hoi polloi

Biography
If you were a music fan living in the Bay Area in the late 80s/early 90’s, you were treated to a local scene that was as eclectic as it was vibrant. Late and lamented clubs such as the I-Beam, the Paradise Lounge, Nightbreak, Berkeley Square or the Firehouse could be counted on to provide worthy and original live music virtually every night of the week.
One of the more interesting and dynamic units to emerge from the pack was Hoi Polloi. With a sound that oftentimes incorporated the melodic ingenuity of Peter Gabriel with the ferocity of Husker Du, Hoi Polloi, over the course of several years, became a top draw on the local circuit. After opening shows for the likes of a pre-fame Counting Crows, they were tapped by many to be the next band to break out onto the national scene – as evidenced by the significant major label interest.
However, as is so often the case with young and passionate bands on the rise, pressures (internal and external) began to take their toll. As quickly as their star had risen, so too did it flame out. Upon unceremoniously disbanding in 1992, the four members followed such disparate paths in life as a career in nursing, as a poet, a child care provider and even working for Bill Gates’ evil empire up North – while simultaneously continuing the pursuit of a life in the music world.
This brings us to today. Having not played a lick of music together in 18 years, Hoi Polloi is reforming for a performance at a venue that they helped christen – the Bottom of the Hill. Having headlined at the club in its first week of existence, it’s only fitting that the venerable S.F. club should be the location for a reunion that is wholly unexpected and for those in the know – most welcomed.