Although initially formed as a hardcore punk band called Virulence, Fu Manchu
eventually adopted a new name and a new sound, becoming one of the most revered
names in stoner rock. The group came together in 1985 in Orange County,
California, with its original lineup featuring singer Ken Pucci, bassist Mark
Abshire, guitarist Scott Hill, and drummer Ruben Romano. This roster appeared on
Virulence's 1988 debut, If This Isn't a Dream…, although an ongoing series of
lineup changes began shortly after the album's release. Scott Hill eventually
took over the frontman role, and the grou...