The Fabulous Knobs

The Fabulous Knobs were one of the most sought after Comboland bar and party bands of the early 80's. Playing every bar, club, and frat house in the Triangle, The Knobs were a hard-working full time band. Their 1981 album was the first local hit for regional label, Moonlight Records and heavily promoted by record chain Record Bar. The fans were fueled by lead singer Debra DeMilo's no-holds barred performance and soulful vocal styling, along with a tight band that knew how to play and have fun too! Added to the mix was Dave Adams (Glass Moon) who played keyboard on the recording sessions and occasionally live as well. Talk of label deals were always around. Moonlight Records and Record Bar promoted The Knobs like they were the next Rolling Stones. And Don Dixon (Arrogance) and Robert Kirkland (Arrogance), who both produced their first EP along with Mitch Easter (Let's Active) as engineer, also tried getting them deals, including a slightly post-partied Robert calling the head of Curb Records as 3am, hounding him for a Knobs deal. There was even a showcase for major labels at CBGB's in New York, but no deal. Without a major record label behind them, The Fabulous Knobs survived until 1984 when Debra left the band. The group renamed themselves The Woodpeckers and added Dan Baird as lead singer. After a year, Dan left to join The Georgia Satellites and kept a song Terry Anderson wrote for the Knobs called Battleship Chains. This song would be the second national hit for The Georgia Satellites giving both the Satellites and Terry a well needed pay check and a gold record to hang on their wall. After the demise of The Satellites, Terry gave Dan Baird another national hit, this time as a solo artist with the song I Love You Period . Terry and Jack Cornell continue their hardcore party rock with their band The Olympic Ass Kickin' Team . Terry also plays with Dan in the group The Yahoos, while Debra DeMilo will occasionally appear with her band, DeMilo with Arms (featuring Scott Davison from Arrogance).