# Los Olvidados (punk band)
## Los Olvidados

Los Olvidados was a pioneering punk band from San Jose, California, active primarily in the early 1980s. Known for their raw energy and biting social commentary, they carved out a unique space in the underground punk scene of the Bay Area. Though they never achieved mainstream fame, their contributions to punk rock are remembered fondly by fans and have influenced subsequent generations of musicians.

### Formation and Musical Influences

The band was founded in 1980 by vocalist Michael Voss and guitarist Mike Fox, both driven by a shared passion for loud, aggressive music. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Dead Boys, Sex Pistols, Johnny Thunders, and The Stooges, Los Olvidados also incorporated elements from less conventional influences like Pete Townshend of The Who, giving their sound a raw yet distinctive edge.

### Music and Legacy

Los Olvidados are regarded as one of the pioneers of **Skate Rock**, a subgenre of punk rock closely associated with the skateboarding culture of the 1980s. Their fast-paced, rebellious sound and raw energy made them a natural fit for the movement, influencing the musical direction of other skate punk bands. In addition to their skate rock influence, they shared the stage with notable acts of the time, including **Black Flag**, **Exploited**, **Minor Threat**, and **Social Distortion**, further cementing their place in the punk scene.
They also played a significant role in shaping the local San Jose punk and skate culture, alongside other bands like **The Faction** and **Drunk Injuns**, all of whom contributed to the development of the skate rock genre. **Thrasher Magazine**, a key player in the skateboarding community, was instrumental in promoting the movement, releasing the first **Skate Rock** compilation on cassette, which featured Los Olvidados.
Best known for their high-energy performances and hard-hitting tracks, including the underground anthems "Something New" and "Pay Salvation", the latter being a scathing critique of televangelists, Los Olvidados showcased their disdain for hypocrisy and exploitation. Their music combined fast-paced punk rhythms with provocative, thought-provoking lyrics, embodying the defiant spirit of the era.
While the band didn’t gain the widespread recognition of contemporaries like the Dead Kennedys, their impact on the local punk scene in San Jose was profound. They earned a dedicated following, and their music continues to resonate with fans of authentic, grassroots punk rock.

### Cultural Context

The band's name, **Los Olvidados**, was inspired by Luis Buñuel's 1950 film of the same name, which portrays the struggles and moral descent of marginalized youth in Mexico City's slums. The name reflects the band's embrace of the raw, rebellious spirit of 'youth gone wild,' channeling the chaos and discontent of overlooked and disenfranchised youth through their music. Though their time in the spotlight was brief, Los Olvidados remains a significant chapter in the history of California punk, remembered for their fearless approach to music and their contributions to the DIY ethos of the punk movement.

### Members

The core members of Los Olvidados were:
* Michael Voss – Vocals
* Mike Fox – Guitar
* Ray Stevens - Bass
* Matt Etheridge - Drums
After the band's disbandment, Michael Voss **The Stiffs**, a notable band in the San Jose punk and skate rock scene. Other members pursued musical projects in various punk bands, Including Hemi, The Dwarves, Odd Man Out, The Afflicted, Clay Wheels. Additionally, the members of Los Olvidados were instrumental in the development of San Jose’s punk and skate rock scene, influencing bands like **The Faction** and **Drunk Injuns**, as well as contributing to the **Skate Rock** movement promoted by **Thrasher Magazine**.

### Musical Releases

* Maximum Rock and Roll "Not So Quiet On The Western Front"
More info on Wikipedia Listen on Spotify
* Thrasher SkateRock Volume 1 "SkateRock"
* Thrasher SkateRock Volume 2 "Blazing Wheels and Barking Trucks"
More info on Wikipedia Listen on Spotify
* Los Olvidados - "Listen to This" Listen on Spotify