The Zeros

The Zeros were a pioneering punk rock band that emerged from Chula Vista, California, in the late 1970s. Often dubbed “the Mexican Ramones” due to their high-energy sound and Latino-American lineup, The Zeros were central figures in the early West Coast punk scene. Formed in 1976, the group originally featured Javier Escovedo on vocals and guitar, Robert Lopez (who would later become El Vez) on guitar, Hector Penalosa on bass, and Baba Chenelle on drums. Known for their raw, melodic take on punk, The Zeros earned a strong underground following with tracks like “Don’t Push Me Around” and “Beat Your Heart Out.”

Though they only released a handful of singles during their initial run, their influence far outpaced their early discography. The band was known for playing alongside acts like The Germs, The Weirdos, and The Nerves, helping to shape the burgeoning L.A. punk landscape. Over the years, The Zeros have reunited for tours and reissues, cementing their legacy as unsung heroes of American punk rock.