One-hit wonder bands you saw live

[CBCD]

I was quite the teeny-bopper concertgoer when I was a young lass in the 60s. There are some silly bands I saw perform live that had a big hit, made the cover of 'Tiger Beat', and faded away. Here are some of them:

Dino, Desi and Billy (I'm a Fool)
The Left Bank (Just Walk Away Renee)
? and the Mysterians (96 Tears)
The Cyrcle (sp?) (Red Rubber Ball)

How about you?

[Cajun Man]

This thread is better suited for Cafe Society. I'll move it for you.

__________________

Cajun Man - SDMB Moderator

[Motorgirl]

Mighty Lemon Drops (Inside Out)

[Motorgirl]

heh - you just inspired me to fire up my iPod and listen to it. Forgot how much I liked that silly song.

[Neurotik]

Harvey Danger at the 9:30 Club. It was actually a good show.

[Skeezix]

Well, we did see one that I recall for sure...

Somewhere in the early 90s, an all girl semi-metal band called Vixen had a tune that was all over MTV for a couple of months, Edge of a Broken Heart. Don't know if it was all that much of a hit chartwise, though; as I said, the video itself was inescapable, but moreso for the band, than for the tune, I think. They were one of two opening bands, the other being the entirely forgettable White Lion. (I think. We wandered out for a couple beers and suchlike while they were onstage.)

Opened for... Ozzy Osbourne, p'raps?

Perhaps, maybe, I think... Yeah, my (relative) youth wasn't too misspent, was it?

[Spit]

I saw that group that did the song "Standing outside of a Broken Tollbooth with Some Money While My Dog Pissed on my Girlfriend's Sister's Shoes in the Middle of the Night."

Or something like that. I just recall the title of the song was a mile long, and it got decent airplay for a while back in '95 or '96.

It had this stupid sample that went "I've been downhearted babe....ever since the day we met" over & over while the guy mumbled some lyrics.

However, the opening act, Patti Rothberg kicked ass. (I suppose she was something of a "one hit wonder" herself with the song Inside that made radio about the same time)

[Catfood Purrito]

We got a lot of one hit wonder bands at the college I used to attend. Being a student, I got free tickets to all concerts, and I saw The Bodeans (Closer to Free), The Rembrandts (I'll Be There For You, AKA, that song from Friends), and Jars of Clay (I forget what the song was called...Flood? Something like that). I was very drunk during all three, so I can't remember enough to comment on whether they were any good or not.

[Jerrybear]

Wasn't "Closer to Free" also the theme for some television show?

[koeeoaddi]

The Cyrcle (sp?) (Red Rubber Ball)

I saw the Cyrcle too, but they really don't count because they had a second hit "Turn Down Day." They opened for the Beatles along with Bobby Hebb, who I think had only one hit "Sunny."

yesterday my life was filled with rain (hums to myself)

[fusoya]

I saw the Violent Femmes close for They Might Be Giants about 2 years ago....and they DIDN'T do Blister in the Sun.

I thought that it was incredibly sad that when Violent Femmes were on Conan O'Brien a couple months ago, they did their one hit instead of something written in the last 5 years.

[Spit]

Originally posted by Jerrybear
Wasn't "Closer to Free" also the theme for some television show?

Party of Five.

[MonkeyMensch]

I saw The Knack (My Sharona) and liked it.

Shudder.

[Hepcat421]

Originally posted by Spit
I saw that group that did the song "Standing outside of a Broken Tollbooth with Some Money While My Dog Pissed on my Girlfriend's Sister's Shoes in the Middle of the Night."

Primative Radio Gods - "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand". Good song though I never heard anything else by them and I can not imagine that it would have been that exciting to see live.

Too many to list myself since I always try to see the bands du jour when they come to town.

[Watcher of the Skies]

This'll date me, but back in college I saw a couple of concerts in Dayton Ohio that had one hit wonder opening acts:

Five Man Electrical Band - Signs
Dr. Hook & His Travelling Medicine Show - The Cover of the Rolling Stone

[Zsofia]

I am going to Daytona Beach at waaaay too advanced an age for Spring Break this year because 1) we never did anything sleazy like this when we were undergrads, and 2) Sir Mix-a-lot is playing a concert.

We said "Heh, heh, let's go to Daytona, wouldn't that be nasty?" and looked at the official site. And he's playing when we're going to be there, so the deal is sealed, man. I intend to try to get a t-shirt that says "Sir Mix-a-lot" and "2003". :)

[DoctorJ]

The Spin Doctors were one of the best live bands I've ever seen, but they had a reputation as such long before they had those hits from Pocket Full of Kryptonite.

