The Vipers

The Vipers at Irving Plaza, New York, NY. Jon Weiss, David Mann, Paul Martin, Graham May and Pat Brown were undeniably the scene’s local heros. Having achieved notice for their blazing live sets, the group created original songs that melded the pop, psych, & punk aspects of the genre. After the group dissolved, most members stayed active in music. Jon went on to produce the highly successful Cavestomp series of garage shows.

The Optic Nerve

New York’s Optic Nerve playing at The Asylum, Lower East Side, NY. The Optic Nerve played a jangly, folk rock style of the genre. Led by Bobby Belfiore and Tony Matura, the group continued for years playing occasional gigs. Other members included Orin Portnoy, Frank Manlin, Ken Anderson (pictured), Tom Ward, Greg Clarke and John Fay. A veritable whos-who of NYC garage musicians.

The Dive

The place where it all started. 257 W. 29th St. Between 7th and 8th Avenues. The Dive was a small non descript bar in what was then the almost deserted Chelsea area. While the club also booked comedy acts, plays and various other musical styles, what made the club significant was that it was one of the few places to regularly book garage bands. The club hung in there long enough to allow the fledgling scene to take root. The space is now Studio Dante, a 70 seat theater owned by Sopranos star Michael Imperioli.