When I watch a local band, Eastbourne, play around the Long Branch area this summer, I'm reminded of a group I enjoyed seeing in clubs during the mid/late-1970s, Wowii. Like Eastbourne, Wowii was mostly comprised of young Latinos who created outstanding original music and performed great covers of familiar songs. Wowii had a strong following of fans who appreciated the energy they projected from the stage, just like Eastbourne. Wowii's powerpop/glam-rock sound was different than Eastbourne's reggaeish-based sound, but the vibe to their young fans was similar.
Based in New Rochelle, N.Y. while playing in clubs throughout the New Jersey/New York City area, Wowii was comprised of Rafael Melendez (rhythm guitar, vocals), Heppi Pettit (lead guitar), Mark "Wolfie" Resnick (guitar), Peter "Zepol" Lopez (bass, vocals) and Chino Cabal (drums). Mother's in Wayne and the Towpath in West Paterson were among the many New Jersey clubs they played at regularly during 1977-78.
After signing with a major label, Wowii's first album was never released. The band splintered by the early 1980s and, except for reunion shows in the Miami area many years later, they never got back together. A Facebook page about them, Wowii Eightiesband, exists.
Thanks to YouTube, some of Wowii's wonderful original music is still accessible, as are some photos of the band from their '70s' heydays. In fact, old fans of Wowii can even enjoy a short documentary about the band: http://youtu.be/Ln7oVj7duzc
Three Wowii singles available on YouTube are:
-- I'm So Bad: http://youtu.be/SSz1FY30iMY
-- Hoods: http://youtu.be/0JXlUGdP1fI
-- Rock 'n' Roll Singer: http://youtu.be/rmAqg90aWvM
A live version of another of the band's original songs, Dream Angel & Juranda, recorded at Trax in New York City, can also be enjoyed at http://youtu.be/DcO5aWTho1Q.
And, thank you, Eastbourne, for unknowingly rekindling memories of Wowii. Here's hoping you have much success with your first album and many more years of making great music!
(Wowii photo from limestonelounge.yuku.com)
I am now 60 and was a "groupie" of WOWII, hung out with them thruout my late teens, early 20's. My friend Randi, known as Muhammed due to her large lips was Wolfie's girlfriend for about a year. I hung with Steve Widginski, their Roadie and Doreen who has since passed was the typical "Roadie". Fun times though not a time in my life I was proud of
ReplyDeleteWe are the same age and did the same thing so we probably know each other but I remember Randi as Mohammed as well. Remember the gorgeous Marta? I’m trying to find Heppi so I can give the pictures to Rafeal’s sister that I promised her on Facebook before I deleted my account in disgust. I was head over heels madly in love with Rafael. I was with his confidant and friends and sometimes more with everybody else. It’s so strange because I was watching something about Cuba tonight and thought about the long weekend we all spend Miami. Anyway you know how to get in touch with her I’d be so grateful. Plus I’d love to talk to you too.
DeleteThat didn’t come out completely right because Siri likes to rewrite my stuff for me even though I don’t ask her to. I meant to say that I was Wolfie’’s confidant and the only one I never slept with. Those weren’t the times were they? I followed him through four states everywhere they played even in the middle of a blizzard. I was obsessed. Hit me up if you ever feel like talking or you know about how to get in touch with Rafael’s sister or anyone connected to them. I feel badly that I wasn’t able to get them to her sooner. This might sound crazy but this was the highlight of my day.
ReplyDeleteWERE are the times* See? 🤬
ReplyDeleteHey Charlie,
ReplyDeleteI can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find your blog about five of my favorite people from way back in the day I still have a special place for in my heart. I don’t know if you read the comments from people but I left one for someone that left one two years ago but if you could re-read them I could save you rereading this one over explaining here. The bottom line is do you know any way for me to get in touch with any of them still connected to Rafael’s family? I know his sister and me would be very grateful. Thank you again for this. It was it unexpected surprise. The good kind. Namaste