Shirts
This US pop-rock act were formed from the ashes of the Lackeys and Schemers, who played several low-key gigs in the early '70s. The line-up featured Annie Golden (b. c.1953; vocals), Ronnie Ardito (guitar), Artie La Monica (guitar), Robert Racioppo (bass), John Piccolo (keyboards) and John Zeeek Criscioni (drums). All members provided songs either on their own or in partnership with other personnel. Golden also worked as an actor, having a leading role in the screen adaptation of Hair in 1979. Other names which were suggested for the assembly included the Pants and the Sleeves. Shirts was the eventual choice, with the proviso that it should be pronounced Shoits in a thick New York accent. Unsurprisingly this tradition has lapsed with time. They initially earned a crust as a Top 40 covers band playing in bars, before graduating to clubs like CBGB's in 1975. Their first single, Tell Me Your Plans, was a surprise hit in Europe. Their big break came with a Peter Gabriel tour, before further singles and albums including the single Laugh And Walk Away. Golden released a solo single in 1984, but the band disappeared from the annals of rock taking their pronunciation with them. They did reunite, however, for one night in 1993 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their spiritual home, CBGB's.