johnny thunders (vocals/guitar) and jerry nolan (drums) had quit the new york dolls. that same week richard hell (vocals/bass) was kicked out of television. the three musicians joined to make the new band. after a few shows, walter lure (vocals/guitar) from a group called the demons joined the band also. in 1976, hell left group. he was replaced by billy rath. hell went on to form his own band, the voidoids.