The Dictators

The Dictators are an American punk rock band from New York City. In 1975, they released their first album, 'Go Girl Crazy', making them the first NYC punk band to release an album on a major label. Their infectious version of "California Sun" got a huge response. They are considered, to this day, very influential in the genre's development. The Dictators are represented in the "Punk Wing" of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Steven Van Zandt called them,"The connective tissue between the eras of the MC5, The Stooges, the New York Dolls, and the punk explosion of the mid to late 70's." Members Richard Manitoba - lead vocals (1973-2008) Ross "The Boss" Friedman - lead guitars/backing vocals (1973- 2008) Scott "Top Ten" Kempner - rhythm guitars (1973-2008) Andy Shernoff - bass (1973-1975, 1976-2008), keyboards/backing vocals (1973-2008) Stu Boy King - drums (1974-1975; died 2018) Ritchie Teeter - drums (1976-1980; died 2012) Mark Mendoza - bass (1976-1977) Mel Anderson - drums (1979) Frank Funaro - drums (1995-1998) J.P. Patterson - drums (1998-2008) Discography Go Girl Crazy (1975) Manifest Destiny (1977) Bloodbrothers (1978) Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take a Joke (ROIR, 1981) The Dictators Live, New York, New York (ROIR, 1998) D.F.F.D. (2001) Viva Dictators (2005) Every Day Is Saturday (2007) Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.