accessAtlanta

Although L.A.-based punk band X never quite milked the mainstream, the seminal outfit gets props from its followers (Green Day, Jane's Addiction, Wilco and others) and legions of dedicated fans.

X gets a punk rock stamp, but is known for serving a bouillabaisse spiked with rockabilly, country, hard rock and folk. The band's on the road celebrating 31 years of music with its original lineup featuring frontwoman Exene Cervenka, singer-bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D.J. Bonebrake. For those whose safety-pin-in-the-cheek scars have yet to heal, take a shot at the following X trivia quiz:

Jean Shifrin/AJC (ENLARGE)
X singer-bassist John Doe has a number of film and TV credits on his résumé.
MOST POPULAR STORIES Police: Jeffrey Donovan arrested, suspected of DUI Report: Abdul's return to 'American Idol' doubtful Beastie Boy Adam Yauch has 'very treatable' cancer Fallon's '7th Floor West' is a silly, soapy treat Chris Brown apologizes for Rihanna beating
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
IF YOU GO X. $25. 8:30 p.m. May 29. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com. RELATED LINKS: • Summer Music Guide • Blog: Atlanta Music Scene • Find a concert

1. Doe has a successful side job as a Hollywood actor. In what Patrick Swayze exploitation flick did Doe portray a till-dipping bartender?

2. What classic rock keyboard player asked to produce X?

3. True or False: Doe and Cervenka were once married.

4. What X album was ranked one of the best of 1981 by the critics of Rolling Stone magazine?

5. Cervenka is also an author. What other artistic discipline is she currently promoting?

ANSWERS

1. Doe played Pat McGurn in the 1989 guilty pleasure "Road House."

2. Doors ivory-tickler Ray Manzarek approached the band after his wife, Dorothy, heard the group's rendition of the Doors tune "Soul Kitchen." Manzarek produced four X albums, including the groundbreaking "Los Angeles."

3. True. The couple later divorced but remain amicable. According to reports, Doe's children from another relationship refer to her as "Aunt Exene."

4. The band's second album, "Wild Gift," features songs including "We're Desperate," "I'm Coming Over" and "White Girl."

5. Her artwork is on view through July 18 at the DCKT Contemporary gallery in New York City. The show, titled "Sleep in Spite of Thunder," features collages from found materials such as vintage photos, and stenciled and spray-painted paintings.