The Jerks was formed around 1979 under the rule of Marcos. Friends Chikoy Pura and Nitoy Adriano met and are among of the founding members. Chikoy deals the vocals while Nitoy on guitars. Boy Matriano (bass), Flor Mendoza (drums) and Gil Dauag (harmonica) eventually joined-in. Jun Lopito, a renowned guitarist enrolled later that year but left on early ‘90s.
The Jerks have undergone countless line-up changes. Members just come and go including Pino Fernandez (bass), Harley Alarcon (drums), Hey Umali, Jovio Abella, Paul Benitez, Angelo Villegas, Nonong Timbalopez, Nowie Fabella, Rene Tenga Santos, Brutus Lacano and Raymund Alaurin, Boy Matriano, Flor Mendoza, Gil Dauag and Jun Lopito.
The political and social exegeses in their songs were realized after they made a trip to Japan on 1998. There, they experienced what it is to become an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker).
After 4 months, they went back to Manila and grabbed a regular gig at Mayric’s in España where they played back-to-back with an activist band, Sinaglahi. The latter advised them write songs about the common Filipino’s predicaments. The Jerks were able to produce classic songs as Sayaw Sa Bubog, Reklamo Nang Reklamo, Mad Mathematical World and Rage.
Though formed during late 70’s, the band released its debut album after 15 years in performing. The Jerks Live!, a live recording of their original songs was released on 1994 under Backdoor Records of Gary Granada. Recorded during a night gig at now-defunct Mayrick’s, the album boasts the raw musicality of the band which the public haven’t heard yet.
The album proudly presents original compositions of the band’s vocalist, Chikoy Pura, capturing the raw energy of the band in a concert. Three of the songs were recorded in English while the remaining seven were performed in Tagalog.
On 1997, The Jerks signed a contract deal with Star Records. Under the label, they have recorded and released their self-titled sophomore album, which garnered the award as Album of the Year at NU 107.
On the same year, another album entitled Haligi Ng Maynila was released under Star Records. This gave the band the opportunity to gather more audience and established their fanbase.