[belladonna]

Originally posted by Skeezix
Well, we did see one that I recall for sure...

Somewhere in the early 90s, an all girl semi-metal band called Vixen
I saw them too! It was probably more like the late eighties when I saw them though, because I wasn't even in junior high yet. They were opening for Eddie Money back then.

[Spit]

Originally posted by Hepcat421
...and I can not imagine that it would have been that exciting to see live.


They weren't. Most boring concert I ever attended. (Except for Patti Rothberg)

[RealityChuck]

Originally posted by CBCD
The Left Bank (Just Walk Away Renee)

Never saw them perform, but I knew one of them.

Just a few weeks ago, I saw Elvin Bishop live. He had one hit -- "Fooled Around and Fell In Love," but has had a long, successful career as a blues musician.

I've seen Orleans ("Still the One") live.

[cherry]

linear, bel biv devoe, and someone who sang the rico sauve song iirc

I even have the linear t-shirt :o

[stofsky]

Peter Frampton, twice.

The Arc Angels (bonus points to anyone who can tell me who the bassist and drummer played with before).

[moi]

I saw the previously mentioned Spin Doctors open for the Stones and also caught Elastica (http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/card/0,,427064,00.html?src=search&artist=Elastica) at a cramped li'l club for probably $3.

[astorian]

I'm not sure if all of these bands qualify as "one hit wonders," but...

1) I saw A Flock of Seagulls in 1982, as the opening act for Squeeze (I think "I Ran" was their only hit).

2) I saw Mr. Big (the only song of theirs I ever heard was "To Be With You") as the opening opening act for Great White and the Scorpions.

3) I saw Faith No More (was "Epic" their only hit?) as the opening act for Billy Idol.

4) I know that they had a lengthier career in Canada, but Saga only had one hit in the U.S.- "On the Loose." I saw Saga as the opening act for JEthro Tull.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

I saw the band Scandal, which should have been a one hit wonder. As it was they had at least two hits, Goodbye to You and The Warrior.

I saw the Atlanta Rhythm Section looong after their heyday (So Into You). They weren't bad live.

I also saw The Alarm (68 Guns, maybe one or two others?) and a band called IIRC The Red Rockers, who had a very minor hit called China in the early 80s.

Oh, and I saw the Replacements live several times. Great, great band but I think they may have had only one "hit" (I'll be You)

[leafrog]

I saw Men at Work (my first concert ever) way back in '83? '84? Gads, that piece of info must have been stored in some of those brain cells I've lost in the meantime...

Stevie Ray Vaughn opened, though! :eek:

[KRC]

I saw Modern English in 1983. Their hit "I'll Stop the World and Melt With You" (or something to that effect) was used in a commercial to advertise a Burger King sandwich about 15 years later.

[Harli]

I saw The Cardigans (Love Fool) in about '96 or so.
Great show. Wasn't such a fan of their album that came out after that, but I still get a kick out of listening to their earlier stuff once in a while.

[Jberto]

I saw Ugly Kid Joe - you know, they sang "I Hate Everything ABout You - They opened for another one-hit wonder, Scatterbrain. Not the most amazing show, but it was actually fun.

[kalex]

I saw the Georgia Satellites back in...must have been 1982 or 83 at Sloppy Joe's in Key West. It was a free show and they were just The Satellites back then. But man, they blew the roof off the dump. And a couple years later, I was driving around Miami and their song came on the radio - Keep Your Hands to Yourself - and I remembered them, and what a good show it was. Where are they now?

[gorillacus]

My buddy Dave and I saw Katrina and the Waves (Walking on Sunshine) at a tres crappy strip club. This was the summer before their song became the monster summer hit we all recall.

There was probly 7 people in the audience including a very embarrassed radio station rep.

The bad came on and played a solid full set for us. Really cool.

Dave and I went 'backstage' after the concert thanked them and wished them well. I said they'll be big.

[NicePete]

I saw The Babys open for Styx in '77 or '78. My first concert, <i>Evar!</i>

[Skeezix]

belladonna: Vixen's Edge of a Broken heart was evidently released in '88, so you're probably closer to the right date than I am.

Their second album was released in '90, and I don't think any of the tunes from that one were in the short set we saw, so I'd guess it was '88 or '89.

And yes, I know this because we have both albums on tape. We don't throw away nothin' 'round here.

