AKRON, Ohio - Music by two iconic Akron bands is featured in horror-writer Stephen King's latest television production.

Hammer Damage and the Rubber City Rebels contributed to the creation of the Akron Sound in the 1970s, which spilled over onto the national stage and permeated parts of Europe.

The first episode of "Mr. Mercedes," a 10-show series that began Aug. 9 on Audience Network, features a popular song from each band. The show is based on King's best-selling detective series.

"It's certainly good exposure for future ventures," said George Cabaniss, Hammer Damage guitarist, who later joined the Dead Boys. "It's gratifying to know my cheesy guitar playing is out there for people to listen to."

Hammer Damage and the Rubber City Rebels were part of a punk rock movement formed when the essence of rock 'n roll was anti-establishment. Akron bands like Hammer Damage, the Rubber City Rebels, the Waitresses, Tin Huey and Chi Pig showcased public acts of rebellion, raunchy theatrics and loud, high-energy sound.

The city's music scene garnered so much notoriety, Stiff Records in England in 1978 held all-expenses-paid contests to allow winners to come to Akron to experience the punk sound.

"Laugh" was written by David Zagar of Hammer Damage

"A lot of the reasons people were attracted to it in the first place still apply," Cabaniss said of punk music. "Its fun. It isn't all full of itself, it's just fun. I think that's why it's popular."

It's unclear whether Mr. Mercedes' soundtrack was selected by King, who has appeared at punk-band Rancid's concerts.

The Akron bands' songs provide an energetic background for Mr. Mercedes, which is eerily reminiscent of the recent terror attack in Charlottesville, Virginia.

It's the story of a psychopathic, young, tech-savvy serial killer, Brady Hartsfield, who drives a stolen Mercedes into a crowd killing 16 people. Retired police detective Bill Hodges battles his own demons trying to bring Hartsfield to justice, while Hartsfield sends the detective a series of shocking letters and emails.

The Rubber City Rebels' song "I Don't Wanna be a Punk No More," is playing the second time viewers see Hartsfield driving in his car.

Hammer Damage's "Laugh" by guitarist David Zagar, plays in its entirety as the end credits role.

The soundtrack for the first episode of Mr. Mercedes, which you can watch here free, also includes songs by the Kinks, the Ramones and the Impressions.

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