THE ATLANTICS 1976-1983 The Atlantics were formed in January 1976 by guitarist Tom Hauck and bass player Bruce Wilkinson, two students at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. A mutual friend introduced them to drummer Boby Bear and lead guitarist Jeff Lock. To complete the lineup Bruce recruited singer Bobby Marron, a friend from his hometown in New Jersey. The Atlantics played their first show in March of 1976 at The Rat in Kenmore Square. In May of 1976 they scored the opening slot for the Ramones, who were playing two nights at The Club in Central Square. The band made their first trips to New York in the summer of 1976, playing at CBGB and Max's Kansas City. The band quickly became an important and authentic part of the emerging punk/new wave movement. The following spring Ray Boy Fernandes replaced Boby Bear on drums. In the summer of 1977 the band recorded its first independent 45 on Jukebox Records, “When You're Young” by Bruce Wilkinson, backed with “Where Would I Be Without Your Love,” by Jeff Lock. A thousand copies were pressed but never released, and the single is now considered a collector’s item. In the spring of 1978 Jeff Lock left the band and was replaced by Fred Pineau. The Atlantics were signed to ABC Records that summer, and in December the band recorded their album “Big City Rock” at the Hit Factory in New York. The record dropped in March, 1979, but a few weeks before the release ABC Records was sold to MCA Records. Their new label, together with Premier Talent, put the Atlantics on a nationwide tour with Roxy Music, followed by a regional tour throughout New England. The band performed with artists including The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Boston, The Cars, Graham Parker, and many others. The single “One Last Night” by Bruce Wilkinson received regional and international airplay, and the album garnered a glowing review in Rolling Stone. In the summer of 1979 Paul Caruso joined the group as drummer, and the band came back in 1980 with what was to become one of New England's biggest indy singles, “Lonelyhearts,” written by Tom Hauck. It was the flip side to “Can't Wait Forever,” a Motown-flavored song by Bruce Wilkinson. “Lonelyhearts” rocketed to the top of New England radio and dance charts and stayed for months, and can still be heard on Boston radio stations over twenty-five years later. During the next two years the Atlantics released several more songs on tape to Boston radio stations, including “Pop Shivers,” “Wrong Number” and “Weekend.” In June 1983 the band played their final show at the Channel in Boston. The original analog tapes of many of the Atlantics most popular songs were then put into storage. In 2006 these tapes were recovered and thirteen tracks were digitally restored for the ATLANTICS album. These tracks were recorded between 1979 and 1982 in studios in the Boston area, and have no overdubs or other alterations. Only the sound quality has been enhanced. ATLANTICS contains a full-color 12-page booklet with photos and additional information. Twenty-seven years is a long time between records. We apologize for the delay, but we hope you'll agree it has been worth the wait. The album is dedicated to the memories of Bruce Wilkinson and Paul Caruso.