were a rock'n'roll band based in Washington DC, USA from 1997 - 2005. Mixing British mod sounds, American garage-punk, and a dose of power-pop and punk-rock, The Phobes entertained the masses at home and abroad with wild stage antics, loud guitars and stylish threads.
The Phobes released three full-length albums; Poverty Jetset, The Beginning or The End, and Fine Tune as well as a slew of limited edition colored vinyl singles. Highlight performances (for the band) include the Millenium Ball at the famed El Mocambo in Toronto, a headlining slot at the mighty Purple Weekend in Leon, Spain, backing up John Sinclair and his 'blues rants' at Signal 66 art-space in Washington DC, the 24 Hour Psycho exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum on the Mall in Washington DC, all of the Immediate! gigs at Silk City in Philadelphia, the 'Dance to Keep from Crying'Allnighter in Montreal, and that Atlantic City gig with adopted Spanish brothers Art School, to name a few.
Although The Phobes' powerful catalogue of hook-filled rockers, literate pop songs and soulful ballads showcased their intelligently crafted song writing, The Phobes also had a strong affinity for drinking, which cost them some valuable career opportunities including an honest attempt by one Ryan Gentles (of Strokes fame) to showcase both bands together for Rough Trade Records (the very night The Strokes were signed), a brief courting by Virgin Records, and a few similiar opportunities by outright not even showing up.
Though The Phobes could've been considered a lazy band, when they did show up to perform, they could not be matched. Each gig usually included the band performing in the crowd, on tables, or marching down the bar kicking drinks over. The Phobes managed to get signed to a New York indie-label, with support from punk-rocker Dave Smalley (Dag Nasty), only to pillage the company of wads of cash and all the product they could sneak into the elevator while keeping the suits busy in the meeting room. Then breaking from the label on a technicality, The Phobes set up their own label, Beat Neat-O Records, and did everything on their own terms while answering to noone. They chronicled their tour stories through their hilarious Phobes' Comix and for their final album, they autographed every copy that was manufactured.
In 2005, The Phobes decided to call it quits while they were still in their prime; no need to drag it out like so many other solid groups that become only a shadow of their former glory.
Singer/guitarist Grumbles went on to form The R.I.P.S in Philadelphia, PA, USA, Bassist Mumbles chose to permanently remain in Spain, and drummer Wobbles remains in Washington, DC painting his large scale expressionist works.
In April 2009, The Phobes reunited for 2 performances in Spain for the Que Diablos III reunion shows with hermanos de Espana, Art School.
Gracias a nuestro amigo Pepito en esta dirección http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=pepitoarido&view=videos&query=scooters podéis ver todos los vídeos de Scooters y Frenéticos (Scooters y Frenéticos es el mísmo grupo). Esperamos vuestros comentarios. Un saludo
Thanks to our friend Pepito in this direction http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=pepitoarido&view=videos&query=scooters can see all the videos of Scooters and Frenéticos (Scooters and Frenéticos is the mísmo group). We expect your comments. A greeting
Join us in one month's time at The Brooklyn Soul Festival, two nights of the legends of soul music, August 28 and 29, featuring Otis Clay, Barbara Lynn, Maxine Brown, Roscoe Robinson, and Hermon Hitson - backed by Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves (Aug. 28) and The Sweet Divines (Aug. 29).
$15 advance will call tickets still available via our myspace page, as are special $25 two-day passes - save money by reserving early...tickets will be $20 at the door if we have not sold out. Look forward to seeing you there!
Be sure to come early on Saturday, August 29, for our record and vintage clothing fair 11am-5pm - no cover for this part! Top soul DJs from around the world will be spinning the finest 45s for the dancefloor both nights!
THE GORIES THE OBLIVIANS THE GHASTLY ONES CHERRY OVERDRIVE COYOTE MEN ARMITAGE SHANKS DR. COMBOVER THE COSMIC VAMPIRES CAVESTOMPERS THE BRUTES LOS CHICOS THE EVILTONES TORPEDO MONKEYS LES BOF THE OTHERS LOS IMBASILS
+++ Insane International DJ's Frenzied Go-Go Dancers Rockin' Record Fair and Market Far Out Films and Art Eye-Popping Decor All Night Shakin'!
Nice to find you over here!!! I organized your gig in Madrid at the Soul Club in 1999 (or so, so long ago I can't really remember) Many greetings from Madrid!! Miguel
Last show!? I'm pretty excited we get to play with you guys on your last show. I've always liked y'all since I saw you open for the High Dials at the 'Cat. That wasn't that long ago, but still, I like the stuff.
See you on Friday
Ben
The Bonapartes
