Draft:Snotty Scotty and the Hankies
Background
Snotty Scotty and the Hankies is a rock band from Pasadena, California. Formed in the early 1970s, the band has become a staple in the local music scene, mainly known for their irreverent style and long-standing association with Pasadena's Doo Dah Parade. [1] Despite never achieving mainstream success, the band has maintained a loyal following and is recognized for contributing to the local culture.
History
In 1970, Steve Bruen began working at Brothers Pants Shop in Pasadena, which soon became the initial gathering place for what would eventually become Snotty Scotty and the Hankies. [1]
Initially known as "Hop In," the band played their first gig on New Year's Eve in 1971 for the Far Out Silent Club, a social organization for the deaf. [1] The success of this performance solidified their decision to pursue music, albeit with a decidedly non-mainstream approach.
By 1972, the band had renamed themselves Snotty Scotty and the Hankies and began performing at high schools across Southern California. They were managed by a promoter who pushed them into the '50s popular revival scene then, leading to performances at school assemblies and dances. [1]
In 1975, the band contributed to the soundtrack of Jonathan Demme's film Crazy Mama. This opportunity was seen as a potential breakthrough, but mainstream success remained elusive. [1]
Throughout the late 1970s, the band resided in a decaying mansion in North Pasadena known as the "Hanky Hacienda." During this time, they rented their basement to Eddie Van Halen, who was preparing to record his first album in the summer of 1977. [2] This period was marked by a mix of creative endeavors and chaotic living, embodying the rock and roll lifestyle that the band was known for.
In 1979, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies became closely associated with Pasadena's Doo Dah Parade, performing for the event's 10th anniversary. The parade, known for its offbeat and rebellious spirit, provided the perfect platform for the band's irreverent performances. [1]
By the mid-1980s, the band had become a fixture in Pasadena’s cultural events, performing at a love-in event that celebrated the spirit of the 1960s. Their performances were characterized by a mix of humor, chaos, and nostalgia, reflecting their unique place in the local music scene. [3]
In 1988, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies self-released their only album, which 200 friends subsidized. Of the 1,000 copies pressed, 20 remain today. [1]
The 1990s saw the band regularly performing at Old Towne Pub in Old Town Pasadena. Their chaotic yet beloved performances attracted a loyal local following, and they continued to perform in various local bars, weddings, and events throughout the decade. Barbara Goodman from the band The California Girls joined as a drummer after following the band in the Doo Dah Parade on her unicycle, further solidifying the band’s eclectic lineup. [1]
In 2002, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies were featured in a retrospective exhibit at the Pasadena Historical Society, now the Pasadena Museum of History, which celebrated the 24th anniversary of the Doo Dah Parade. This recognition marked their enduring influence on Pasadena's cultural landscape. [1]
By 2003, the band had performed in the Doo Dah Parade for 26 consecutive years. Despite their advancing ages—Scotty was 52 and Steve was 47—the band continued to play gigs twice or thrice a month, albeit with more selectivity about where they performed.[1]
Legacy
Snotty Scotty and the Hankies are iconic in Pasadena’s cultural history. Known for their dedication to the local music scene and their irreverent, fun-loving performances, the band has left a lasting legacy. They are mainly remembered for their role in the Doo Dah Parade, an event that perfectly matched their unconventional style. [1]
The band's founder and frontman, Scott Finnell, died on January 20, 2024, marking the end of an era for the group and the local music scene. Finnell led the band for 35 consecutive years of performances at the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade from 1989 to 2023. Beyond his musical contributions, Finnell was recognized as an honorary figure in the Pasadena community, further cementing the band's place in local culture. Community members noted his passing as a significant loss to Pasadena's cultural landscape. [4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Snotty Scotty and the Hankies". Los Angeles Times. November 23, 2003.
- ^ "Sunset Sound - Studio History" (PDF). Sunset Sound. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ "Long-Lost Love-In Rekindles Old Flames". Los Angeles Times. 1980s.
- ^ Day, Brian (January 21, 2024). "Scott Finnell, Founder and Lead Singer of Snotty Scotty and the Hankies, Passes Away". Pasadena Now. Retrieved August 24, 2024.