‘The Shoits’, as their Brooklyn accents would have it, engaged on a long, hard climb in the mid to late 70s along the US East Coast under the direction of their manager, CBGBs entrepreneur Hilly Kristal.
Apart from lead singer Annie Golden (pictured above), The Shirts all lived and rehearsed in the same house. In addition, guitarist Ronnie Ardito, bassist Robert Racioppo and keyboard player John Piccolo were all cousins. The other two live-ins were John Criscione (drums) and Artie Lamonica (guitar and vocals).
Their self-titled first album (1978) was a stark but fairly accurate compendium of their virtues, demented, tight rockers (Empty Ever After) snuggling beside willowy ballads (The Story Goes), and not too many people got to hear it, a consequence of no hit singles.
Of those who did twist an eardrum, some thought it dandy and the rest made remarks about outmoded 60’s jumble.
Annie Golden
Vocals Ronnie Ardito Guitar, vocals Artie Lamonica Guitar, vocals Robert Racioppo
Bass, vocals John Piccolo
Keyboards, vocals
John ‘Zeek’ Criscione
Drums
Video
Related Posts
Ramatam Ramatam appeared in 1972 with a self-titled debut album on…
Styx Formed in 1970 by drummer John Panozzo, his bassist brother…
Chilliwack Chilliwack formed in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) in 1970 from…
Healing Force Australian band Healing Force formed in October 1970. Comprising Australians…
Warhorse Warhorse was formed in 1969 by original Deep Purple bassist…
Tuff Darts Tuff Darts were among the first of the New York…
Penetration In 1977, following exposure to The Sex Pistols, Penetration sprang…
