The Hooters

In 1980, THE HOOTERS literally burst into the lively music scene of Philadelphia as a novel rock band. Their unique mix of ska, reggae and rock was a fresh, new sound that conquered Philadelphia clubs and radio stations. In 1985, Rolling Stone magazine named The Hooters “Best New Band of the Year.” In July of the same year, the group was also selected to open the legendary Live Aid concert in Philadelphia.

Founded by the two frontmen and songwriters Rob Hyman (vocals/keyboards) and Eric Bazilian (vocals/guitar), the current HOOTERS line-up also includes founding member and drummer David Uosikkinen as well as John Lilley (guitar), Fran Smith Jr. (bass/vocals) and Tommy Williams (guitar/vocals).

Following the release of their 1985 double-platinum album “Nervous Night” on Columbia Records — with the hits “And We Danced”, “All You Zombies” and “Day By Day” — the band continued to develop their characteristic sound and toured internationally.

Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian were also involved as musicians and songwriters in numerous projects by other artists. For the songs they wrote “Time After Time” for Cyndi Lauper and “One Of Us” for Joan Osborne, they each received Grammy nominations in the “Song of the Year” category.

In May 2023, THE HOOTERS released the album Rocking & Swing on their own label Hooters Music — a compelling new work that brought the band back to their early ska and reggae roots. Other releases on their own label included Time Stand Still (2007) and the EP 5×5 (2010).

In 2025, the band not only released the new single “Pendulum”, but also released their first live album in almost a decade with 45 ALIVE. With fresh arrangements of their classics as well as a horn section version of the legendary “Men In The Street”, this double live album captures the band's energetic atmosphere and unwavering joy of playing that still characterizes THE HOOTERS even after all these decades.

This is followed by “Every Ticket Tells A Story” — the 2027 European summer tour, with which The Hooters celebrate their 47th anniversary as a band. And so The Hooters' live shows remain an exuberant musical celebration — for the band as well as for their loyal and enthusiastic fans.

In one word: Hooterized!