Who: The Heartbreakers
What: L.A.M.F.
Where: London, England via Queens, New York
When: 1977
Why: Two words. Johnny Thunders. If Iggy Pop is the granddaddy of punk, Thunders (1952-1991) is the granddaddy of punk rock guitar. As a founding member of the New York Dolls, Thunders and the band were one of the most influential rock bands of their era, predating both the punk and glam metal movements. They helped mold the face of rock ‘n’ roll by influencing future influential rock groups including Kiss, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Replacements, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses and The Smiths.