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? & The Mysterians

? & The Mysterians, also known as Question Mark and the Mysterians, are an American garage rock band that came to prominence in the 1960s with their hit "96 Tears," a defining song of the garage rock genre that reached the top of the charts in 1966. Hailing from Bay City and Saginaw in Michigan, the band was formed by frontman and vocalist Rudy Martinez, who is known for his distinctive stage moniker, "?", or "Question Mark." The origins of the band's enigmatic name were inspired by the 1957 Japanese science fiction film, "The Mysterians."

Alongside "?", the original lineup was a quintet of young Mexican-American musicians including Bobby Balderrama on lead guitar, Frank Rodriguez on organ, Frank Lugo on bass, and Eddie Serrato on drums. Their sound was characterized by the raw energy and simplicity of garage rock, fused with a touch of psychedelia and the unmistakable organ riff that propelled "96 Tears" to success. Though subsequent hits eluded them, their influence was far-reaching, impacting the punk and garage revival movements in the subsequent decades. Releases like "Garage Band Nuggets" and "Michigan Rocks The '60s" are testimonial to their enduring appeal, showcasing their contributions to a historic era in rock'n'roll. While the band experienced numerous lineup changes and periods of inactivity over the years, their legacy is firmly etched into the fabric of American rock music, largely buoyed by the lasting appeal of "96 Tears" and the band's commitment to performing live. Their rare recordings, such as those found on "We Are Not Alone: Rarities 1968-1970," continue to be treasured by collectors and new generations of fans drawn to the band's mystique and raw sound.

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