A supergroup formed in Los Angeles the mid-'90s consisting of B-list guys from A-list bands,
Neurotic Outsiders picked up an unexpected following when a one-time charity concert at the Viper Room led to a house-band engagement.
Steve Jones of
the Sex Pistols,
John Taylor of
Duran Duran,
Duff McKagan of
Guns N' Roses, and
Matt Sorum of
the Cult and
Guns N' Roses spent most of those early gigs playing punk covers. As enthusiasm for the band increased, they were signed to Maverick Records, releasing one album, the self-titled
Neurotic Outsiders, in 1996. Jones wrote most of the songs, while
Taylor wrote the remaining songs and the other members collaborated on some tracks. Jones and
McKagan shared guitar duties, and all members contributed vocals. A frenetic, slightly dark blend of punk and pre-grunge
Guns N' Roses-style hard rock, the band garnered some radio play with the explicit single "Jerk." After the album's release, they embarked on a national tour of club dates. Upon returning from their tour,
Neurotic Outsiders continued to play as a once-a-week house band at the Viper Room for a brief time, taking a hiatus in 1998. The hiatus is likely permanent, as
Matt Sorum rejoined
the Cult in 1999 and
John Taylor rejoined
Duran Duran in 2001. ~ Theresa E. LaVeck