DAY BY DAY WITH THE HOOTERS

DAY BY DAY WITH THE HOOTERS

Cyndi Lauper called them her “band before I had a band.” One of their founding members, Rob Hyman, co-wrote “Time After Time,” Lauper’s multi-platinum hit, and a song nominated for a Grammy Award last year. And both Hyman and Eric Bazilian played on Lauper’s album, She’s So Unusual.

But Hyman and Bazilian—along with Andy King, John Lilley and David Uosikkinen—have a band of their own, of course: the Hooteb And, since the release of their best-selling Nervous Night albur the Hooters have become a for

be reckoned with in pop music The foundation for the band laid years ago when pianist Hyman and guitarist Bazilian played together (along with their future producer, Rick Chertoff) in a band called Wax, out of Philadelphia. The two Hooters-to-be moved on to DEPther combo, this one called Baby Grand, and put out two albums under that name. Unfortunately—or most fortunately, 5tej§y°u’re a Hooters fan—Baby ^(Grand’s albums didn’t sell well, bu^ 11 ,was then that Hyman and fC[Bazihan decided to form the sic Hooters, and the new band quickly id became known as Philadelphia’s top act. They released a hot EP, Amore, even while their two leaders were working with Ms. Lauper on her own breakthrough album (as an interesting sidelight, the producer of Cyndi’s LP was, indeed, the “sixth Hooter,’’ Rick Chertoff). The Hooters were poised and ready for their own breakthrough.

That breakthrough came in the form of Nervous Night, a dynamic LP full of hooks, melodies and interesting lyrics. “There’s been some concern that we almost ‘gave away’ too much of our sound to Cyndi,’’ noted Eric Bazilian.

“People hear some of the same keyboard and guitar flavors.’’ But the Hooter sound, according to Rob Hyman, is different:

“Nervous Night represents a consistent sound, a band sound,” he insists. “We can do lots of different kinds of things, more styles than you’ll hear on this record. But it’s a good first representation of who we are—five guys making music, and trying not to be overwhelmed by the technology.”

As those who’ve seen the Hooters onstage can attest, Rob’s is no idle boast. Their stunning live appearances garnered them invitations to perform at both Live Aid and MTV’s New Year's Eve Party, where they were seen by millions. The band has reached a new level of popularity, while sales of Nervous Night continue to zoom. Eric and Rob offer some comments on their album:

•“And We Danced”: “It’s got the quality of a fanfare that makes for a good opening number,” says Rob. Eric adds: “Why are there so many songs about dancing? Because it’s a metaphor for love and a way to touch your audience on a deep, personal level.”

•“All You Zombies,” a Philadelphia favorite: “It’s not a ‘white boys ripping off the Rasli thing,’” cautions Rob, who is qi a student of reggae, ska and related forms. “Reggae is a wa get a statement across. We’re trying to do it in an American w| in a context that someone can I relate to here.”

•"Where Do The Children Gol which features a sensational vo by Patty Smyth of Scandal: “Tig inspiration was something we'v been reading and hearing a loti about lately, but we don’t want spell out in black and white whi it’s all about,” says Rob. Adds “The connection of love, sex ai death has always struck me in profound way. I hope people taf this as a pro-life song. That’s tt underlying message.” 1,

•“She Comes In Colors,” af, originally recorded by the L.A. psychedelic group, Love, in th;3 1960s: “Love was a little farther

than the Doors,” says Rob,

about as English-sounding an American group as you could i We’ve done it as a salute to ou roots.”

^ of [the band’s most-requested in1 3 concert songs: “We were initially ' reluctant to cut it because the Red n Rockers had their cover version out „ as a single,” admits Eric. ‘“Ultimately, we came around. It's ,cour song. We do it our way. And ve’re proud of it.”

he three remaining Hooters may ot get the press Rob and Eric do, ut they’re certainly an integral part f|he team. Drummer David 'Sikkinen is an original Hooter, ho, says Rob, has “a charged personality, very emotional and s ‘driven and born to play the drums.

ps talent and personality make him a he backbone of the group.”

0 Guitarist John Lilley (who used to play with Robert Hazard, the writer Just Want To Have

pun’’—talk about crossovers .

p pndi Lauper!) is, according to Rob, 'a team player. He’s very good at 3 Expanding on the arrangements

which Eric and I present him, and a very strong stage presence.”

The newest Hooter is bassist and backup singer Andy King. Andy joined the group when his predecessor, Rob Miller, was injured in a serious auto accident. “Andy’s also a good team player,” says Eric. “He has spirit and instinct, a strong voice...and he’s a writer with motivation to do stuff on his own.”

A potent line-up, to be sure. Now, you’re probably wondering, just what is a Hooter, anyway? That’s the nickname the group’s given to the Hohner Melodica, a cross between a keyboard and a harmonica, and an instrument that's given the band one of their trademark sounds. “We go through them pretty quickly in the show,” admits Rob, somewhat ruefully. “We’ve yet to find one that plays in tune.”

Every band should have such problems.