With their curious blend of punk-orientated rockabilly, The Cramps occupied a bizarre musical genre entirely of their own creation. They arrived on the music scene on the crest of New York's burgeoning CBGB punk scene, the famous New York venue which helped launch the careers of artists like the Ramones, Blondie and Patti Smith.

After being signed to Miles Copeland's IRS record label, the band were given a support slot on The Police's Outlandos d'Amour tour, with Copeland's brother Stewart being a member of The Police. The tour was pivotal for the band and provided them with a springboard into the European market; they actually had more success in Europe than their native America. This anomaly is amply demonstrated by the fact that in 1985 the band managed to sell out six nights at the prestigious Hammersmith Odeon in London whilst in the US they had difficulty in finding a record company willing to distribute their albums.

The band were built around the talents of Kristy Wallace and Erick Pukhiser, respectively known under the stage names of Poison Ivy and Lux Interior. As well as being partners in life they made a formidable musical partnership and were the band's artistic and business driving force during its 30-year career. In 2009 Purkhiser died suddenly from a pre-existing medical condition and Wallace dissolved the band later that year.

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