Agent Orange

Agent Orange is a legendary American punk rock band formed in 1979. The band is recognized as one of the first to combine punk rock with surf music, creating a unique and influential sound that has left a lasting impact on the genre. The group was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mike Palm, who has been the only constant member throughout the band’s history. The original lineup included Scott Miller on drums and Steve Soto on bass. However, over the years, the band has seen multiple lineup changes, with Palm remaining the guiding force behind the group’s music. Agent Orange’s music, especially their early work, played a significant role in defining the sound of punk rock in Southern California during the early 1980s.

History

Agent Orange’s journey began as a power trio, with Mike Palm on guitar and vocals, Steve Soto on bass, and Scott Miller on drums. The band first gained traction with their song “Bloodstains,” which was initially released as a self-produced 7-inch EP in 1980. This track quickly caught the attention of influential DJ Rodney Bingenheimer at Pasadena radio station KROQ-FM, who included it on his compilation album, *Rodney on the ROQ*, released by Posh Boy Records.

Following the success of “Bloodstains,” Steve Soto departed to form the Adolescents, and James Levesque stepped in as the new bassist. With this lineup, Agent Orange recorded their debut album, *Living in Darkness*, in 1981. The album, produced by Brian Elliot (who later composed Madonna’s hit “Papa Don’t Preach”), was released through Posh Boy Records and featured a re-recorded version of “Bloodstains.” This album became a classic in the punk and surf punk genres, further establishing the band’s reputation.

The band continued to build on their success with the release of a 12-inch EP titled *Bitchin’ Summer* in 1982, followed by their second full-length album, *This Is the Voice*, in 1986, released by Enigma Records. These releases solidified Agent Orange’s position in the punk rock world, showcasing their ability to blend aggressive punk rock with surf music influences.

In 1988, bassist Brent Liles, formerly of Social Distortion, replaced Levesque, and Derek O’Brien, also a former member of Social Distortion and D.I., took over on drums from Scott Miller. This lineup recorded a live album titled *Real Live Sound*, which was captured during a performance at The Roxy in Hollywood in 1990. This album was the only official recording to feature the Palm/Liles/O’Brien lineup.

The 1990s saw further changes in the band’s lineup, with Sam Bolle replacing Liles on bass in 1992, and Charlie Quintana joining as the drummer for the recording of the band’s third studio album, *Virtually Indestructible*, released in 1996. This album marked the last time Agent Orange would release new studio material, and the band continued to perform with various lineup changes into the 2000s.

In 2000, the band released *Greatest & Latest – This, That-N-The Other Thing*, a compilation of re-recorded older material and new songs, featuring Steve Latanation on drums. Drummer Dusty Watson joined the band in 2004, followed by Dave Klein in 2009, who contributed drums and backing vocals until 2018. In 2019, Sandy Hansen became the latest drummer for Agent Orange, joining the current lineup with Mike Palm and bassist Perry Giordano, who has been with the band since 2006.

Tragically, several former members of the band have passed away over the years, including bassist Brent Liles in 2007, bassist James Levesque in 2014, drummer Charlie Quintana in 2018, and founding bassist Steve Soto, also in 2018.

Band Members

Current Members

• Mike Palm – guitars, lead vocals (1979–present)
• Perry Giordano – bass, backing vocals (2006–present)
• Sandy Hansen – drums (2019–present)

Former Members

• Scott Miller – drums (1979–1989)
• Steve Soto – bass (1979; died 2018)
• James Levesque – bass (1979–1988; died 2014)
• Brent Liles – bass (1988–1991; died 2007)
• Derek O’Brien – drums (1989–1991)
• Scotty Lund – drums (1991–1995)
• Sam Bolle – bass (1992–2003)
• Charlie Quintana – drums (1996; died 2018)
• Steve Latanation – drums (1997–2003)
• Dusty Watson – drums (2004–2008)
• Dave Klein – drums, backing vocals (2009–2018)
• Bruce Taylor – bass (2004–2005)