[DarkWriter]

I saw Katrina and the Waves on the Mall in DC back in '85. The Beach Boys also performed, and a few others I can't remember now.

I saw Level 42 open for Madonna at RFK Stadium in DC during the summer of 1987.

Do The Tubes count? i saw them at The Bayou in DC also in 1987.

[Spit]

Originally posted by Laughing Lagomorph

Oh, and I saw the Replacements live several times. Great, great band but I think they may have had only one "hit" (I'll be You)

I've heard rave reviews about them from other people, although I've never seen them. Didn't they change their name or something?

[don't ask]

The Knack at the Manly Flicks
The Sex Pistols at the 100 Club
and several Aussie bands
Ratcat
Sunny Boys
The Swingers

[Snooooopy]

Originally posted by Spit
I've heard rave reviews about them from other people, although I've never seen them. Didn't they change their name or something?

The critically beloved Replacements began when Paul Westerberg more or less invited himself into a band called Dogbreath, which included the other three guys. They soon switched to calling themselves The Replacements (also known as The Placemats or just 'Mats). Aaaah ... a fine, fine 80s punk band.

[CupKade]

My first post....

Simple Minds.... From the Breakfast Club Movie...."Don't you forget about me"

Flock of Seagulls....

Kade

[Jeff Lodoen]

Not much to add here. I saw Glass Tiger open for Journey in '86 and The Moody Blues in '87. #2 hit "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)". Sounds too much like Wham! to be an accident, at least I thought so. "Someday" got to #7, are they still OHWs?

Cause these people are NOT!

Dr. Hook: 6 Top Ten hits like "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman" & "Sylvia's Mother"
Peter Frampton: Baby, I Love Your Way" #12 "Do You Feel Like We Do" #10 "I'm in You" #2 "Show Me the Way" #6
Men at Work: This set me off. Two #1s and two more Top Tens

Questionable but not very questionable

The Babys: "Every Time I Think of You" & "Isn't It Time" both topped at #13.
The Knack: "Good Girls Don't" -- this one goes to #11. Aaa, still OHWs.
Atlanta Rhythm Section: "Imaginary Lover" & "So In To You" both peaked at #7.


This is totally US-centric... #s from Billboard's Hot 100.

[amarinth]

The Proclaimers ("I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more")

[Broadway Danny Rose]

I saw Quiet Riot back in High School (about 1984). "Cum on feel the Noize" was their hit. Spelling was not their strong suit.

[Jeff Lodoen]

Originally posted by Broadway Danny Rose
I saw Quiet Riot back in High School (about 1984). "Cum on feel the Noize" was their hit. Spelling was not their strong suit.

That was a cover of Slade. The misspellings were their gimmick. QR also covered "Mama Weer All Crazee Now". The attention gave Slade a bit of a comeback in 1984 with "Run Runaway".

[New & Improved Scott]

I saw The Presidents of the United states of America, who did Lump/ They were a pretty good show. I've also seen Ashley McIssac perform his one hit Sleepy Maggie, which was good, but the rest of his set was so-so.

And astorian, I've always like Faith No More's "Easy like Sunday Morning" more than "Epic".

[Tristan]

I caught Saigon Kick when they opened for Tesla.
I caught [/b]Ugly Kid Joe[/b] when they opened for Ozzy.. although they had 2 hits.
I saw Slaughter at the same Ozzy concert.

Crazy Town was nice, but I'm a HUGE fan. Sadly, I think they're destined for One Hit Wonderland, and the song isn't even very much like the rest of their music. I saw them at OzFest.

Kittie was at the same OzFest.

Beyond that, I'm sure I've seen a few other at OzFests, but nothing that really gets in my brain.

[honkytonkwillie]

Originally posted by kalex
I saw the Georgia Satellites back in...must have been 1982 or 83 at Sloppy Joe's in Key West. It was a free show and they were just The Satellites back then. But man, they blew the roof off the dump. And a couple years later, I was driving around Miami and their song came on the radio - Keep Your Hands to Yourself - and I remembered them, and what a good show it was. Where are they now?

Pollstar.com (http://www.pollstar.com) says they're gonna be playing Club Liquid in Stafford, VA on March 15th. Is that close enough for ya?

After finding that, I searched for some of the other bands mentioned and found several that are still performing. The Knack has two dates this year, and Simple Minds and Quiet Riot have actual tours with something like 20 dates each.

