Ep508: Forming The Germs - Chris Ashford of What Records

Ep508: Forming The Germs - Chris Ashford of What Records

Author: The Vinyl Guide July 22, 2025 Duration: 52:37

Chris Ashford of What Records? discusses releasing the first LA punk single "Forming" by the Germs, rarities, tapes, memories of Darby Crash and early punk scene stories.

Topics Include:

  • Chris Ashford founded What Records? and knew Germs members George (Pat Smear) and Paul (Darby Crash)
  • He worked in record stores through high school and was fascinated by record labels
  • Chris decided to start a label while his friends formed the Germs band
  • He had no formal education about making records, learned from Richard Fuse at Rhino
  • "Forming" was recorded in a garage with two-track deck and two microphones
  • The single had multiple takes but most were erased years ago
  • B-side used cassette recording from Germs' Cheech & Chong "Up in Smoke" audition
  • Master tape for "Forming" is missing, possibly in Canada, but Chris owns rights
  • Cheech & Chong footage shows Germs performing "Sexboy" - same version as B-side
  • They kept the cassette source secret initially to avoid potential lawsuits
  • Lou Adler excluded Germs from movie because audiences wouldn't believe they were real
  • Chris missed the "Up in Smoke" taping because he had to work his day job
  • He financed all What Records releases including "Forming" himself
  • Black rectangle on sleeve was intentionally ambiguous, meant as tongue-in-cheek band photo
  • Address on record was Chris's parents' house where he lived
  • He quickly moved to P.O. Box and removed address to protect his mother
  • First pressing had wrong labels on wrong sides due to Monarch pressing plant error
  • About 1,000 copies were made, most of original pressing was destroyed
  • 600-700 defective records were thrown down hill as frisbees for fun
  • None of them expected anything significant to happen with the record
  • "Forming" was technically the first independent DIY punk single from Los Angeles
  • The record served as legitimizing calling card for the Germs
  • Darby Crash was gifted lyricist despite his troubled background and demons
  • Chris received Germs burn from Michelle Ghaffari at the Whiskey without warning
  • Germs burns became insider thing in summer 1977, wider trend came later
  • Darby never fully matured, died at 22 before becoming complete person
  • Germs often performed as chaotic train wreck, unlike disciplined bands like Stooges
  • Darby had difficult childhood and family problems that created his demons
  • David Bowie was Darby's favorite outlet, influenced his dreamy/nihilistic worldview
  • Chris saw potential for Darby to become writer beyond just being lyricist

Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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