Was (Not Was) is an eccentric R&B-flavored; pop group whose core members are David Weiss (a.k.a. David Was) and Don Fagenson (a.k.a. Don Was). (Don Was is also a famous producer, who has worked with The B-52's, Bonnie Raitt and many other artists.) The "Was Brothers" use a variety of other musicians, most notably the singers Harry Bowens, Donald Mitchell, and "Sweet Pea" Atkinson.
Weiss and Fagenson were childhood friends, who grew up together in suburban Detroit, but Was (Not Was) was not founded until 1980. Their first recording was a one-off 12-inch dance record for the avant-garde Ze Records.
They released four albums from 1981 through 1990 and officially disbanded in 1993. Their first album introduced what might be called their signature song "Out Come The Freaks", versions of which appear on all their subsequent long players. Their second album, which featured guest vocals by the likes of Mel Torme and Ozzy Osbourne got a lot of publicity in the print media (including a front-page story in USA Today) and sold fairly well, but was totally ignored by big radio. Four years of recording-contract problems dampened the band's momentum, though in 1987 they scored big with the danceable single "Walk the Dinosaur." The next albums mixed radio-friendly grooves with bizarre lyrics, and were commercially only modestly successful. At the same time, both Was Brothers developed separate careers as producers, film scorers and music supervisors.
In 1997, Steve Winwood released a tune which borrowed not just the title of Was (Not Was)'s single "Spy In the House of Love" but also the bass line and other elements. However, no lawsuits ensued (or if there were lawsuits, they were settled out of court.)
In late 2004, after almost twelve years of total silence, Was (Not Was) re-formed and were back on stage again on the occasion of a small two-month club tour through the Northeast and Eastern United States|East Coast of the US, as well as California, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois (including stops at the House of Blues in Cleveland and Chicago), Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania (in the Trocadero in Philadelphia).
In October 2005, they played four gigs at the Jazz Caf� in London.
The band has announced they will be releasing a new studio album, ''Boo!'', which includes many songs originally recorded in the 80's.
Discography
*''Was (Not Was)'' (1981) *''Born to Laugh at Tornados'' (1983) *''What Up, Dog?'' (1988) featuring the hit singles "Spy in the House of Love" (#16) and "Walk the Dinosaur" (#7) *''Are You Okay?'' (1990)
Singles
Year Title Chart positions Album US Hot 100 US Modern Rock US Mainstream Rock UK 1988 "Walk the Dinosaur" #7 #30 - #7 What Up, Dog?
Copyright Citations
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