The Terribles started as a back-up band for singer songwriter Elliott HD during the recording of his second album. Originally consisting of five members, Elliott HD and The Terribles never managed to get off of the ground. Scheduling, in fighting, and influence issues all contributed to the almost immediate collapse of the project. Un-phased by the absolute failure Elliott pressed on, scrapping everything that the original line-up did. It would be almost a year before he would try again, this time as a three piece simply called The Terribles.

On a warm evening in May of 2005, Elliott approached Bon Scott Soma about playing drums in a band. Describing the idea to him as a fun and upbeat rock band that would break away from the depressing lyrics and sound that were popluar at the time, Bon agreed and that Saturday, with Tom Waste filling in on bass, The Terribles were born. Starting with only a few punk rock songs and an attitude to break the mould, the three would go on to write nearly 40 songs within the first year. They would later record "Banned From Life" and tour most of the east cost before eventually calling it quits sometime in mid 2008. 

Unsatisfied with that ending, Elliott reformed The Terribles later that year with Glen Rollo on drums. Tom left shortly thereafter, and The Jowens stepped in to fill his shoes. Elliott also added a fourth member at this time B.A. Bryan Neuber. An extremely accomplished blues guitar player who had spent most of his musical career playing in cover bands. With the new line-up The Terribles sound really began to define itself. The blues infused punk they had become known for started to take shape with the addition of Bryan, and the band moved along briskly. Writing new material and reworking some older songs, the band returned to the studio and recorded the "Banned From Life Again!" EP, but once again, the success was short lived. 

 With elevating tension between Glen and Elliott, Bryan and Joe quit. Though the band continued as a three piece for a short time longer, with Kitty Kat O'Reilly on bass and later Chris Ogbin, the time had come to call it quits. Elliott was fed up with the original music scene and took some time off as everyone went their separate ways. But just like every musician, Elliott just couldn’t stay away. In early 2010 he once again reformed The Terribles with the current line-up.