Avenue D formed in 2001, as part of New York's electroclash scene, which also included artists such as Fischerspooner, Peaches, and Felix da Housecat. Their songs were inspired by new wave music and 2 Live Crew. Groups including W.I.T. and My Robot Friend were part of the lineup along with Avenue D in April 2003 at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, California, and subsequently at the Henry Fonda Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Boy George appeared onstage with Avenue D at a July 2004 party "Disgraceland" hosted by Larry Tee. They performed at clubs Wave Waikiki and Pussycat Lounge in Honolulu, Hawaii in November 2004. In 2005, they scored a moderate hit with "Do I Look Like a Slut?" on the "Billboard" Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. The same year, their song "Orgasmatron" was featured prominently in Eon McKai's alt porn film "Neu Wave Hookers". The band was also politically active, and played rallies and benefits for causes such as gay marriage.