Originally posted by astorian
I saw Mr. Big as the opening opening act for Great White and the Scorpions. I saw those three on the same tour when they came through Anchorage many moons ago. Damn good show. Mr. Big still tours but mostly in Japan. Scorpions still tour as well. Very sadly, Great White might not tour for a while, if ever again.

[nineiron]

A package tour called "Rock and Roll Shootout" around 1991 contained the following:
Blue Cheer (one hit wonder, I believe). They literally were on stage for about 10 minutes.
Mountain. No, wait; it wasn't even "Mountain." It was "the guy from Mountain," Leslie West (?). I believe this qualifies as a one-hit wonder.
Joey Molin (?). "The Guy from Badfinger." Does this qualify as a one-hit wonder?

Other bands playing (who I don't believe qualify as one-hit wonders) were the Outlaws, Marshall Tucker, and Foghat.

We were quite excited at the time because we got to park right next to Foghat's bus, which said "Slow Ride" on the little sign where the destination is usually listed. Boy, is that funny to think about now.

[CBCD]

Nineiron - I actually owned a Blue Cheer record on the early 70's. They had a pretty good version of 'Summertime Blues'.

koeeoaddi I take it you saw the same Beatles tour I did? But that's another story!

[nineiron]

Well, yeah, "Summertime Blues" was the one hit I was referring to. I had a 45 of that song which had Ram Jam's "Black Betty" on the other side, I believe. It was some sort of "Classic" collection that it was a part of.

Two funny things about that "Rock and Roll Shootout" show:

1. The guy from Mountain, formerly about 300 pounds, was really skinny when we saw him. We figured he just couldn't afford to eat anymore. We then called him "Molehill."

2. Blue Cheer's ten minute set made us think that they honestly did not know any other songs, even after 20-25 years as a band.

[Labdad]

I saw the Ides of March back in '69. I'm pretty sure "Vehicle" was their only hit.

I saw Spirit in '70, and I don't think they had a hit other than "I Got a Line on You." But that's a damn shame. They were a terrific group and should have charted a bunch of songs - "Nature's Way," "Mr. Skin," "Animal Zoo" and so on.

Oh! And I saw Vanilla Fudge open for Hendrix in '69. I think they had a hit with their cover of "You Keep Me Hangin' On."

[Mothchunks]

at the Roxy, Hollywood

[Revtim]

I saw "Flock Of Seagulls" at the Arizona State Fair. I know what you're thinking, but this was actually while their hit 'I Ran" was either still on the charts or only recently dropped off. I also met the guy from "Night Ranger" who was the lead singer/drummer that same night in a radio remote broadcast trailer. It was a big 80's night for this pubescent geek.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Originally posted by Spit
I've heard rave reviews about them from other people, although I've never seen them. Didn't they change their name or something?

Do you mean did they change their name from the Replacements to something else? Cause the answer to that is no, they broke up. I suppose they could get back together someday, but I am not holding my breath. Paul Westerberg seems set on a solo career.

Jeff Loeden I concede you the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Two hit wonders.

Other people have reminded me of some more I have seen: The Time and Sheila E (on Prince's Purple Rain Tour) and the Proclaimers, which I believe is actually the last concert I attended, must be 6-7 years ago now! Yes, I am an old suburban fart.

Oh and I was once forced to sit through Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam/Full Force.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Sorry I screwed up your name Jeff.

[Jervoise]

Originally posted by Spit
Or something like that. I just recall the title of the song was a mile long, and it got decent airplay for a while back in '95 or '96.

It had this stupid sample that went "I've been downhearted babe....ever since the day we met" over & over while the guy mumbled some lyrics.Heh, that stupid sample would be Mr B. B. King. :)

Speaking of one hit wonders, I saw The Vines play live. They were absolutely terrible and the crowd hated them for it. <shudder>

[Lamar Mundane]

A couple of great bands mentioned here that really don't belong, but I guess they do qualify. I'm thinking of the Replacements (and no, they didn't change their name) and the Violent Femmes, who had long, sucessful careers but in a narrow classification of music that almost never produces "hits".

From that same classification would be Soul Asylum (Runaway Train). I saw them many times in the 80's. My last night in my college town (Madison, WI) I saw Los Lobos, who had one huge hit - La Bamba, but also had a long sucessful career. And I just remembered - The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades, by Timbuk Three. They used to be a local act called Pat McDonald and the Essentials back then.

[koeeoaddi]

koeeoaddi I take it you saw the same Beatles tour I did? But that's another story!

