Effective period / Period of releases: 2024

Members: Grant Lee Phillips, Jeffrey Clark, Kelly Foley, Duncan Atkinson (2)

The Torn Boys were formed in the fall of 1982 by Stockton, California natives Jeffrey Clark (vocals, electric guitar) and Kelly Foley (vocals, acoustic guitar). Duncan Atkinson came onboard to add synth-bass and a Roland drum machine as well as backing vocals, and in the Spring of 1983, 19 year old Grant-Lee Phillips (formerly of local group Bloody Holly) was recruited as lead guitarist. Performing mostly at cafes, parties, and occasional nearby college gigs, the Torn Boys developed an avid local following, soon replacing covers of Velvet Underground and Television songs in their sets with originals.