Any Philadelphia rock music fan has some connection to our hometown band, The Hooters. After all, they’ve been around for over 40 years in Philadelphia. We thought we’d take a look at some of the geographical places that have special significance to The Hooters career.
Sure, they had important places out there in the ‘burbs as well, but we’re listing their top 6 Philadelphia places here.
Since their beginning, I played them on the radio and TV! They were featured on my Rock ‘n Roll TV show on Channel 3 performing Man in the Street live from Grendel’s Lair. That location made the list! I also featured the Hooters in several other television shows.
In 1986, I produced a Hooters special for WMMR. They have a really interesting story! And it continues.
This year, they are launching a big US tour with other ‘80s bands, like Rick Springfield. That national tour will bring them to Atlantic City on August 12. Outside of that tour, there will be a few other local shows including August 25 in Quakertown, August 26 + 27 in Cape May, NJ.
The Hooters released a new album on May 12, 2023. It’s called Rocking & Swing. It’s their first new record since 2010! That’s thirteen years between record releases. It’s available on CD, vinyl and digital streaming services. Find it for sure at The Hooters website.
They describe it as going back to their ska and reggae roots. It has new songs plus a bonus track – a live version of the first song that was played on WMMR, Man in the Street. The live recording is from a show at the Keswick Theater in November 2022.
The single on the album is called Why Won’t You Call Me Back. It’s a catchy number that will stay in your head after you hear it.
The opening track is Guava Jive. It’s an instrumental, totally ska! They also do a remake of the Rolling Stones’ song, Connection. The nine songs make up a little over 30 minutes of music.
And now, for the Top 6 Philadelphia Places Essential To The Hooters Career!
1. University of Pennsylvania: Where Rob Hyman And Eric Bazilian Met
Every songwriting partnership has a story of how they met. Elton John put an ad in a music paper and found Bernie Taupin. Mick Jagger grew up practically next door to Keith Richards. Paul McCartney went to see a band play at a church and was transfixed by the guitarist, John Lennon. In the case of the Hooters, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian met while attending classes at University of Pennsylvania. Specifically, it was a synthesizer class! Another fortuitous meeting there was with Rick Chertoff, a fellow student and musician/bandmate who went on to sign them to their record deal with Columbia Records and produced Nervous Night, One Way Home and Zig Zag.
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2. Manayunk: The Ranch (Just Up The Hill From Main Street)
This was their rehearsal space and where they wrote most of the first album for Columbia Records Nervous Night.
Photo by Cyndy Drue
The Hooters were so kind to award me with this gold and platinum album for my support leading to a million sales of their debut album on Columbia Records, Nervous Night.4. WMMR 19th And Walnut
Right in center city on Rittenhouse Square, this is where the Hooters were first played on the radio. Sure, it was their hometown, but WMMR wouldn’t have played them if they weren’t really good! In 1986, I produced a two hour Hooters special that aired on WMMR where I was on the air. Here’s a photo of Eric and me in the production room preparing for the special. Look at that old telephone on the right!
From the Collection of Cyndy Drue/Bob Schiller
5. JFK Stadium: South Philadelphia
In September 1982, their popularity was almost peaking. They opened for The Who at JFK Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough, three years later, in July 1985, The Hooters were chosen by concert promoter Larry Magid to OPEN Live Aid! That was also at JFK stadium. It’s gone now.
Photo by Cyndy Drue
6. Avenue of the Arts: Walk of Fame
This is the ultimate place to be honored in Philly if you’re in the entertainment world. Los Angeles has their Hollywood Stars Walk of Fame and we have ours. All along the Avenue of the Arts, aka Broad Street, there are plaques in the sidewalk of names. Rob and Eric are there twice. First, as the singer songwriters that they are, and most recently as The Hooters. Here I am in front of the Hooters plaque today (May 17, 2023). The ceremony happened in 2019 and you can see my video coverage here.
Photo by Cyndy Drue
The Hooters plaque is on the West side of Avenue of the Arts right before you get to Pine Street (walking from Samson where the plaques begin). Photo by Cyndy Drue
Rob and Eric’s plaques are on the East side of the Avenue between Spruce and Walnut Streets. However, Eric’s plaque is gone. Did someone steal it??? That seems to be the consensus. Hopefully, the Philadelphia Music Alliance will replace it soon!
Photo by Cyndy Drue
Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian were inducted before the band as a whole. Photo by Cyndy Drue
