Plasmatics

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riginally forming in 1978 as Plasmatics they would reform in 1984 as Wendy O. Williams, a name derived from the same as the band's founder Wendy Orlean Williams (vocals), then changing it to Plasmatics again before returning to the former name then splitting in 1988, Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams made names for themselves.

During their formative years, the Plasmatics had nothing to do with heavy metal, instead making a name for themselves as an outrageous punk act, featuring personalities such as mostly-naked-on-stage vocalist and former porn actress Wendy O. Williams and blue-mohawked, tutu-wearing guitarist Richie Stotts. Known for their ridiculously over-the-top live shows, the band gained a cult success despite being relegated as a novelty act. By 1982, however, the band's music had matured, with that year's heavy metal anthemic album. Though not a blockbuster hit, that album Coup D'Etat, is considered the band's finest hour as far as the industry is concerned. As a band, the Plasmatics disintegrated soon after that album, Wendy deciding to go it alone for a time with middling success, before a reunion album of sorts in 1988 that didn't last.

Under their original moniker of Plasmatics they would release Butcher Baby / Fast Food Service / Concrete Shoes EP; 1978) under the line-up of Wendy O. Williams (R.I.P. 1998; vocals), Osao Chosei Funahara (bass), Stu Deutsch (drums) and Richie Stotts (guitars). This would be followed by (Meet the) Plasmatics (EP; 1979) with Wes Beech on guitars, New Hope for the Wretched (1980) with Jean Beauvoir (bass/piano/synthesizeresizers), Butcher Baby EP (1980), Beyond the Valley of 1984 (1981), Metal Priestess (EP; 1981) featuring Tony Petri (R.I.P. 2024; drums: tracks 3, 6), Chris "Junior" Romanelli (bass: tracks 1, 2, 4, 5) and Joey Reese (drums: tracks 1, 2, 4, 5), and their heavy metal album proper, Coup d'état (1982) with T.C. Tolliver (drums/percussion).

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