Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

WAITRESSES, The

A USA new wave group formed in Cleveland OH by Chris Butler, guitar (ex-Tin Huey, 15-16-75, the Stereos): confederates were drummer Billy Ficca (ex-Television), vocalist Patty Donahue, bassist Tracy Wormworth (ex-Gwen McCrae band), Daniel Klayman on keyboards, Mars Williams, sax (ex-Fred Frith, Gong; see also Hal Russell). Their appearance on The Akron Compilation '78 on Stiff led to some fame; when they moved to NYC their zany new wave material attracted Ze Records, who released Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful '81, Butler writing songs for Donahue. 'I Know What Boys Like' was a cult hit in the UK, went top 10 in Australia; 'Christmas Wrapping' (from Ze's A Christmas Record) made no. 45 UK '82, but despite exposure on TV series Square Pegs failed to click at home. Bruiseology '83 flopped; Donahue was replaced by Holly Beth Vincent (ex-Holly and the Italians, a UK-based new wave band); by the time Butler left only Ficca was left of the original group, doing Butler's songs.