Naked Raygun

Naked Raygun was one of the first, one of the longest running and one of the best Chicago punk bands. They are considered by a large majority to be the most important band in the history of Chicago punk.

Members

• Jeff Pezzati
• Santiago Durango
• Marko Pezzati
• Camilio Gonzales
• Jim Colao
• Pierre Kezdy
• Bill Stephens
• Eric Spicer
• John Haggerty

Short Term Members

• John Lundin
• Dave Riley

Records

• Basement Screams EP
• Throb Throb
• All Rise
• Jettison
• Understand?
• Raygun...Naked Raygun
• Free Shit
• Last of the Demohicans

History

1980

Naked Raygun began in February of 1980 when Marko Pezzati and Santiago Durango decided to form a band. Jim Colao joined the band briefly, but left almost immediately after joining. Jeff Pezzati started practing with Marko and Santiago at 222 S. Morgan St., playing their first gig shortly thereafter in June. At this point they used the name Negro Commando. They record a set of demos a shortly afterwards, which get included on the Basement Screams CD reissue. First gig as Naked Raygun was in August at the original Oz. In October, they played their third gig in Detroit, where the audience walked out on them. For their New Years Eve gig at Oz, Jim Colao rejoins as a full-time drummer.