A lot of you are probably not aware of this but the Jerks were the first Filipino Punk Band. Influenced by the Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Clash (the punk rock triumvirate) plus a healthy dose of Rolling Stones and Neil Young, their punk rock sound is very mature for this time. Even before this, they were already disciplined professional musicians.
Chikoy Pura was a folk singer who can copy Neil Young's voice very well. Jun Lopito likewise was a folksinger and guitarist in some rock bands around Metro Manila. When they formed the Jerks in 1979(with Flor Mendoza on drums and Boy Matriano on bass) they played the Shakey's circuit and the long defunct ON Disco. They were a sensation to say the least. Influencing a lot along the way including a very very young Buddy Trinidad who only a few years later would form Betrayed.
I don't exactly remember when did Nitoy Adriano joined the group but during the mid 80s, there were a lot of problems in the ranks. Jun Lopito and Chikoy Pura have been arguing a lot, Jun once told them to stop playing punk and insisted on an all Rolling Stones repertoire (Jun being a huge Keith Richards fan - the Jerks even backed Pepe Smith once in a project concert were they played an all Rolling Stones set).
By mid-80s, the Jerks disbanded. Chikoy formed East Force (practically the Jerks without Jun Lopito) and Coup D'Grace (different line up altogether except Nitoy Adriano). Jun Lopito joined Cocojam and various other bands until launching a solo career.
Flor Mendoza became one of Pinoy Rock's most in demand live drummer. Played for almost anyone (Pen Pen, Banyuhay, Sampaguita etc...) sadly passing away a few years back.
No word from Boy Matriano after East Force.
Chikoy reformed the Jerks in the late 80's - early 90's performing occasionally.
I last saw them last February on Buddy Trinidad's birthday. Seeing my favorite Pinoy Punk band and the First Pinoy Punk band was an experience I will never forget.
My only complaint is that the present drummer of the Jerks is so loud in playing he doesn't know how to balance his sound with the rest. In fact Chikoy's vocals in drowned by the drums.