In Philadelphia in the thunder and lightning. I still have my ticket stub. What a show! (Sorry for the hijack)

[Jeff Lodoen]

Originally posted by Lamar Mundane
And I just remembered - The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades, by Timbuk Three. They used to be a local act called Pat McDonald and the Essentials back then. [/B]

I did too, I musta blocked it out of my memory. Opened for the Moody Blues sometime in the '90s.

[Jeff Lodoen]

Originally posted by Jeff Lodoen
I did too, I musta blocked it out of my memory. Opened for the Moody Blues sometime in the '90s.

No they didn't, idjit! No I'm inventing memories!

They played their album before the concert. Other times I've heard Sinead O'Connor and the soundtrack from "The Craft".

[reoch]

Originally posted by MonkeyMensch
I saw The Knack (My Sharona) and liked it.

Shudder.

HEY!! I saw them too when they performed at Disney EPCOT when I worked there..and I sorta kinda in a way....liked it too:D

Reoch

[Typo Negative]

I saw After the Fire (Der Comisar) get booed off the stage openeing for Van Halen.

[Fingolfin]

Some chick I knew in HS dragged me to see Mr. Mister back in the late 80s. God that was one dreadful concert!

[CalMeacham]

Not one-hit wonders, but back in the 1960s I saw The Cowsills (the originals for The Partridge Family) and Herman's Mermits at the Steel Pier at Atlantic City.


I saw The Supremes there, too.

[Ivar]

Originally posted by Laughing Lagomorph
[B]Do you mean did they change their name from the Replacements to something else? Cause the answer to that is no, they broke up. I suppose they could get back together someday, but I am not holding my breath. Paul Westerberg seems set on a solo career.

No, they can't get back together, because Bob Stinson is dead. Yeah, they could get Slim Dunlap to play for them again or someone else, but really, Bob's guitar work was too unique to be duplicated. And without that, it's just ot the same.

And why are they listed among one-hit wonders? I don't remember any top 40 hits, though I do think they were one of the most influential bands of the 80's.

[Mr. Miskatonic]

Saw the Dead Milkmen (Punk Rock Girl) in convert several times.

Pretty Poison, just before they had there one "just on the charts" hit. (Nighttime is the Righttime).

[tourbot]

I saw Marshall Crenshaw (Someday, Someway) get booed off the stage opening for no-hit wonder Zebra in 1983.

[Jonathan Chance]

Fuel
Filter
Jimmies Chicken Shack
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Harvey Danger
Save Ferris
Semisonic
Marcy Playground
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cowboy Mouth
Cracker
Silverchair
Sugar Ray
Reel Big Fish
Fiona Apple
Joan Osborne
Katrina and the Waves
Timbuk 3


and literally a bazillion others.

[blainer]

I saw EMF play in New York in late '90 or early '91. They played Unbelievable twice. Twice!

The sad thing is that De La Soul played at the same place that night immediately after EMF. With your EMF ticket you could see them for $8. Kicking myself now for not taking advantage of that deal.

[coyasicanbe]

Flock of Seagulls (I Ran).

The Fixx (Red Skies at Night). Same show as Flock of Seagulls; the Fixx headlined.

Living Colour (Cult of Personality). Great show. Vernon Reid just ripped it up.

Sir Mix a Lot (Baby's Got Back). Actually saw him well before he hit it big. I saw him after "Posse On Broadway" hit in big in the Seattle area.

The Romantics (What I Like About You). They actually played in the Kingdome outfield, for free, after a Mariners game. I'm not sure you can go much lower. Also saw C and C Music Factory (Things that Make You Go Hmmm...) after a Mariners game. Lord, was that bad.

[zuma]

I saw Blind Melon at the Cactus club, a few months before their hit "No Rain" propelled them to #1, and about a year before heroin killed them. Was a good show, more or less!

[don't ask]

Originally posted by Jonathan Chance
Silverchair


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daniel's been sick I tell you. Their hits are not yet done.


Silverchair (http://www.silverchairnet.com/) with the new stuff.

Diorama won the best Rock Album ARIA Award and Silverchair won best group this year.

[Jonathan Chance]

Sad when an Australian can't face reality, isn't it?

I've seen Living Color, too. God, I think I saw everyone at some time or another.

A misspent youth, clearly.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Originally posted by Ivar
No, they can't get back together, because Bob Stinson is dead. Yeah, they could get Slim Dunlap to play for them again or someone else, but really, Bob's guitar work was too unique to be duplicated. And without that, it's just ot the same.

