The Cramps were an American rock band formed in 1976 and active until 2009. Their lineup rotated frequently during their existence, with the husband-and-wife duo of singer Lux Interior and guitarist Poison Ivy the only ever-present members. The band are credited as progenitors of the psychobilly subgenre, fusing elements of punk rock with rockabilly.
The addition of guitarist Bryan Gregory and drummer Pam Balam resulted in the first complete lineup in April 1976. They released their debut album Songs the Lord Taught Us in 1980. The band split after the death of lead singer Interior in 2009.
Members:
Lux Interior (Erick Purkhiser) - vocals, harmonica, percussion (1976-2009; until his death)
Poison Ivy (Kristy Wallace) - guitar, theremin, bass (1976-2009)
Harry Drumdini (Harry Meisenheimer) - drums (1993-2003, 2006-2009)
From: New York City, U.S.
Genre(s):
Psychobilly,
punk rock,
gothabilly,
surf
Active From: 1976-2009