The Shirts Are Back! New Music and Reflections on their CBGB Legacy
New York's beloved New Wave icons, The Shirts, have returned from a 13-year hiatus with a brand-new single, "Move On Groove On," and a captivating interview on It's Psychedelic Baby.
The band, featuring original members Annie Golden, Robert Racioppo, Arthur Lamonica, and John Piccolo, is delivering a double shot of their signature sound with two new tracks, "Move On Groove On" and "Deux Royale". These releases blast with the same raw energy and irresistible hooks that once ruled the New York underground.
In the interview, Bob Racioppo shares how a chance meeting with Annie Golden in Brooklyn sparked the reunion. “I had just been thinking of her and The Shirts regarding a half-finished song I had," Racioppo explains. "She said she’d help me finish it, and we went into the studio a few days later. Then the rest of The Shirts came in, added their parts, and there it was… a new Shirts song.”
The band's legacy stretches back to the legendary CBGB scene of the late '70s. They recall sharing stages with iconic acts like Television and Talking Heads, and how those experiences shaped their musical style and stage presence. John Piccolo notes, "For me, watching the other bands opened up a new and exciting way to play."
Their debut album, released in 1978, gained significant popularity in Europe, with the single "Tell Me Your Plans" charting in the top five in the Netherlands. Reflecting on that era, Racioppo observes, “The Shirts did well in Europe; the people, as well as the record execs, seemed to 'get us.'"
The Shirts' journey hasn't been without its challenges. Their third album, "Inner Sleeve," faced difficulties with recording and label support. However, they've learned valuable lessons from those experiences, and their creative spirit remains undimmed.
With fresh music on the horizon, The Shirts are poised to reclaim their place in the music scene. Racioppo expresses his hopes, “Personally, I’d love to do a new record and play some live shows.”
Read the full interview on Its Psychedelic Baby here.
