As the lead singer and driving force of the Cleveland, Ohio–based Dead Boys, Bators helped pioneer the punk rock sound, look and attitude.

According to Shaw: "[W]hat he craved most was to escape the fetters of his Dead Boy image and win respect as a singer of contemporary pop rock (...) in other words, he wanted to be 'the thinking punk's Eric Carmen.

In 1980, Bators, located in London, formed the Wanderers with Dave Tregunna, the bass player for the punk group Sham 69, which had recently disbanded.

A devotee of Iggy Pop, Bators had developed a fearless reputation in his Dead Boys days and continued such antics with the Lords of the New Church.

In 1988, Bators made a cameo appearance as "Dick Slammer", lead singer of the fictional band the Blender Children, in the offbeat comedy Tapeheads, starring John Cusack and Tim Robbins.

In summer 1985, Bators contributed backing vocals to "Sun City" by Artists United Against Apartheid and also appeared in its music video, shot in October.

[6][7] The Lords of the New Church broke up in 1989, when Bators injured his back and guitarist Brian James secretly began advertising for a replacement singer.

These albums showcase how Bators' music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, keeping his legacy alive within punk rock culture.