Music Style Modern rock

Musical Influences The Clash, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Jimi Hendrix, P-Funk, Ohio Players, Bob Marley, Buddy Holly

Similar Artists The Clash, Elvis Costello, Gang of Four

Artist History Phil and Kier met freshman year at Northwestern University in 1979, and started a band called The Lines with roommates Seth Hollub on drums and John Berger on bass. The following year Seth and John left NU, and Steve Jarvis took over drums (and much of the booking work). Kevin Bowie was a 15-year old Evanston High Schooler who answered a flyer posted at The Guitar Works, and just happened to be a phenomenal bassist. During the 1979-80 school year, The Front Lines became a popular band on campus, covering everything from Dylan to the Sex Pistols. In time, they began writing their own songs, recording a 3-song demo with frat party gig profits. Using that demo, they were soon playing in Chicago clubs of the day: O'Banion's, Tuts, Ruts, Waves, Wizards, Exit, Metro, Cubby Bear, C.O.D., Misfits, Jamie's Elsewere, Biddy Mulligan's, and so on. The following fall (1980) they earned enough rush week gig money to record a 4-song E.P. (7" 33-1/3 rpm), called "Where Do We Go From Here?", which easily sold out it's first pressing of 1,000 copies. Soon they added a fifth member, Bruce Gomez, to play keyboards and sing backup. In the spring of 1981 they recorded a single which helped launch them on a cross-country tour in the summer of 1981. Steve booked gigs in Boston, Phillie, D.C., New York (The Ritz might be their most memorable gig), Buffalo (at the Continental with members of Rick James' Stone City Band), and Detroit. The Front Lines also appeared with Mission of Burma, Robert Gordon, Gary "U.S." Bonds (at NU), and Modern English (at The Park West). The beginning of the end came when Steve left the band due to the kind of dispute that always seems to break up bands. He was replaced in succession by Jeff Majetic, Ronnie Crawford (later with The Daves and Lisa Loeb) and finally, Ed Hoke. The band recorded at least three more demo sessions, and continued to peform in the city. But the three songwriters - Phil, Kier and Bruce - were not collaborating, but venturing into three increasingly divergent musical directions. By 1984 the members of The Front Lines had gone their separate ways.

Group Members Phil Rothman - singer, songwriter, rhythm guitar Kier Strejcek - lead guitar, songwriter Kevin Bowie - bass Steve Jarvis - drums Bruce Gomez - keyboards, songwriter, vocals

Instruments Guitars, bass, drums, keyboards

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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