The David Johansen Group original line-up consisted of David Johansen - vocals, Thomas (Tommy) Trask - Guitar, Johnny Rao - Guitar, Buz Verno - Bass, and Frankie LaRocka - Drums.

Definitely one of the hottest bands of their time, they always gave a memorable performance. Frequently other New York Dolls would make an appearance at their shows as well as other immortals such as Patti Smith. The band's memorable show and recording at The Bottom Line was a triumph.

Thomas Trask and Johnny Rao are two of the most extraordinary guitarists to ever have graced any stage.

Thomas Trask has gone on to play with The Bangles on "Hazy Shade of Winter" from the Less Than Zero soundtrack, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Helen Schneider to name just a few. Currently he is working on a new solo project.

Johnny Rao played on Sylvain Sylvain's first solo album. Drummer Tommy Price of Joan Jett & Billy Idol fame asked Johnny to play with Helen Schneider and they later approached Thomas Trask to tour on the LP. Johnny Rao has just recorded a new album with Greg Allen, a friend and former bandmate of Jerry Nolan (a former New York Doll). Be sure to check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Frankie LaRocka was a world class drummer. He was born in 1954. His credits included Scandal, Jon Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and John Waite as well as many others, in addition to his work with David Johansen. In more recent years he was an artistic producer and prominent A&R man as well. He produced the soundtrack for the Academy Award winning movie Philadelphia in 1993 as well as signing and producing the Spin Doctors. Frankie also had an independent company called Straight Line Productions. Toward the end of his life he had become the Vice President of A&R for Sony Records and continued to play drums for Hot Monkey Love. He recorded a live album with Noel Redding in 2002. Frankie LaRocka died on May 11, 2005 after heart surgery.

Buz Verno, who lent his hard hitting expertise on the Bass, is still active in the music business.

As for David Johansen, his rough vocals were just what the music called for and of course we all know he later became Buster Poindexter as well as an actor.

Ronnie Guy was later added to the line-up on Keyboards.

After the In Style album there were frequent changes to the line-up with Charlie Giordano (Pat Benatar, Suzanne Vega, & The Roches) taking over the Keyboards, Charlie Pip (The Skulls and Colors) on Guitar. Tony Machine on Drums, Brett Cartwright on Bass, Huw Gower on Guitar, and David Nelson on Guitar. I'm sure I've missed a few, but there were oh so many changes.

If you have current information on any of the band members please email me and I will be happy to give updates. If you have photos that you would like me to put on the site email me for directions on how to send them, I will be happy to put them up and will give you, or whoever owns the photos full credit.

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