowledge of music history and culture earned him respect as a punk historian and tastemaker.
GI ● The Germs
GI, is the only studio album by the Germs. Often considered the first full-length hardcore punk album, it was released in the United States in October 1979 on Slash Records. The album was later released in Italy in 1982 by Expanded Music. The album's title GI, is an acronym for "Germs Incognito", an alternate name the band used to obtain bookings when their early reputation kept them out of Los Angeles-area clubs. In late 1978, the (GI) sessions took place in 1979 at Quad Teck recording studio in Los Angeles and the album redefined the Germs for California audiences, who had only seen the band thrash around onstage.
In the early 2000s, Bolles reunited with surviving Germs members for a series of performances, with actor Shane West filling in as vocalist. These shows introduced The Germs’ music to a new generation, further solidifying their place in punk history.
Don Bolles’ contributions to punk rock, both as a drummer and cultural figure, have left an indelible mark on the genre. His dynamic style and commitment to artistic freedom continue to inspire musicians and fans worldwide, ensuring his legacy as a cornerstone of the punk movement.
IVOX RADIO Presents ● An Interview with Don Bolles of The Germs today at 5pm hosted by Louie Comella, on KWXY Music Radio ● 92.3FM 1340AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and on IVOX+ ivoxplus.com