Mumps (rock band)

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Mumps, sometimes credited as The Mumps, were an American punk rock band from Southern California. The core members were frontman Lance Loud, keyboardist and main songwriter Kristian Hoffman, and guitarist Rob Duprey. The early rhythm section changed several times, with Jay Dee Daugherty and Aaron Kiley on drums and bass at first, then Kevin Kiely and John Earl (JED) Dennis joined; Dennis was later replaced by Paul Rutner, forming what fans consider the classic lineup. Joe Katz joined late in the band’s run, replacing Kiely on bass.

They built a strong live following in New York at clubs like Max's Kansas City and CBGB, and they opened for the Ramones at Hurrah in August 1978. Their shows were energetic, featuring songs such as "We're Americans," "I Believe In Anyone But You," and "Scream and Scream Again."

Mumps released two singles on Bomp Records: "I Like To Be Clean" / "Crocodile Tears" and "Rock & Roll This & That" with B-sides "Muscleboys" and "That Fatal Charm." The studio version of "Rock & Roll This & That" borrowed a riff from the Rolling Stones’ "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," while live performances sometimes included riffs from other artists like David Bowie’s "Rebel Rebel." They never secured a major label deal; A&M reportedly said, "We don’t want ‘the gay band.’"

Three compilations of their music followed: Fatal Charm (Eggbert Records, 1994), How I Saved The World (Sympathy for the Record Industry, 2005), and Rock & Roll This, Rock & Roll That: Best Case Scenario, You’ve Got Mumps (Omnivore Recordings, 2021).