An Evening with The Hooters

In 1980, The Hooters burst onto the Philadelphia music scene as a new and different kind of rock band, formed by co-leaders and songwriters Rob Hyman (vocals, keyboards, accordion) and Eric Bazilian (vocals, guitars, mandolin, mandola, harmonica, saxophone). The other members include original drummer David Uosikkinen, John Lilley (guitars, mandolin), Fran Smith, Jr. (bass, vocals) and Tommy Williams (guitars, mandolin, vocals). Their unique blend of ska, reggae, and rock was a fresh sound in the clubs and on Philly radio, and in 1983, The Hooters released their first independent album Amore to great local success. The album also featured the “hooter,” or melodica, as part of their special sound and namesake. The Hooters' strong and powerful presence, as performers and as songwriters, led to their first major record deal in 1984 with Columbia Records. Their 1985 debut release Nervous Night quickly achieved Gold and Platinum status in the USA, Australia and Canada with the hits “And We Danced”, “All You Zombies”, “Day By Day” and “Where Do The Children Go”. Rolling Stone magazine named The Hooters the "Best New Band of the Year" in 1985, and in July of that year, the group was chosen to open the historic Live Aid concert in Philadelphia.