The Knack
The Knack: The Rise and Fall of a New Wave Sensation
In the vibrant tapestry of the new wave era, The Knack emerged as a beacon of melodic hooks and infectious rhythms. Their breakout hit "My Sharona" propelled them to the forefront of the music scene, but their journey was marked by both triumph and tribulation.
Members:
* Doug Fieger (vocals, guitar)
* Berton Averre (guitar, vocals)
* Bruce Gary (drums)
* Prescott Niles (bass)
Discography:
* 1979: Get the Knack
* 1980: ...But the Little Girls Understand
Formation and Rise:
The band's genesis can be traced back to 1974, when Fieger and Gary crossed paths in Los Angeles. They formed a loose-knit group called The Skywriters, which eventually evolved into The Knack in 1978. With the addition of Averre and Niles, the lineup was complete.
Their debut album, "Get the Knack," captured the essence of new wave with its catchy melodies and energetic sound. "My Sharona," a love song dedicated to a woman named Sharona Alperin, became an instant anthem and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks.
Controversies:
Despite their commercial success, The Knack faced controversy over the perceived misogyny of their music. Critics accused them of objectifying women in songs like "My Sharona" and "Good Girls Don't." The band defended their lyrics as humorous and tongue-in-cheek.
Challenges and Decline:
Following their debut album, The Knack struggled to match their initial success. Their second album, "...But the Little Girls Understand," failed to meet expectations, and internal tensions began to surface. Fieger's increasingly erratic behavior and drug use contributed to the band's downfall.
In 1982, The Knack disbanded, leaving behind a legacy of one major hit and a brief but influential reign as ambassadors of new wave. Fieger died in 2010 from cancer, while the remaining members pursued solo careers and other musical projects.
Legacy:
Despite their tumultuous history, The Knack's impact on the music scene cannot be denied. "My Sharona" remains a timeless classic, and their sound continues to inspire new generations of musicians. The band's legacy serves as a reminder of the often-fleeting nature of fame and the importance of embracing the challenges that come with it.
In the vibrant tapestry of the new wave era, The Knack emerged as a beacon of melodic hooks and infectious rhythms. Their breakout hit "My Sharona" propelled them to the forefront of the music scene, but their journey was marked by both triumph and tribulation.
Members:
* Doug Fieger (vocals, guitar)
* Berton Averre (guitar, vocals)
* Bruce Gary (drums)
* Prescott Niles (bass)
Discography:
* 1979: Get the Knack
* 1980: ...But the Little Girls Understand
Formation and Rise:
The band's genesis can be traced back to 1974, when Fieger and Gary crossed paths in Los Angeles. They formed a loose-knit group called The Skywriters, which eventually evolved into The Knack in 1978. With the addition of Averre and Niles, the lineup was complete.
Their debut album, "Get the Knack," captured the essence of new wave with its catchy melodies and energetic sound. "My Sharona," a love song dedicated to a woman named Sharona Alperin, became an instant anthem and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks.
Controversies:
Despite their commercial success, The Knack faced controversy over the perceived misogyny of their music. Critics accused them of objectifying women in songs like "My Sharona" and "Good Girls Don't." The band defended their lyrics as humorous and tongue-in-cheek.
Challenges and Decline:
Following their debut album, The Knack struggled to match their initial success. Their second album, "...But the Little Girls Understand," failed to meet expectations, and internal tensions began to surface. Fieger's increasingly erratic behavior and drug use contributed to the band's downfall.
In 1982, The Knack disbanded, leaving behind a legacy of one major hit and a brief but influential reign as ambassadors of new wave. Fieger died in 2010 from cancer, while the remaining members pursued solo careers and other musical projects.
Legacy:
Despite their tumultuous history, The Knack's impact on the music scene cannot be denied. "My Sharona" remains a timeless classic, and their sound continues to inspire new generations of musicians. The band's legacy serves as a reminder of the often-fleeting nature of fame and the importance of embracing the challenges that come with it.