The Heartbreakers

The Heartbreakers in 1975 (first line-up). From left to right: Johnny Thunders, Richard Hell, Jerry Nolan, and Walter Lure. Photo by David Michael Kennedy.

In May 1975, https://genius.com/artists/Johnny-thunders (lead guitar, vocals) and Jerry Nolan (drums) quit the https://genius.com/artists/New-york-dolls, the same week that https://genius.com/artists/Richard-hell (bass, vocals) left Television. Their first gig was on May 31st of that year at The Coventry, a rock club in Queens. The trio soon added Walter Lure (guitar, vocals) to the line-up. Lure had previously played with a glam-punk band called the Demons.

In December 1975, Richard Hell left The Heartbreakers and was replaced by Billy Rath.

The Heartbreakers in 1977 (second line-up). From left to right: Billy Rath, Walter Lure, Jerry Nolan, and Johnny Thunders. Photo by Bob Gruen.