- The Zeros (US band)
The Zeros, aka "the Mexican Ramones", were an American
punk rock band, formed in 1976 inChula Vista, California . The band was comprised of Robert Lopez (later known asEl Vez , "The Mexican Elvis") on vocals, andJavier Escovedo (younger brother ofAlejandro Escovedo ) on guitar, who were both attending Chula Vista High School; and Hector Penalosa, bass, and Baba Chenelle, drums, who attended Sweetwater High School.In 1977, The Zeros played their first major gig in
Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theater, across the street fromTower Records /Sunset Strip , an influential record store. Opening the show was the first ever performance byThe Germs , followed by The Zeros and thenThe Weirdos . The gig was promoted byPeter Case ofThe Nerves who later fronted The Breakaways andThe Plimsouls . The Zeros first release, "Wimp" b/w "Don't Push Me Around" was released in 1977 onBomp Records .In 1978, Hector left the band briefly to live and play in Los Angeles, and was replaced by Guy Lopez, Robert’s brother. Soon after, Robert left to live in L.A. as well and his brother quit the Zeros also. Hector rejoined the band and they continued as a trio, and eventually relocated to San Francisco. In 1980, the band recorded a new single with the songs "They say," "Girl on the Block" and "Getting Nowhere Fast." After more touring that led to Austin, Texas and New York City, the band fizzled out.
More recently, the Zeros reunited one last time to tour in Spain in early 2007.
Covers of songs by The Zeros were released by Los Angeles bands Wednesday Week ("They Say That Everything's Alright") and The Muffs ("Beat Your Heart Out").
Discography
*"Wimp" b/w "Don't Push Me Around" - 1977
Bomp! Records
*"Beat Your Heart Out" b/w "Wild Weekend" - 1978 Bomp!
*"Getting Nowhere Fast" b/w "They Say That (Everything's Alright)" - 1980 Test Tube
*"Don't Push Me Around - 1980 Bomp!
*"Right Now!" - 1992 Bomp!
*"Knocking Me Dead - 1994 Bomp!
*"I Don't Wanna" b/w "Li'l Latin Lupe Lu" -Sympathy for the Record Industry
*"You, Me, Us" b/w "Talkin'" - 1998 PennimanExternal links
* [http://punkmodpop.free.fr/zerosep1_uk.htm The Modpopunk Archives]
* [http://punkmodpop.free.fr/zeros_pic.htm The Zeros - Punk Rock - Javier Escovedo]
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