Roach Motel

City: Gainesville
Type Of Music: Punk
Years Active: 1980 - 1984
Myspace or Website: www.myspace.com/roachmotelrules

Arguably, Florida's first punk band. While The Eat was the first punk band in South Florida, Roach Motel was the first punk band in Florida. George Tabb would later go on to start the band Furious George.

Also the man Aesop had to this to say on his blog about this release. Thanks to Aesop for letting me use his words. Check out his blog for some great out of print releases:

"Roach Motel were one of the earliest and best-known hardcore bands from Florida. Here's their debut 7" Roach & Roll from 1982. Sure this record has some jabs at Cubans, old people and homosexuals and the infamous track "Wetback," but back in '82 punk wasn't overrun with PC watchdogs, and this kind of naive bigotry was just part of a bigger misanthropy. Not that I am condoning such sentiments, it was just how it was back in the day, and I am against any kind of revisionism of the past to conform with people's tight-assed worldview in the present. Either way, this is a classic of American punk and a very important piece of my growing up punk in Florida. These guys were the kings, this record is the proof."

From their Myspace:

"1980, Gainesville, FL - Roach Motel play their first gig, opening up for the Bazookas at a tiny dive for about six people and a toothless bartender. A legend is born.

1984 - After an illustrious career during which the boys find a real drummer; tour with Black Flag, Minor Threat and Suicidal Tendencies; play with Dead Kennedys, CH3, the Necros and others, get lucky, release four records (including the mind-blowing punk compilation, "We Can't Help it if We're from Florida" and their debut "Roach & Roll", both of which are highly sought-after collector's items), the band finally implodes from the pressures of fame, money, and punk cred. In a haze of booze, broads, and Percodan, the members scatter across the US.

Last known whereabouts:

* Bob Fetz - Spotted on the "F" train to Brooklyn mumbling, "I am Gilligan."
* George Tabb - Founded the world-wide Punk Television (Ptv) media empire.
* Jeff Hodapp - Runs a successful flamingo farm in South Florida
* Frank Mullen - Producer of pornographic movies
* Eric Engan - Last seen on "America's Most Wanted" (reward pending)"

The vinyl version of this record has been out of print for years but it was released on CD in 2003. As far as I know, that CD is now out of print. If someone knows otherwise, please let me know and Ill take down the download link

Roach Motel - Roach & Roll

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9XOY7BQR