The Regular Guys emerged in early 1977 as The Victims, recognized as the pioneering punk rock band in Kansas, particularly in Lawrence. However, the interest generated was insufficient to sustain a vibrant scene, and by the end of 1978, the punk era had come to a close. Following a brief hiatus, former members John Odell, Brad Reid, and Mark Gilman of The Victims enlisted drummer John Chiarello, discarding much of their old punk repertoire in favor of a new direction—power pop.
Though the power pop movement was short-lived, it provided the Regular Guys with an opportunity to establish themselves. In late 1979, they released a four-song EP titled THE REGULAR GUYS on their own label, "National Recording Artist," a name that was an inside joke; at that time, the only way for a band to secure a booking at the prestigious Lawrence Opera House was to be labeled an "N.R.A." The EP featured two tracks from guitarist Mark Gilman and two from vocalist John Odell. Notably, all members except for drummer John Chiarello contributed vocals and alternated on guitar and bass throughout the band's existence.
The EP caught the attention of Trouser Press magazine, which ranked it ninth in their top ten records of 1980, making it one of the few national publications to spotlight independent records during that period. Despite this recognition, the band faced challenges in gaining traction without touring. Mark Gilman eventually relocated to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking, including a successful documentary on the Three Stooges. It is speculated that the band's name may have been inspired by a quote from Curly: "c'mon boss - be a regular guy!" After Gilman's departure, he was succeeded by his close friend Dave Stuckey, who brought a background in rockabilly and traditional country music, creating a distinctive blend of styles. This new lineup allowed the Regular Guys to expand their reach, performing in Topeka, Kansas City, and other nearby locations. They secured notable opening slots for bands such as The Only Ones, Secret Affair, Pearl Harbor and The Explosions, and even supported the emerging Irish group U2.
The Regular Guys showcased a wealth of original material while also incorporating a selection of well-chosen covers, including "You've Got My Number" by the Undertones, "I Won't Look Back" by the Dead Boys, "This Heat" by Gen X, "When I Get My Plane" by Todd Rundgren's Nazz, and several songs by Jules Shear.
By this time, the alternative scene in Lawrence had developed its own fanzine, "Talk Talk," and a local venue, Off the Wall Hall, alongside a vibrant array of local bands such as the Embarrassment, Mortal Micronotz, Thumbs (with John Odell as a founding member and Dave joining after the Regular Guys disbanded), The Debs, and Smart Pils. This burgeoning scene increasingly found itself compared to other notable music hubs like San Francisco and Athens, GA.
In 1981, the band returned to the studio to record 11 tracks over three sessions. While Odell served as the primary songwriter, contributions came from all three guitarists, including guest guitarist/singer Bob Zohn from The Blue Riddum Band, who was eager to record his non-reggae material. Notably, tracks like "Another Occupation" and "Death" featured Brad and Dave performing all the instruments. However, this material remained unreleased until now. The live recordings compiled here have been sourced from various origins, though some details about their provenance remain unclear, including a planned live radio broadcast that was canceled due to a tornado.
At the height of their popularity, Odell's sister Carolyn, a singer-songwriter in her own right, joined the band, enhancing their sound with her catchy pop compositions. The harmonies between John and Carolyn expanded the band's musical possibilities, leading to a brief period where national success seemed attainable, though ultimately it was not meant to be.
The Regular Guys disbanded when Stuckey moved to Los Angeles (where he collaborated with Mark Gilman on a 1984 documentary about Bela Lugosi titled The Forgotten King), while Odell relocated to New Orleans and Reid shifted his focus to his pharmacy career.
Currently, John and Carolyn Odell reside in New Orleans, continuing to make music as The Uptights. Mark Gilman lives in Santa Barbara, California, where he has led the old-school punk band The DeRita Sisters for the past 11 years. Dave Stuckey continues to play in Los Angeles with bands such as The Cramps, The Flesheaters, The Untamed Youth, The Dave and Deke Combo, and his own group, Dave Stuckey and the Rhythm Gang. Brad Reid spent several years involved in the country music scene, backing Ronnie Dunn in his early career, but has recently traded his musical instruments for motorcycles, now enjoying rides with his wife while working as a pharmacist in Independence, Kansas. John Chiarello has transitioned to a career as a graphic artist in Highland Village, Texas, where he also continues to perform locally.
