Johns began his musical career in the Washington, D.C. area.[3][4] There, Johns met and played with guitarist Danny Gatton, writing three songs (including the title track) for Gatton’s 1978 album, Redneck Jazz.[5] After his stint with Gatton, Johns founded his own band, called "the H-Bombs", which became popular playing regular gigs in the D.C. area.[3][4] Among the group's fans was Jello Biafra, founder of the Dead Kennedys and owner of Alternative Tentacles, who in liner notes to an H-Bombs EP, described the H-Bombs' music as "a little Tex-Mex here, garage power there, all whipped into a witch's brew of spitfire guitar and Evan's trademark vocal growl. This is the real stuff."[4]
In 1984, Johns relocated to Austin, Texas, to join The LeRoi Brothers.[3] In Austin, Johns performed on the 1985 compilation album, Trash, Twang and Thunder by several Austin guitarists who styled themselves as Big Guitars From Texas; the album earned a Grammy Award nomination for rock-instrumental music. The same year, Johns also contributed the original rockabilly song "Darlene Darlene" to The LeRoi Brothers' album "Lucky Lucky Me".[3]
In 1985, after leaving The LeRois, Johns re-formed the H-Bombs in Austin and continued as its leader.[4] Johns and the H-Bombs played together for several years thereafter, becoming known for their eclectic repertoire, summarized by one reviewer as "cajun, rockabilly, punk, surf, blues, country – even spaghetti Western soundtrack music."[5] Rockit Fuel Only was released in 1991.[6]
