The Ravyns were formed in 1978. Kyf Brewer (keyboards from Climbadonkey) and Rob Fahey (guitar from Hollins Ferry) were brought together by Greg Therres who became the group’s manager. Brewer and Fahey were both Beatles and British Invasion fans and also into the “new wave” stuff that was happening. With the recent departure of Doug Robinson from Climbadonkey, Fahey (ex-Bristols, Wizard, Hollins Ferry) teamed up with Brewer, Bobby Hird (guitar), Lee Townsend (bass), and John Tracey (drums). The band became known as the Ravyns.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Hird
The Ravyns could be seen performing at many of the top local clubs including Coast to Coast, Seagull Inn, Maxwell’s, Holiday House, The Barn, Toni’s Dream, Apples on Belair Road, Dulaney Inn, Crazy Horse in Georgetown, Lucas McCain’s in Frederick, Back of the Rack in Ocean City, JHU Spring Fair ‘79… In 1980 they opened for Pat Benatar, and Styx at the Civic Center.
In 1980 John Palumbo (Crack the Sky) approached the Ravyns about being his backup band. Eventually Hird and Tracey took him up on his offer replacing Rick Witkowski and Joe D’Amico. Tracey was replaced with Vince Chris (ex-Sawbuck, Bruce Westcott Band). Hird remained briefly with the Ravyns to see the release of their 10” four-song EP on Ravyns Records. The disc featured the songs “Rampage,” “Kicks,” “Hooked on Radio,” and “Alien.” Shortly after the record release the Ravyns disbanded and Hird joined CTS. Brewer went on to play in a band called Passion featuring a young guitar phenom named David Bell from the southern Maryland band Grand Slam.
During this time Fahey performed and toured in Edith Massey’s band and was a member of the new wave band The Sharp.
The Ravyns re-formed a year later with Fahey (guitar), Brewer (keyboards), Townsend (bass), along with David Bell (guitar), and Tim Steele (drums, percussion ex-Cain, Blue Steel, The Stand).
In 1982 Fahey wrote “Raised on the Radio.” The song was similarly titled but different than Hird’s earlier “Hooked on Radio.” It was subsequently featured in the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, garnering some national success for the band. The single was released on Asylum Records with the flip side being another song from the soundtrack performed by Don Felder.
In 1984 the group released their self-titled album “The Ravyns.”
Right: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” 45 sleeve – Asylum Records
Photo by Aaron Rapoport.
The group sent demos to MTV and was selected to compete in the 1985 “Basement Tapes” contest vs. other bands from around the country including other Baltimore bands Kix and Bootcamp. The Ravyns won with their song “Rhythm of the Heart.” Since the ‘80s the group has made occasional appearances and reunion concerts… seen in ‘02 at the Thunderdome, and Recher Theater. Their rock tribute to the Baltimore Ravens football team “I’m A Rav’n Maniac” was released as a CD single in 1996.
Bell went on to join the band Toy Soldier who released the 1986 LP “Forward March.” Tim Steele continued to perform in the ‘00s with his groups the Approach, and the Crawdaddies. Bob Hird continued to perform and record with Crack the Sky. In the mid-’80s Hird and John Tracey were members of the bands No Heroes, and Shock. A CD by Hird titled “Heartbeat Away” was released in 2000 and received Album of the Year honors in the Music Monthly Readers Poll. In 1988 Fahey formed the originals band Word of Mouth. He was later a member of the Love Diamonds, has played as a solo artist, as well as gigs with his trio Rob Fahey & the Pieces and occasionally in a duo with Gary Brown.
After the demise of the Ravyns, Kyf moved to New York where he began a successful career creating advertising jingles. He was a member of Company of Wolves, the Ceili band Barley Juice, and released solo albums (see bio).
1980(10”) Ravyns 520595 Ravyns
1982 Asylum 7-69976 Raised on The Radio / (b/w Don Felder)
1984(LP) RDM 3915 The Ravyns
1996(CD) RYF C003-2 I’m A Rav’n Maniac
