Lorna Doom Bassist With the Punk Band Germs Dies

Lorna Doom, the bassist for the Los Angeles punk band the Germs, died on Jan.17,2019. The cause of death was not made public, nor her age, but some news outlets were saying she was 50 years old.

The band’s drummer Don Bolles announced on Facebook her death.

Born Teresa Ryan, in 1977 she joined the Germs with her roommate Belinda Carlisle after replying to an advertisement. Carlisle who later went onto The Go-Go’s, left before the band would perform. The other members of the group were lead singer Darby Crash, Pat Smear on guitars and Don Bolles would complete the lineup.

The Germs released their album “GI” in 1979, which was produced by Joan Jett. Rolling Stone Magazine called the album one of the greatest of all time.

On Dec.7, 1980, 22-year-old Crash entered a suicide pact with his girlfriend, Casey Cola. The couple injected $400 worth of heroin together.  Crash died, but Cole survived. After the suicide, the band broke up.

In 2005 the Germs got back together for “What We Do Is Silent” which was a biopic about Crash. The Germs were so impressed with the actor in the movie who portrayed Crash, they decided to reunite with Shane West providing the lead vocals. The film was released in 2007.

Smear went on to join Nirvana as a touring guitarist and was one of the original members of Foo Fighters which formed in 1994.

Doom leaves behind grandchildren and two children.

Doom was a female role model in the male-dominated punk rock scene in the United States. Her distinctive style was an inspiration to other musicians who came after her.

Written By Barbara Sobel

Sources:

Rolling Stone: Germs Bassist Lorna Doom Has Died
The Guardian: Lorna Doom, bassist with cult Los Angeles punk band Germs, dies
Kerrang: IN MEMORY OF GERMS BASSIST LORNA DOOM: A PUNK ICON AND INSPIRATION

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Flickr Page Alice Bag’s Flickr – Creative Commons License