The Dictators are another example of unsung heroes from the early punk movement that never got the respect and recognition they deserved. Although they were considered a novelty act when they first emerged in 1973, the band has gone on to become one of the most influential of all the early punkers, and their first album, The Dictators Go Girl Crazy, is considered a masterpiece.
Today, supporters such as Steven Van Zandt consider the Dictators a crucial link from the '60s garage band area to the angry punk movement of the late 1970s. The music was abrasive, and the lyrics borrowed heavily from Frank Zappa's school of sarcasm. Aside from the band's musical prowess, many rock historians consider them among the funniest acts ever.
By 1979, the band had still not seen any commercial success (perhaps the fact that their last '70s studio album was on the ROIR label and called Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take A Joke had something to do with this). They soon split up, and went off to other non-music related careers. However, in the late 1980s, the core members re-grouped and have worked on and off ever since.