The San Diego punk band that released the 1977 single “Don’t Push Me Around” was The Zeros.
The Zeros were an early Southern California punk group formed in the San Diego area. Their first single, “Wimp” backed with “Don’t Push Me Around,” was released in 1977 by Bomp! Records. The record helped establish the band during punk’s formative American period, when short independent singles and local live shows were central to the scene.
The group was led by Javier “เจ” Escovedo, with Robert “R.” Lopez and other musicians participating in its early lineup. The Zeros became known for catchy, direct songs that connected punk energy with pop instincts. They were part of a network of Southern California bands that also included The Germs, The Weirdos, The Bags, and The Dils.
A common mix-up is reversing the single’s sides: “Don’t Push Me Around” was not the A-side of the original release; it appeared as the B-side to “Wimp.” The Zeros later recorded further singles, including “Beat Your Heart Out” and “Getting Nowhere Fast,” and their songs influenced later punk and alternative bands.