Rocket from the Tombs was formed in the early 1970s by Cleveland rock critic Dave Thomas, who eventually was joined by guitarist and Lou Reed fan Peter Laughner, guitarist Gene O'Connor (aka Cheetah Chrome), drummer Johnny Madansky, and bassist Craig Bell. The group became known for its shambolic live performances and a set list unprecedented for its nihilism. The short-lived band soon self-destructed and split into two: O'Connor and Madansky formed the Dead Boys with Youngstown's Stiv Bators, and Thomas and Laughner the artier Pere Ubu--though Laughner departed that group after two singles and died of liver failure in 1977. In 2003, the group re-formed for a one-off tour with Television's Richard Lloyd replacing Laughner.