August 11, 2006
Wichita, Kansas 1979: Blondie, Donna Summer and Kenny Rogers dominate the AM airwaves; FM radio is home to REO Speedwagon, Styx and Foreigner. Four high school buddies, unimpressed with the music on the radio, form a rock and roll band and call themselves The Embarrassment. From 1979-1983, The Embos-as they're known to die-hard fans-release six critically acclaimed recordings and tour incessantly, opening for such rock royalty as the Ramones, Iggy Pop and John Cale. Just as their star begins to ascend, The Embos disband. More than twenty years later, The Embarrassment's unique synthesis of garage, punk, art rock and popular music has earned them near-fanatic cult status. Vocalist and keyboard player John Nichols talks about days gone by and The Embarrassment's upcoming reunion shows.