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The problem with being a punk legend is that you’re often legendary only to other punks.  But if you were ever into what evolved into the SoCal hardcore scene, you’ll know the name Derf Scratch.

Scratch was the bass player for Fear, the third band in the Holy Trinity of SoCal hardcore that also included the Circle Jerks and Black Flag.  Their leader, the mysterious Lee Ving (who may or may not have been a Viet Nam vet) formed the band with Derf and a few other guys in 1977.  By 1981, they had found a fan in John Belushi, who somehow convinced producer Lorne Michaels to book the band on Saturday Night Live’s Halloween show.    Belushi, who had left the show a year earlier to concentrate on his movie career, returned just to introduce the band.

Fear – I Don’t Care About You Live On SNL 10.31.81
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Later in the show, the band invited members of the audience up on stage to mosh and slamdance.  There was damage.

Scratch left the band in 1982 but was always remembered as part of the bands early glory years.  At one point in Fear’s career, Scratch’s spot was taken by Flea in the days before he joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Scratch was never to be part of Fear again.

No one can say how old Derf Scratch was.  He died of complications of an unspecified illness.