The Standells are a garage rock band from Los Angeles, California, US, formed in the 1960s, who have been referred to as the "punk band of the 1960s", and said to have inspired such groups as the Sex Pistols and Ramones. They are best known for their 1966 hit "Dirty Water", now the anthem of several Boston sports teams and is played following every Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins win.
The original Standells band was formed in 1962 by lead vocalist and keyboard player Larry Tamblyn (born Lawrence A. Tamblyn, February 5, 1943, in Los Angeles), with guitarist Tony Valentino (born May 24, 1941, aka Emilio Bellissimo), bass guitarist Jody Rich, and drummer Benny King (aka Hernandez). Tamblyn had previously been a solo performer, recording several 45 singles in the late 1950s and early 1960s including "Dearest", "Patty Ann", "This Is The Night", "My Bride To Be" and "Destiny" for Faro and Linda Records. He is the brother of actor Russ Tamblyn and the uncle of Amber Tamblyn, star of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and the TV program Two and a Half Men.