The Blackjacks

Formed in 1983 by Thrills guitarist Johnny Angel and Outlets bassist Whitey with Jeff Erna, The Blackjacks were determined to be nothing like the twin scourges of that year, cheesy British synth-pop and poseur "Roots Americana" from former New Wave fops turned Hank Williams freaks. They succeeded and were likely the first of the glam/sleaze/psuedo Stones-Dolls bands of the American stripe, augmented by their former roadie and Nikki Sixx look-alike Rafe Mabry who would become the band's frontman mid-career. 

 

Brought to Homestead Records in 1984, the band released one classic EP titled 'Basic Blackjacks', launching the label that would offer acts including Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Big Black, Nick Cave, The Dogmatics and La Peste. The Blackjacks would later release a full length LP titled 'Dressed in Black' for Throbbing Lobster Records. The track "Dressed In Black" was a massive college and alternative radio hit in the Winter of 1985. 

 

The band performed as a top draw throughout the Boston and NYC club circuit including a pinnacle career moment, performing as the opening act for the touring group The Clash. Despite massive North East success, they disbanded in the late 80's. Johnny started The Broken Promise, Housewives on Prozac and Army of Bozos in Los Angeles, Whitey joined The Nor'Easters, Jeff Erna co-founded the world famous Dropkick Murphys and The Street Dogs and Rafe Mabry also moved to Los Angeles and joined Black Cherry. [SOURCE: LAST.FM]