Wally and the Weirdos (2016)

Wally and the Weirdos is a new documentary about an iconic grunge rock and roll band. They were one of the best bands to come out of 1980s Baltimore. The world wasn't ready for the Weirdos then. They played many gigs at nightclubs which soon went out of business. Lead by guitar virtuoso Russ Krauch, the Weirdos disturbed even the most open-minded audiences. Nothing was sacred. Their stage antics earned them a reputation that will never be forgotten. Guitars, keyboards, drums, bass, plus distinctive vocals were their trademarks. It is only now that their music can really be appreciated. Wally and the Weirdos came into existence on St. Patrick's Day 1979. The original trio was Russ Krauch on guitar and vocals, Mike (Syd) Barton on bass, and Bob Clark on drums. Vocalist Lee Doll joined in 1981 after the original three had played some gigs. The band started getting their act together by 1982, and became a feature in the Baltimore area club scene. They appeared at Sgt. Peppers, The Marble Bar, Full Moon Saloon, and Back of the Vac. The Wildwood A.A. Country Club became the band's home base. Members of the band changed, and in 1983, the lineup consisted of Russ, Lee, drummer Tom Heffernan, keyboard player Andy Domingue, and Bill Resnicow on bass. This is the classic incarnation of Wally and the Weirdos. The band recorded and released the 45 RPM single, "Psychiatric Help b/w Unemployment Blues". This was the only record released while the band was still together. Wally and the Weirdos were back to the original trio by 1984. Russ, Bob, and Syd closed the final chapter of the Weirdos with a series of shows at the Wildwood Country Club, The Marble Bar, and a grand finale at the Catonsville Community College.