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The Skabbs (band)

The Skabbs are a punk rock band from Los Angeles, CA. Originally active from April 1977 through February 1979, the band reformed in 2008 and remain active today. Founded by guitarists Andrew Thoreson and Steve Evans, bassist Mike Enzor and drummer Andy Gonzalez with singer/keyboardist/songwriter Steven J. Salazar joining in September of 1977.

The four original members came up with the initial concept of the band as well as it's name. Blatantly cashing in on the "punk rock" craze, the band pretended to be punks therefore "out-punking the punks". With the addition of Salazar, an already established singer/songwriter with a degree in musical composition from USC, The Skabbs became a prolific original band with a unique front man and a theatrical stage act.

Resistance to the band was great, and gigs were hard to find. In general, the other punk bands around Los Angeles hated The Skabbs because they felt they weren't one of them. Also, the non-punk rock community disliked them because they thought they were punks. The Skabbs thrived on this diversity, but bad luck stepped in.

Salazar had a heart condition from birth that affected every aspect of his life. He stood about 5 feet tall and weighed under 100 lbs. Physical activity was difficult, so fronting a punk rock band was taxing at times. Early in 1979 Salazar became ill and he passed away on February 8 just shy of his 27th birthday.

The surviving members went their separate ways, then reconvened in 2008 as a foursome with Thoreson and Enzor taking over lead vocal duties. In 2012 the band added Salazar's brother Mark on keyboards, percussion and vocals. Also in 2012, Jackpot Records of Portland, OR released "Idle Threat", an album comprised of The Skabbs' archival recordings featuring mostly songs written by Steven J. Salazar. The band continues to play shows around the Los Angeles area.