Current lineup-Roddy Frantz-Lyrics and Vocals, occasional hand claps, finger snaps and temple bells;
Robt Goldstein-Guitars and occasional Keyboards;
Robin Rose- Synthesizers
Dr. William X Harvey-bass guitars
Max Frantz-drums and percussion
Original lineup-Linda France-Bass Guitar and occasional Keyboards;
Danny Frankel-Drums and Percussion;
Roddy Frantz-Lyrics and Vocals, occasional hand claps, finger snaps and temple bells;
Robt Goldstein-Guitars and occasional Keyboards;
Robin Rose- Synthesizers
The original Urban Verbs were Linda France on bass guitar and keyboards, Danny Frankel on drums and percussion, Roddy Frantz generates lyrics and vocals, the "tragically overlooked" Robt Goldstein plays guitars and the inimitable Robin Rose creates synthesizer stylings and inflections on a vintage Arp Odyssey.
In early 2008, a lifelong associate, band promoter, artist and musician Bill Harvey, aka Dr. William X Harvey, joined the band on bass guitars and Max Frantz joined on drums and percussion. They helped develop the three new songs that the Verbs presented at their "One Show Only" appearance on May 24th at the 930 Club in Washington, DC.
The original band's first performances took place in 1978 at the Atlantis Club at 930 F Street in Washington DC. The Verb's first practice space was in the Catacombs beneath the club and Roddy lived in a seventh floor loft there for a time. After catastrophic mismanagement by the club and building owner, the incredible Dody Di Santo took over and birthed the 9:30 Club, named for it's address at 930 F Street, NW as well as its usual opening time.
The Verbs were the first DC band to play CBGBs (with the Cramps)in October of 1978. During that gig they were seen by Brian Eno, who was living in the West Village at 9 West 8th Street and recording the Talking Heads "More Songs About Buildings and Food" at Chris and Tina's loft in Long Island City. After the Verbs second set he rushed home and typed a two page letter, replete with marginalia and beginning, "I was extremely impressed by your performance tonight . It struck me as a whole new set of ideas about how to structure sound.”
He shared his thoughts about the structure of the Verbs music and instrumentation and very generously offered to record two live Verbs sets at CBGBs the following week before leaving for Africa.
"I realize this gush might surprise you somewhat (it did!!!) , but you came at a good time for me. I have been sitting in my apartment for the last three weeks, and before that in England, thinking and writing about music in a social sense: it's connection to the current state of life, if you'd like. And now to hear something which seems so very well connected is a joy."
hey guy's thanks for the add. i've been a big fan since i discovered your album back in the early nineties. im still playin that record. cant believe you's are performing again. cheer's
Steal away to see steel on steel at the Quarry House Tavern this Friday Aug 29th. Witness the convergence of punk rock's men of steel. Randy Austin of Dollar Bin on the lap steel and Big Al of Sister Ex on the pedal steel. It'll steal your breath away!
