Let's
go back in time...
It's November of 1978, and three long time friends (Ken Deans, Keith Lilly
and Steve Pearson) have decided to 'do a band'. Thinking it would be pretty
cool to have a second guitar player, Pearson introduces Don Short. All four
hail from the Seattle's eastside, holding rehearsals in a freezing basement
in Kenmore.
By
Spring '79 this foursome is known as The Heaters. Bursting into the local
club scene, the group quickly becomes a favorite in the Seattle area with
their danceable, original songs. It seems a week doesn't go by without
press coverage, fan followings, and more and more prestigious gigs. They
are paid top dollar, audiences LOVE them, and critics predict them to be
the next big thing.
They
legally change their name to The Heats, as a band in California
already released an album under The Heaters.
Managed
by Albatross Productions, the guys are sent out on the road to open for
The Knack and Heart. While opening for Heart, they earn the honor of being
the first rock band to perform at Radio City Music Hall. Everything is
going well for the boys, but they have yet to be signed.
Their
first recording experience a 45, "I Don't Like Your Face/Ordinary
Girls" sells 18,000 copies in the Puget Sound area. "Have an
Idea," the Heats first album, is produced by Howard Leese, a member
of Heart. It sells 15,000 copies and is eventually named as "one of
the top 50 power-pop albums of all time!!" by Goldmine. The band continues
to perform, but by Spring of 1981, Lilly leaves the band to support his
new family. Wayne Clack replaces him, bringing a new energy to The Heats.
Deans
leaves the band in 1982 to pursue another avenue in the entertainment field,
and is replaced by Rick Bourgoin. The band continues to tour, and release
a second 45 "Count on Me/Rivals" and another album "Burnin
Live". The Heats continue until 1983.
