The Blasters are a rock and roll band formed in 1978 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman. Phil Alvin explained the origin of the band's name: "I bought some Rockabilly band on Atlantic records – I had these 78s – I thought the band was called the Big Blasters. I just took the 'Big' off and Joe finally told me, that’s someone's backup band name, but you tell‘m I gave you permission to steal it."