Possibly the first punk rock band in Baltimore. Formed in 1977 by Maryland Institute College of Art students and poets Bill Moriarity (vocals), and Tommy Diventi (guitar), with Don White (vocals), Chuck Freeman (keys), and Hoppy Hopkins (drums). Locally they performed at the Oddfellows Hall in Towson, Marble Bar, Apathy Project, Perverted Acts Festivals… Traveled to New York to the famed CBGB’s, and D.C. to the 9:30 Club…
Their song “Mr. President” was included on the 1978 LP “:30 Over D.C. – Here Comes the New Wave.” Their song “Flying Saucers” was included on 1979 LP “The Best of Baltimore’s Buried” (Balto Weird). The 1979 song featured a lineup of Moriarity, Diventi, and Hopkins, with Jamie Wilson (percussion, clarinet, harp), and Dave Brubaker (bass).
Hopkins went on to Rude Shoes, Self Righteous Brothers, Jazz Happens, Mambo Combo, Jody West Band…
Moriarity released an album of poetry titled “The Expectation of Deliverance” (2006). DiVenti later of T.T. Tucker & Bum Rush Band… Wilson later played and recorded for O’Malley’s March, and founded Bird House Studios. His CD releases include “High Tide” as the Jamie Wilson Percussion Project (2000).
Da Moronics played at the 2002 Marble Bar reunion at the Eight by Ten along with Thee Katatonix, and the Alcoholics.
