In early 1976, Jeff Conolly (sometimes credited as J. Connally, Mono Mann, Monoman, Pokemonoman, etc.) stole the lead vocalist position in the nascent band by out-performing their singer at one of the band's practices.[1] Along with his vocals he brought two things the band lacked: keyboards (an electric piano) and original songs.
Just over one year later, in April 1977, the band went into the
recording studio with
Craig Leon (who had
produced the
Ramones'
first album). Four songs from that session were released by
Bomp! on a seven-inch vinyl EP. One of the best known photographs of Bomp! founder
Greg Shaw shows him holding this disc.[2] DMZ was later signed by
Sire Records and went to New York City to record their debut album, produced by
Flo & Eddie.
The album was released in 1978 without much success and by the end of the year the group had splintered. Guitarists J. J. Rassler and Preston Wayne left to start the Odds,[3] and Conolly, bassist Rick Coraccio and drummer Paul Murphy formed
Lyres.[4]
DMZ has re-formed periodically; a 1993 set appears on the Live at the Ratalbum (along with eight tracks from a 1976 show).
Early drummer
David Robinson (who had previously been in
The Modern Lovers) left DMZ to join
The Cars. Bassist Mike Lewis later joined the Lyres and later recorded with
The A-Bones and
Yo La Tengo. Guitarist Peter Greenberg later joined Lyres and went on to found Barrence Whitfield and the Savages.