Featuring Patty Donahue (vocals), Ariel Warner (Backing vocals), Mars Williams (reeds), David Hofstra (bass), Billy Ficca (ex-Television-drums), Dan Clayman (keyboards), Chris Butler (guitars), The Waitresses started life in Akron, Ohio (possibly as a joke) and were the brainchild of Butler, who had previously been in Tin Huey.  When most of the band moved to New York, they were joined by (ex-Television) drummer Billy Ficca and signed to New York label Ze (most famous for it's nurturing of Kid Creole and the Coconuts) in 1981. The most unusual aspect of the songs on the first LP, "Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful?" was that despite being written by Butler, were all seen from the womans perspective. The Waitresses were largely ignored in the US but the single "I Know What Boys Like" was a top ten hit in Australia, and a minor hit in the UK. They came close to success in their home country when they recorded the theme tune for a short-lived sit-com "Square Pegs" which was the only release that wasn't written by a member of the band. After briefly touring in the UK they recorded their second album, "Bruiseology". During recording, internal problems came to a head and Patty Donahue left, being replaced by Holly Beth Vincent (formerly of Holly and the Italians), although this arrangement was reversed as Patty rejoined shortly afterwards. The second album proved to be their last, but The Waitresses most heard song is likely to be the single "Christmas Wrapping", which receives regular annual radio play and appears on numerous seasonal compilations, appearing first on Ze Records 'A Christmas Album' compilation in 1981. IF YOU LIKED THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE WAITRESSES: Blondie, Snatch, The Shangri-La's, The Pretenders, Shampoo, New York Dolls, The Knack, The Only Ones, The Go-Go's, Talking Heads, The B-52's, Helen Love, Shonen Knife, Holly & the Italians, Transvision Vamp.

THE WAITRESSES Discography

THE WAITRESSES REVIEWS

Back to MAIN INDEX

More info and photos can be found at: http://www.hardcafe.co.uk/waitresses/