Roots-rock quartet the Rave-Ups was formed in 1980 by frontman Jimmer Podrasky, a Pittsburgh native who founded the group while studying English at Carnegie-Mellon University. The original incarnation of the band briefly relocated to Los Angeles before dissolving, prompting Podrasky to return home and accept a job as a house painter; he then traveled back to Southern California, recruiting drummer Timothy Jimenez to record the Rave-Ups' 1984 debut EP, Class Tramp, with the aid of session musicians Chuck Wada on guitar and Douglas Leonard on bass. Guitarist Terry Wilson and bassist Tommy Blatnik cemented the lineup prior to cutting 1985's acclaimed Town + Country. A year later, at the behest of avid fan Molly Ringwald, the group appeared in the actress' film, Pretty in Pink. All the media exposure resulted in a major label contract with Epic, and in 1988 the Rave-Ups issued The Book of Your Regrets. Despite high commercial expectations, the album failed to make much of a chart impact, however, and after completing 1990's Chance, the group disbanded. Podrasky later formed the Lovin' Miserys with ex-Concrete Blonde drummer Harry Rushakoff, releasing Happy as Hell in 1996. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Hey what a classic find! Greetings from Dublin Ireland! My wife lived in San Francisco for 8 years and was always raving about "The Rave Ups" so I searched about and here you are. Fkn class sounds! We don't even have a record player and she's on Ebay buying your old Vinyl! Say hello to one of your new friends "Rosie" if you have the time! Brilliant sounds! I'll be back! Cheers! :)
Jimmer, I miss the days of the Electric Banana, and McKees Place parties. The lets put Wednesday back into your week shows at the Old Fat City with the Shakes. And old fan from the Burg, who's forever livin... "In the 1980'sssssssss 9" Psyche Out. Mike Psyche
Jimmer, I miss those "Put Wednesday back in your week" shows at Fat City in Swissvale. Greeting from the Burg. Have a Psyched New Year. I'm no Bobby Angel, Mike Psyche
I hope everyone from the band is doing well. I'd love to see you play like back in the old days. There's too much melodramatic over-the-top shit right now. You guys should come back & play small venues and kick ass.
hello Thanks for add me. i see you for the first time in the movie "pretty in pink". The songs was fantastic. i hope i see you in one time in germany. have a nice day Stefan
You got my attention in Pretty In Pink. I saw you in Dallas once at a very small club on a sunny afternoon in the 90's. So glad to get back in touch with your music. It makes me feel good and happy. Hope you see you come around Dallas/Ft Worth sometime.
thanx for the add, guys. I bought your town+country when I was 16(Demon records vinil)and I grow up with "Radio" sounds in my ear. Best regards from Italy. macs
Thanx for the add. We're so sad we couldn't make the show in HB. Haven't see you since the Palomino days. Any other shows planned for L.A. soon? How old is Chance now?
We just got back from the Rave Ups Show at the Blue Cafe in Huntington Beach Calif....Really great to see the band. Terrific show. It still amazes me that this band did not sell 5 million records. Based on what I saw tonight, I still feel there is a big place in this world for Rave Ups music and I'm hoping that the band will use this as a springboard to give it one more shot. Highlights from the night included Freedom Bound, a spruced up Train To Nowhere, Postively Lost Me (so tight even after all this time) and the Dylan cover You Aint Going Nowhere. The band was having fun, was really energetic and kept the 100 or so folks in the house fully entertained with 3 encores. Sure hope there is more!!!!!
YES...Please come to Dallas and we will come to see you! Even my Dad bought your tapes...(geez remember cassette tapes?)when I was 16...back in the 80's....you guys and ELO.
