Thee Katatonix, a progressive punk rock group, formed in 1978 at Towson State University.
Basically a trio consisting of Adolf Kowalski (guitar, vocals), Katie Katatonic (bass), and Tommy Gunn (drums). Thee Katz played with various 4th and sometimes 5th members until 1981 when the group fragmented into a backup band for movie star Edith Massey. They traveled to New York and showcased at the Mudd Club with Joe Tex, and Sam & Dave.
It was during this period that Thee Katatonix received accolades from the media such as ‘Best local band’ and ‘Worst local band.’ After Massey was dismissed, the group returned to their house band home base, the Marble Bar (The CBGB’s of Baltimore). At this point the group was again basically a trio of Kowalski with Mr. Urbanity (bass, vocals), and Big Andy Small (drums) playing with various 4th and sometimes 5th members. Tony Bellassal (bass).
An extensive Marble Bar Battle of the Bands (3 months, 35 bands) netted Thee Katz $500 to finance their first recording, the “Valentines Day” 45, sometimes referred to as “EP 83”. The group garnered many boffo gigs including DC’s Smoke-In with Fear and the Circle Jerks, the Misfits at the Marble, the Ramones at Girard’s, and many more. The LP “Divine Mission” received rave reviews, as did the follow up 45 “Daisy Chain.”
The group frequented The Marble Bar, while also appearing at The Galaxy Ballroom, Eutaw Street Warehouse, the Exodus Club, Oddfellows Hall… while also traveling to Annapolis and D.C.
Above photo from “EP 83”
In 1985 Thee Katatonix toured on the West Coast, and in 1986 spent months in London. The group released tracks on several compilation albums, and in 1988 put out their final vinyl, the “All Sold Out” EP.
Urbanity and Small went on to play in Dark Carnival, while Kowalski formed the Adolf Kowalski Band to capitalize on his budding career as a rock journalist (he would go on to win two “Best of Baltimore” awards for his efforts with Maryland Musician / Music Monthly). Kowalski later formed the Blunt Force Trauma, and All About Suzie, but retired in 1995.
Renewed interest in The Marble Bar scene prompted Kowalski and company to re-form for several nostalgic gigs, including a 2002 Marble Bar reunion at the Eight by Ten along with Da Moronics, and the Alcoholics. In 2009 Thee Katatonix released their 30th anniversary CD entitled “Thanks Hon.” In 2022 Adolf released a CD of live performances of Thee Katz.
Record releases by Thee Katatonix include:
1983(7”EP) Dud Spud 696 Valentine’s Day / Joie du Vivre / Basket Case
1984(LP) (no label) Divine Mission
1985(45) U.K.Spud (no #) Daisy Chain / Home Alone
1986(45) We Need a House /
1988(EP) U.K.Spud AD213926877 All Sold Out
2009(CD) U.K.Spud Thanks Hon – 30th Anniversary
2022(CD) (indie) Recorded Live – A Long Time Ago
In addition to above noted record releases, their song “Ordinary Sunday” was included on the 1985 sampler album “8 Essential Attitudes” (Frantic 003). “Joie DuVivre” was included on “8 Essential Attitudes Vol. II” (Frantic 008). Their songs “Thick and Thinning,” and “Ugly Memory” were included on the 1986 album “Maryland Musicians for Music” (BFP 198657).
Posters below created by Dave Wilcox (RIP):
April 1979: January 1980:
August 1980: September 1985:
Year unknown: July 1986:
