"While it is unlikely for some rock groups to start their band via hitch hiking, for The Cramps, it embodies their early rock sleaze. The Cramps formed in California's capitol in 1972 when Alice Cooper enthusiast Erick Purkhiser picked up Kristy Wallace, a hitchhiker on her way to Sacramento City College. After learning that both were enthralled with the obscure sounds of rock's first era, the two, who were now living together, decided to start a band. Picking up the named Poison Ivy Rorschach (Wallace) and Lux Interior (Purkhiser), the two moved to Ohio and eventually New York City.While working at a record store, Interior recruited Greg Beckerleg, who would transform himself into guitarist Bryan Gregory, and eventually Miriam Linna, an Ohio native, who finalized The Cramps lineup. With Ivy's lead, Interior's howling and Linna's stomp, the group was making headlines in the Big Apple at their CBGB shows. A year and a half later, Linna left to be replaced by Nick Knox, and the group released a few singles under their own Vengeance Records.Miles Copeland signed the group in 1979 to his I.R.S. Records and released their first 12"" called Gravest Hits. The Cramps traveled to Europe opening for the Police and upon returning recorded their first full-length album, 1980's Songs the Lord Taught Us. Gregory left the group, along with most of their equipment, following the release, and the remaining members left for Hollywood. After their sophomore effort was released, the group filed suit against I.R.S., inhibiting them for releasing new material for two years. With a few more lineup changes and a new record contract with UK's Big Beat label, The Cramps were ready to hit rock music hard. Their next album was followed by the US record deal with Enigma and the record Stay Sick! The group endured more lineup changes, and in 2001 Interior and Rorschach celebrated their 25th anniversary. The two released several more albums, with 2004's How to Make a Monster a collection of live material and demos."