Which punk band had a lead singer named Darby Crash?

The Germs had a lead singer named Darby Crash.

Darby Crash was the stage name of Jan Paul Beahm, an influential Los Angeles punk vocalist who co-founded The Germs with guitarist Pat Smear. Crash initially performed under the name Bobby Pyn before adopting the more provocative Darby Crash persona. His theatrical, confrontational presence became central to the band’s reputation.

The Germs formed in the mid-1970s and became notorious for chaotic performances, deliberately rough musicianship, and a volatile relationship with Los Angeles club owners. Their debut single, “Forming,” appeared in 1977, and their only studio album, GI, was produced by Joan Jett and released in 1979.

The band’s performances were documented in Penelope Spheeris’s 1981 film The Decline of Western Civilization. The Germs broke up in 1980, briefly reunited later that year, and performed their final show in December. Crash died by suicide on 7 December 1980. He is sometimes confused with other Los Angeles hardcore singers, but Black Flag and Circle Jerks had different frontmen.