And why are they listed among one-hit wonders? I don't remember any top 40 hits, though I do think they were one of the most influential bands of the 80's.

Well, the OP didn't specify Top 40 hits. "I'll be You" reached #51 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1989, and reached #1 on their Mainstream Rock Tracks, whatever that is, the same year. All according to www.allmusic.com

As for not being worth hearing w/out Bob Stinson, well, that's your opinion. They had a lot of good stuff after he was thrown out of the band and I would go see a reunion of the Westerberg/Dunlop/T. Stinson/Mars lineup any day. It's not like the Clash now that Joe Strummer is gone. THAT wouldn't be the same.

Jonathan Chance reminds me that I have seen the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. I don't know if "The Impression that I Get" was a hit outside of the Boston area though. They are local faves.

[jessechgo25]

60ft Dolls at Schubas for $5.00. Best damn $5.00 I ever spent what a shame they only put one CD out.

[GrandfatherTrout]

Ooooh. I saw Animotion ("Obsession") open for Howard Jones, way way back in the day. If memory serves, they sucked. Shocking.

How they managed to become a one-hit wonder with that as their one hit should make us all hang our heads in shame.

Oh, and I also saw Des'Ree ("You Gotta Be") open for Seal. One hit, three flowing hand gestures, seven songs, twenty-three minutes.

[3trew]

I've seen a one-hit wonder cover band. "Wonderland", they're called, they have a website somewhere.

It's the only place I've ever heard Tommy Tutone, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Nena, and Dexy's Midnight Runners all in the same set.

They're pretty good, too, and the guitarist is much cuter than he looks in the photos.

Yeah, I know it doesn't count, but the last concert I was at before that was DOA, and I don't think they ever had a hit. Stupid all-ages shows, the kids know they're gonna be searched so they take all their drugs while they're in line. Spent the whole time in the pit hoisting totally stoned 12 year olds up before they could get stomped after their stage dives. It was kind of funny when I tripped over one of the kids and the little guy tried to help me up. Full mosh pit, everybody right into it, the band is ON, and this 125lb guy is trying to help me get my 275lb self back upright.

God, I miss those days. I spend less time at the emergency room now, but then was fun too.

I'm sorry, what was the question?

[ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness]

I saw Goldfinger twice, once opening for the Sex Pistols, and once in their own headlining show. As far as I know "Here in Your Bedroom" was their only hit. They never quite lived up to the hype of being the next Green Day/next Rancid.

I saw Scandal opening for the Kinks and Wang Chung opening for the Cars. At the time, they were both one-hit wonders ("Goodbye to You" and "Dance Hall Days", respectively), although they both went on to have a second hit about 2 years later.

Add me to the list of people who saw Living Color ("Cult of Personality"). Saw them opening for the Rolling Stones.

[Evil Death]

Originally posted by DarkWriter
I saw Katrina and the Waves on the Mall in DC back in '85.

Not a one-hit wonder. They had Walking on Sunshine, then they had Love Shine A Light become a hit after it won the Eurovision Song Contest.

[Bedrosian Bixby]

I saw a double-bill featuring Jesus Jones (of "Right Here, Right Now" fame.) and Ned's Atomic Dustbin (of "Grey Cell Green" fame.) at the Tower Theatre in Philly. Believe it or not is was a pretty impressive show. Especially, Neds.....some asskicking dueling basses going on.

I've also seen Morrissey a half dozen times...though he probably doesn't count in this catagory......the only reason I mention him is that I can only think of one solo song that made it to US airplay..."The More You Ignore Me" ...though "Boy Racer" might have made it...not sure.

Going to countless local radio music festivels in the summer, I've seen too many one hit wonders to count...the usual suspects of 90's music....Harvey Danger, Cherry Poppin Dadies and the like. Music festivals are great places to discover bands you might not have gone to see on other occasions. Discovered Soul Coughing at one and I'm a huge fan now. Same goes for Marah.

[Jeff Lodoen]

Originally posted by Evil Death
Not a one-hit wonder. They had Walking on Sunshine, then they had Love Shine A Light become a hit after it won the Eurovision Song Contest.

If we bring in foreign hits we need to redefine One Hit Wonder.

[Jack Batty]

Aldo Nova ("Love Is Just A Fantasy") 1982. Opening for Blue Oyster Cult.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Originally posted by Jack Batty
Aldo Nova ("Love Is Just A Fantasy") 1982. Opening for Blue Oyster Cult.

