This is possibly the most memorable monster hit by any garage rock band during the mid-1960s and has also earned it the honor of being one of the earliest punk rock songs in music history. I will always remember this band as ? And The Mysterians (that's what is on my 45 single) although they also later took on the name of Question Mark and the Mysterians. After autumn 1966, no junior high or high school dance would ever NOT feature this as one of the songs. Part of the group's name was inspired by the 1957 science fiction film The Mysterians (which I think is available on YouTube for viewing). The group's sound was inspired by Link Wray, Duane Eddy, and the Rolling Stones. "96 Tears" debuted on US charts in late August and early September 1966, peaking at #1 on Billboard on October 29, 1966 and on Cash Box on October 22, 1966. It also was featured in "Quitters, Inc.," the first of three Stephen King stories in the horror film Cat's Eye (1985) ... and part of that very scene begins the video!

Be the first to comment