The Zeros

by Greg PratoOften referred to as the Mexican Ramones, the Zeros (guitarist and singer Javier Escovedo, second guitarist Robert Lopez, bassist Hector Pe?alosa, and drummer Baba Chenelle) were just one of many contributors to the L.A. punk explosion in the late 70s. Although they never received the acclaim of such L.A. peers as Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, or X, the Zeros made admirers out of such renowned artists as Tom Waits, Patti Smith, and the Damned, played numerous West Coast shows with the likes of Dils, Avengers, X, Plugz, Nerves, and Wipers, and even gave the Germs their very first live gig — opening for them in 1977. The group was first formed in 1976, and were initially known as the Main Street Brats — but by the time of their first show, they had settled on the name the Zeros. Although the quartet broke up in 1981, the Zeros have re-formed sporadically for live shows (such as a 1991 benefit show for ailing punk rocker/writer Craig Lee, and a few years later, Bomp Records 25th anniversary party), and a full album — 1999s Right Now! In addition, several of the Zeros compositions have been covered by other bands around the world, including Spains La Secta (Wild Weekend), Australias Hoodoo Gurus, Swedens the Nomads (Wimp), and Hollywoods the Muffs (Beat Your Heart Out).