Holly and the Italians

Holly and the Italians
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock, Punk Pop
Labels	Virgin/Epic

Holly and the Italians were a female led American punk pop band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1978 by Chicago-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Holly Beth Vincent. The members were Los Angeles drummer Steve Young, and later joined in the UK by bassist Mark Sidgwick. The band was based in London, England where, after playing on the pub circuit extensively they quickly came to prominence. They were opening act for fellow Americans Blondie and were signed to BBC disc jockey, music historian Charlie Gillett's record label, Oval Records Through Oval Records, Holly and the Italians released the single "Tell That Girl to Shut Up" which was a hit in the UK and elsewhere, helping to create a buzz about the band and resulting in offers from several labels. The band eventually signed a two-album deal with Virgin Records.

The single, written by Holly, again became a hit in 1988 when it was covered by Transvision Vamp.

Holly and the Italians recorded the album, The Right to Be Italian, at The Record Plant studio in New York City, produced by Richard Gottehrer who replaced the originally chosen 60's girl-group producer Shadow Morton when he suddenly departed. The album was then given a final remix in the UK by producer John Brand. The chaos surrounding the debut album experience affected Holly and her writing greatly. The second album reflects this, a moodier more introspective and 'alternative' album titled Holly and the Italians.

The first album, recorded in NYC, featured musical backing by several members of what later became "The World's most Dangerous Band": Paul Schaffer, Anton Fig, and Will Lee, now better known as the house band for the Late Show with David Letterman.

In August 1980, Holly & the Italians played the major Heatwave festival near Toronto. The band notably toured with ska band The Selecter, The Clash during their Combat Rock album release (pre- Bonds shows in New York City) and several shows around the U.S. with The Ramones.

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Wikipedia