Smashed Gladys

New York City's Smashed Gladys found themselves grouped with the glam metal wave of the 1980s throughout their brief time in the recording studio, yet their sound aligned more closely with the street-level metallic punk approach of Guns N' Roses, Hanoi Rocks, and the Ramones. The lineup featured Sally Cato on vocals, Bart Lewis on guitar, Roger Lane on guitar, J.D. Malo on bass, and Matt Steluto on drums. The group first assembled in the mid-'80s and performed regularly at local spots including Danceteria, the Cat Club, and L'Amour. They next released an independent self-titled debut album that included a spirited cover of the T. Rex nugget "Metal Guru." After that, Smashed Gladys moved to Elektra Records. Although their style of street metal was gaining mainstream traction through acts like Guns N' Roses and Skid Row, the quintet remained intact for just one critically favored release, 1988's Social Intercourse, before disbanding. Lead singer Sally Cato died on May 19, 2020.