The Front Wet Things

The Front were formed on Miami Beach in 1980. To the Miamians they were weird, but also tight and catchy: people soon remembered songs’ hooks. In 1981 they did their first 7’ Ep “The Front First Strike” at Sync Studios on diy label Foam Records. The B side “Immigration Report” hit #1 on Wvum and went on to heavy rotation on college radios across the US. The band played everywhere there was a stage, eventually becoming the opening act for bands such as U2, Psychedelic Furs, The Go-Go’s, Ultravox, Bow Wow Wow and many others. In 1982 released 2nd single “Aluminum Room”, which garnered the band a Billboard Single Pick. Many major labels were courting us… Nevertheless, by that time the band members were fragmenting personally and artistically. On 7/25/1983 they played last gig at a club called The Blitz in Hialeah, FL with a surprise appearance by Joey Ramone. A few years back, The New Times listed The Front at #5 of the “Greatest 20 Florida Punk Bands Of All Time” list. Not getting signed has its rewards, so put your headphones on and listen to a band that was on the cusp of international fame 40 years ago but just being heard today.