Isn't it "LIFE is Just a Fantasy"?

[Jack Batty]

I don't thinks so. Maybe.

Upon further inspection, the song is just "Fantasy", but, yep, the lyrics are "life is just a fantasy".


I never claimed he was that memorable.

[Evil Death]

Originally posted by Jeff Lodoen
If we bring in foreign hits we need to redefine One Hit Wonder.

Foreign for who, mate? Both those hits were local for me and the band both.

[Laughing Lagomorph]

Originally posted by Jack Batty
I don't thinks so. Maybe.

Upon further inspection, the song is just "Fantasy", but, yep, the lyrics are "life is just a fantasy".


I never claimed he was that memorable.

You never claimed WHO was that memorable? Whassisname?
:D

[lost4life]

IMHO

I don't think the term "One Hit Wonder" is as simple a definition as having only one hit. To me it usually meant they had one big song that got tons of airplay, but did nothing else musically significant. Some groups listed had several hits, while others are still together and actively making music.

Many of the mentioned groups had significant and influential careers, much of which did not get charted. Groups like The Replacements, The Violent Femmes, and Los Lobos did many well received albums and always maintained a core audience before and after their hits (Los Lobos still tours and is a favorite with our local public radio station).

To me, it always meant someone like Men Without Hats, or Right Said Fred. That said, the closest thing I saw to a one hit wonder was probably Billy Ocean (at Live Aid), who did Carribean Queen, but I believe he had a minor career after that hit.

[Morgainelf]

Not sure if these count in the one hit wonder category:

Saw Corey Hart (I wear my Sunglasses at Night) open for Rick Springfield.

Saw Berlin open for Thompson Twins. Take My Breath Away was a hit - did they have any more?

Rollins Band had a hit with Liar, don't know if they had any more.

Butthole Surfers had at least one, but I can't really recall it.

Dead Milkmen - don't know if they've ever had a hit? Punk Rock Girl is certainly well known.

Sonic Youth Any hits there? Don't know, but it was one of the best shows I've ever been to.

Cowboy Mouth - do they count? Great live show!

Siouxie and the Banshees - I think Peekaboo was I think their only hit...

I'm sure there are more, but I have to go back to work!
M

[ShibbOleth]

I think that the Rollins Band made my ears bleed. I didn't no that they had a "hit". A lot of semi-hardcore bands might possibly be categorised as one hit wonders. I saw Modern English, Psychedelic Furs and a lot of bands of those times. I'd count Modern English because I can't even think of any other songs from them, much less hits. Also saw Living Colour open for someone, maybe the Stones. You see a lot of OHW opening for other bands. I think that I saw Bow-Wow-Wow once, but that might have been a dream. Saw the Tom-Tom Club and Ramones once around here, I don't know if either ever had a true hit. Saw OMD here also, which definitely qualifies. How about Billy Squire (sp?)? Pat Travers Band? Sheile E?

[Indygrrl]

Originally posted by Morgainelf
Not sure if these count in the one hit wonder category:

Rollins Band had a hit with Liar, don't know if they had any more.

Butthole Surfers had at least one, but I can't really recall it.

Dead Milkmen - don't know if they've ever had a hit? Punk Rock Girl is certainly well known.

Sonic Youth Any hits there? Don't know, but it was one of the best shows I've ever been to.


Siouxie and the Banshees - I think Peekaboo was I think their only hit...


I don't consider these bands to be one hit wonders because they are underground bands. They have all had lengthy, successful careers, despite not getting regular radio play.

I saw The Georgia Satellites (Don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself....). Now that's a one hit wonder!

[angelicate]

I saw Seven Mary Three (Cumbersome) at a show in Austin a couple of years ago. I'm sure there've been more, but that's the only one that sticks out.

[Raygun99]

Originally posted by Morgainelf
Not sure if these count in the one hit wonder category:

Saw Corey Hart (I wear my Sunglasses at Night) open for Rick Springfield.

You know, Sunglasses at Night wasn't even his biggest hit.

[Auntie Social]

I saw the Refreshments, who sang that song about robbing a bank and fleeing to Mexico with a fake ID under the name of "Captain Jean-Luc Picard," which was easy since the border guards don't speak English.

Also saw Blind Melon open for Neil Young once. It was just as "No Rain" was at the end of its chart run and a bunch of people LEFT after seeing Blind Melon. I.e. they paid $30 to see Blind Melon sing "No Rain" and didn't care to see Neil Fucking Young. This boggles my mind to this day.

