| Urban Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Washington, D.C. |
| Genres | New Wave music |
| Years active | 1977-1981, 1995, 2008 |
| Labels | Warner Bros. Records |
| Past members | |
| Robert Goldstein Roddy Frantz Robin Rose Danny Frankel Linda France Billy Swann |
|
Urban Verbs were an American New Wave band from Washington, D.C.
In 1977 Urban Verbs rehearsed in the Atlantis Bldg at 930 "F" St. NW Washington D.C.. Robert Goldstein began to book bands in a derelict bar in the Atlantis Club, which was where Urban Verbs played their first shows and became a nexus of the DC New Wave/punk rock scene. In 1980, the Atlantis Club became the 9:30 Club.
Urban Verbs played at the CBGB club in 1978 with the Cramps and producer Brain Eno was in the audience. Eno offered to record several of the band’s songs (“The Next Question” and “Pensive Lives”) which have never been officially released.
The band received numerous positive reviews in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the City Paper among others. Urban Verbs became the darlings of the DC avante garde art scene playing numerous shows at the Washington Project for the Arts, DC Space, the Pension Building and the Corcoran School of Art.
In late 1978, Urban Verbs returned to CBGB to perform with Cleveland band Pere Ubu. Urban Verbs played the Peppermint Lounge and various NY clubs as well as numerous DC shows. In early 1979, the Urban Verbs shared the stage with the B-52's at the Corcoran School of Art.
Warner Brothers executive Bob Krasnow signed the band to a two record contract. The band's first album was recorded with Mike Thorne (producer of Wire, Soft Cell and Bronski Beat) in 1979 and released in early 1980.
Urban Verbs were scheduled to tour with Joy Division in May 1980. Arriving in Toronto for the first show, the band found the tour was canceled due to the suicide of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis.
The Urban Verbs second album for Warner Bros., “Early Damage”, was recorded in Atlanta with producers Jeff Glixman and Steve Lillywhite.
After touring in 1980, Robin Rose and Linda France left the band. France was replaced by bassist Billy Swann. The band toured the United States and Italy until 1981.
In 1995, Urban Verbs reunited to perform at the closing celebration for the 930 "F" street location of the 930 club.
Urban Verbs reformed in 2008 to play a show at the 930 Club which was featured on NPR’S All Songs Considered.