A collaboration between guitarist/vocalist Ralph Spight and bassist Larry Boothroyd, the Hellworms follow in the footsteps of Bay Area hardcore band Victim's Family (1984-94) and Saturn's Flea Collar (1996-97); this group is rounded out by drummer Joaquin Spengemann (Walrus). The Hellworms were formed in 1997 following the breakup of Saturn's Flea Collar, allegedly choosing their name because both Jello Biafra and their parents disliked it. After opening for such acts as Mike Watt and NoMeansNo, the group recorded its debut album, Crowd Repellent, which was released in 1998.
