It's November of 1978, and three long time friends (Ken Deans, Keith Lilly and Steve Pearson) have decided to 'do a band'. Thinking it would be pretty cool to have a second guitar player, Pearson introduces Don Short. All four hail from the Seattle's eastside, holding rehearsals in a freezing basement in Kenmore.
By Spring '79 this foursome is known as The Heaters. Bursting into the local club scene, the group quickly becomes a favorite in the Seattle area with their danceable, original songs. It seems a week doesn't go by without press coverage, fan followings, and more and more prestigious gigs. They are paid top dollar, audiences LOVE them, and critics predict them to be the next big thing.
They legally change their name to The Heats, due to a band in the California area which had already released an album under The Heaters.
Managed by Albatross Productions, the guys are sent out on the road to open for The Knack and Heart. While opening for Heart, they earn the honor of being the first rock band to perform at Radio City Music Hall. Everything is going well for the boys, but they have yet to be signed.
Their first recording experience a 45, "I Don't Like Your Face/Ordinary Girls" sells 18,000 copies in the Puget Sound area. "Have an Idea," the Heats first album, is produced by Howard Leese, a member of Heart. It sells 15,000 copies and is eventually named as "one of the top 50 power-pop albums of all time!!" by Goldmine. The band continues to perform, but by Spring of 1981, Lilly leaves the band to support his new family. Wayne Clack replaces him, bringing a new energy to The Heats.
Deans leaves the band in 1982 to pursue another avenue in the entertainment field, and is replaced by Rick Bourgoin. The band continues to tour, and release a second 45 "Count on Me/Rivals". In the Spring of '82 the song "In Your Town" is featured on MTV. Don and Rick leave to form the band "Avalon", which went on to record eighteen songs at London Bridge Studios for Atlantic Records. "Avalon" became "Luna Park" in '89 and then "Living Out Loud" in '91. Pearson went on to form several bands including the "Rangehoods", "The Fighting Cocks" and more recently "Steve Pearson and British Racing Green".
In 1999, Steve, Wayne and Ken get together in California and decide it's time to have a reunion. Keith takes on the roll of learning Don's vocal and guitar parts, Wayne is on bass. Steve is lead guitar and Kenny is back on drums. During 1999 to 2002, The Heat(er)s play many gigs, including a California road trip, Bite of Seattle, and local clubs.
Good news! The brand new powerpopcompilation "Souvenirs" is being released this week! It contains 21 great North American powerpop tracks from 1975-95. You can hear three of the songs that just have been uploaded on our Myspage page. The CD also contains a previously unreleased song by the great Canadian band Pointed Sticks recorded in the late 70..s. It is availabe from Not Lame Records and Kool Kat Musik, and it will very soon be available from CD Baby.
If you guys know where Steve will be playing this summer, I'd like to catch him while I'm out there, last two weeks in July. Thanks...loved the Heats..still do!!
We played "I don't like your face" at a acoustic gig the other night and people were totally diggin it!!!...one girl dancin up front said, at the end of the song, "I remember that song!!...it was 1978 or 1979, right??....man, that was a fun time in my life"....see what you guys did for people in the Seattle area???...you made memories for them!!!
Hi Guys - I was under age when you were playing around, but I would catch your show when I could. Mr Bills & Washington Hall with Hi Fi. It was so much fun and inspiring! Hello to Keith! I met you when I was playing at Muckleshoot and you came down with Neil S. My best to all of you - Kathy
Thanks for the add! I most definitely was a Heats fan and took some pics before of the band at the Shire, etc...I remember the Bahamas being a place in Seattle too where a lot of bands played. Will try to dig out more of my pics...it was the Heats in Seattle, and Babyknockers in Tacoma (where I am from) back in the day! The music still holds up well too!
So cool to hear about Don returning after so many years...alls we need is Steve on the ticket as well..I'd fly in for that. All the best for the upcoming evening of returns and music. xo Rona Still diggin' my ole Lps, 45's of the Heats, and of course the new and improve CD of all the ole Faves...play it in my PT Cruiser with the sun roof open, turned up loud with me singing along! Ahhh the memories...great times!
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