Neurotic Outsiders

A supergroup formed in Los Angeles the mid-'90s consisting of B-list guys from A-list bands, Neurotic Outsiders picked up an unexpected following when a one-time charity concert at the Viper Room led to a house-band engagement. Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses, and Matt Sorum of the Cult and Guns N' Roses spent most of those early gigs playing punk covers. As enthusiasm for the band increased, they were signed to Maverick Records, releasing one album, the self-titled Neurotic Outsiders, in 1996. Jones wrote most of the songs, while Taylor wrote the remaining songs and the other members collaborated on some tracks. Jones and McKagan shared guitar duties, and all members contributed vocals. A frenetic, slightly dark blend of punk and pre-grunge Guns N' Roses-style hard rock, the band garnered some radio play with the explicit single "Jerk." After the album's release, they embarked on a national tour of club dates. Upon returning from their tour, Neurotic Outsiders continued to play as a once-a-week house band at the Viper Room for a brief time, taking a hiatus in 1998. The hiatus is likely permanent, as Matt Sorum rejoined the Cult in 1999 and John Taylor rejoined Duran Duran in 2001. ~ Theresa E. LaVeck, Rovi