The Moviegoers

The Moviegoers were a power-pop/rock group from Chicago who were active from 1993 to 1997. Through the course of their career, they released 2 EPs, 2 full-length CDs and one 45.

HISTORY

Moviegoers' founders Liam Davis and Worth Wagers met at Kenyon College in the late '80s as members of the college's all-male a cappella singing group, The Kokosingers. Through college, they began to write together, influenced by R.E.M., The Replacements, The Beatles and a nascent version of the Presidents of the United States of America called The Dukes of Pop.

Their first recorded material was released on the legendary cassette compilations "From the Hill" in 1988 and '89. These early recordings led to further demos recorded in Paris, KY at Sexton ranch.

After college, Liam and Worth moved back to Liam's home of Chicago, Illinois and began to put a band together. After reuniting with Liam's high school drummer, Hugh Bartling, the Moviegoers were formed. The band named themselves after the Walker Percy novel, The Moviegoer as it featured a young man with little clue as to how to spend his life, a recurring theme in the band's material.

The band released it's first few extremely rare cassette EPs at this stage. "Dreamsicle" was released in 1992, with 1or2or3or4 to follow the next year in conjuction with a tour of Europe.

Their first album, "As You Were", was released in 1993 and garnered fantastic reviews. The Chicago Reader said that "Thoughtful lyrics, restrained delivery, and a clean instrumental attack characterize the moderate Jonathan Richman-esque pop-rock (of) this local foursome." The band recorded the album with producer Mike Konopka in his Seagrape Studios as well as "Renfro Valley Country Barn Dance and Jamboree Studios in Central Kentucky". It was picked up for distribution by Heart & Soul records and the band promoted in for the next year. http://www.amazon.com/As-You-Were-Moviegoers/dp/B000008QL6

Prior to recording their second full-length record, Worth Wagers was nearly fatally electrocuted during a rehearsal in his father's Kentucky home. The band were scheduled to open for the Reverend Horton Heat, when tragedy struck. The incident was reinacted on Rescue 911, giving the band national televison exposure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_GoLsZwsDY

The vinyl 7" single Quiet/Radio Slave was released shortly thereafter.

The second record, "Twin Pop" saw the band's sound solidify and expand. It also garnered fantastic reviews from the Chicago press.

http://pages.ripco.net/~stunning//kate/about_artists/mgs.html

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/music/whoswho/Moviegoers.html