[Crafter_Man]

I saw Survivor in the early 80’s. (Remember “Eye of the Tiger"?) They opened for Pat Benatar.

[Gundy]

Originally posted by ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness
I saw Goldfinger twice, once opening for the Sex Pistols, and once in their own headlining show. As far as I know "Here in Your Bedroom" was their only hit. They never quite lived up to the hype of being the next Green Day/next Rancid.

I saw Scandal opening for the Kinks and Wang Chung opening for the Cars. At the time, they were both one-hit wonders ("Goodbye to You" and "Dance Hall Days", respectively), although they both went on to have a second hit about 2 years later.

Two things: 1) I own the Goldfinger album -- but I only bought it for "Here in Your Bedroom", honest! and 2) Scandal also had "The Warrior" and Wang Chung, of course, had "Everybody Have Fun Tonight".

[PaperBlob]

At a concert at JFK stadium in Philadelphia, summer of 1982:

Robert Hazard and the Heroes - Escalator of Life (They may have been a no-hit wonder outside of the Philly area.)
Flock of Seagulls - Not sure if they count as one-hit wonders. Maybe one-album wonders?

That was a great concert! The three other performers were Blondie, Elvis Costello and Genesis.

[Bottle of Smoke]

The Replacements?
The Violent Femmes?
The Bodeans?

One hit wonders? Damn, I guess they were if you look at what hit the charts. But they were in heavy rotation in my tape deck during my formative years, so to see them lumped in with one-hit wonders is a bit harsh.

[Morgainelf]

Originally posted by Raygun99
You know, Sunglasses at Night wasn't even his biggest hit.

Hey, don't leave us hanging! What was?

Rollins band had a hit with "Liar". What's a hit? Top 10? Top 40? Is there a definition of OHW out there?

I've heard some lists quote Midnight Oil and Sinead O'Connor as OHWs, but they certainly had several songs played in heavy rotation.

[Raygun99]

Originally posted by Morgainelf
Hey, don't leave us hanging! What was?

Never Surrender hit #3, Sunglasses at Night only ever went up to #7.

[Morgainelf]

Oh, you're so right!

[elfkin477]

Originally posted by Jonathan Chance
Fuel
Filter
Jimmies Chicken Shack
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Harvey Danger
Save Ferris
Semisonic
Marcy Playground
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cowboy Mouth
Cracker
Silverchair
Sugar Ray
Reel Big Fish
Fiona Apple
Joan Osborne
Katrina and the Waves
Timbuk 3


and literally a bazillion others.

Jonathan You either have a far stricter idea of what makes a "hit" than I do, or your radio stations play a limited selection of songs :confused: I'd call a lot of them "underappriciated" rather than one hit wonders, since they had...more than one hit :p

As for your bands, they had songs that were in heavy rotation at least two months each with:

Fuel - Shimmer; Bittersweet; Hemorrhage (In My Hands); Bad Day; Jesus or a Gun

Jimmie's Chicken Shack- High; Do right; Trash


Mighty Mighty Bosstones - The Rascal King; The Impression That I Get; Where'd You Go? ; So Sad To Say

Semisonic- Closing Time; Singing In My Sleep; Secret Smile

Cowboy Mouth- Jenny Says; Whatcha Gonna Do?

Silverchair- Anthem For The Year 2000; Freak; Ana's Song (Open Fire); Abuse Me; Pure Massacre

Sugar Ray- Fly; Every Morning; Someday; RPM(which stopped getting air play once "fly" became popular, blech. It held its own for a while, though)

Reel Big Fish - Sell Out; Take me on (Ah ha cover)

Fiona Apple- Fast as You can; Shadowboxer; Across the Universe (beatles cover?); Limp ; Sleep To Dream; Criminal



Anyway, I've seen:
Rebekah (Sin So Well)
C60 (Crazy)
Angry Salad (The Milkshake Song. Their "99 red balloons" cover sank like a rock, oh well)

[Jeff Lodoen]

Originally posted by Evil Death
Foreign for who, mate? Both those hits were local for me and the band both.

Pick a market I guess. From an American perspective, Katrina & The Wave are OHWs... no doubt about it. (Billboard #9? It got more airplay than that would indicate). In Europe that isn't true.

Same deal with Falco. Huge in Europe, yes? Here he had "Rock Me Amadeus".

I guess we USians could (should?) be familiar with the Euro-music scene, but what about Taco? Maybe he had hits in Indonesia?