The Dictators

• Genre: Punk Pioneers
• Hometown: NYC
• The Dictators Website

About

One of the best and most underrated bands -- ever. With tongue-in-cheek humor buried in every song, the Dictators were one of the first groups to translate rock 'n' roll fanzine passion into a real band. Scathing twin guitars land their unabashed aural attack in places few bands dare tread. They promise faster, louder, and harder, and they come through in spades. One-time wrestler Handsome Dick Manitoba's raspy, Brooklyn-accented vocals act as ringleader for an intense barrage that's catchy, fun and completely uncompromising. The band formed in the early 1970s to draw on classic '60s rock 'n' roll, Surf music, bad TV, Heavy Metal (guitar player Ross "The Boss" spent time in Manowar), fast food, and a few of the era's less-conventional bands (MC5, Flamin' Groovies). Still going strong all these years later with their unique, high-powered, junk culture-fueled music, the Dictators have influenced countless bands. When frontman Manitoba bellows the question "Who Will Save Rock 'n' Roll?" you know the answer.

- Mark Murrmann