While most rock and roll bands in the area were forced to travel to New York to secure the attention of record labels, The Hooters were bringing labels to Philly, writes Patrick Rapa for Philadelphia Magazine. 

“I remember with us, and with [Robert] Hazard, labels started coming down to Philadelphia, to check us out on our own turf,” said Hooters drummer and Levittown native David Uosikkinen. 

People lined the streets outside the rock and cabaret club, Grendel’s Lair, for the group’s first performances, and it wasn’t long before their popularity soared. 

The Hooters released hits like “All You Zombies,” “Satellite,” “And We Danced,” and “Day by Day,” performing at Live Aid in 1985 and at The Wall concert in Berlin in 1990. 

Uosikkinen returned to his Philadelphia roots seventeen years ago with his wife and manager, Dallyn Pavey Uosikkinen, as the city was thriving.  

Shortly after, the two came up with the idea for In the Pocket, a group formed to make music with Philly musicians, featuring a rotating lineup of local talent.  

The Philadelphia Music Alliance is hosting a gala next month at the Kimmel Center to honor the recent inductees into the Walk of Fame, and David Uosikkinen’s In the Pocket will be performing.  

“I hope [Philly Music Alliance] keeps doing this, honoring the past, and looking forward to the new stuff that’s happening,” said Uosikkinen. 

Read more about Levittown native David Uosikkinen and the upcoming In the Pocket performance in Philadelphia Magazine. 

_______