The group was named after a GI slang term for the rockabilly-inspired Korean street toughs who sold black market goods to American soldiers.
Separated Vegetables, the group's full-length debut, followed in 1977, but Kane disliked the album's sound to such a degree that he limited the initial pressing to 100 copies.
[4][5] In 1988 after a short European Tour, founding member Kim Kane departed to focus on his band Date Bait.
The band soldiered on with long-time roadie, John Hansen, taking over on rhythm guitar until they called it quits in 1991.
On their first album released as The Wanktones, "Have a Ball Y'all", the members are listed under the following pseudonyms: Del Marva, Bo Link, Mo Sloe, Ersel Wank, Floyd Glen Bernie, and Elmer Preslee.