The Zeros (US band)

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For other uses, see The Zeros (UK band).

The Zeros, aka "the Mexican Ramones", who hailed from Chula Vista, California, beginning in 1976. The band was comprised of Robert Lopez (later known as El Vez, "The Mexican Elvis") on vocals, and Javier Escovedo (younger brother of Alejandro Escovedo) on guitar, who were both attending Chula Vista High School; and Hector Penalosa, bass, and Baba Chenelle, drums, who attended Sweetwater High School.

In 1977, The Zeros played their first major gig in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theater, across the street from Tower Records/Sunset Strip, an influential record store. Opening the show was the first ever performance by The Germs, followed by The Zeros and then The Weirdos. The gig was promoted by Peter Case of The Nerves who later fronted The Breakaways and The Plimsouls. The Zeros first release, "Wimp" b/w "Don't Push Me Around" was released in 1977 on Bomp Records.

In 1978, Hector left the band briefly to live and play in Los Angeles, and was replaced by Guy Lopez, Robert’s brother. Soon after, Robert left to live in L.A. as well and his brother quit the Zeros also. Hector rejoined the band and they continued as a trio, and eventually relocated to San Francisco. In 1980, the band recorded a new single with the songs "They say," "Girl on the Block" and "Getting Nowhere Fast." After more touring that led to Austin, Texas and New York City, the band fizzled out.

More recently, the Zeros reunited one last time to tour in Spain in early 2007.

Covers of songs by The Zeros were released by Los Angeles bands Wednesday Week ("They Say That Everything's Alright") and The Muffs ("Beat Your Heart Out").

[edit] Discography

"Wimp" b/w "Don't Push Me Around" - 1977 Bomp! Records
"Beat Your Heart Out" b/w "Wild Weekend" - 1978 Bomp!
"Getting Nowhere Fast" b/w "They Say That (Everything's Alright)" - 1980 Test Tube
"Don't Push Me Around - 1980 Bomp!
"Right Now!" - 1992 Bomp!
"Knocking Me Dead - 1994 Bomp!
"I Don't Wanna" b/w "Li'l Latin Lupe Lu" - Sympathy for the Record Industry
"You, Me, Us" b/w "Talkin'" - 1998 Penniman