Hotel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham, Alabama , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Hotel was an AOR ensemble originating from Birmingham, Alabama, established in 1973 and ceasing activity in 1982.
Early history
Following multiple personnel adjustments, the band reached a stable formation in 1976, comprising Marc Phillips (lead vocals/piano), Tommy Calton (guitar/vocals), Lee Bargeron (keyboards/acoustic guitar/vocals), Mike Reid (guitar/vocals), George Creasman (bass/vocals), and Michael Cadenhead (drums/vocals). This lineup was responsible for recording their two studio albums released under MCA.
During the mid to late 1970s, Hotel became a notable presence within the southeastern United States rock club circuit, frequently serving as an opening act for national touring artists. Their original compositions were characterized by catchy pop melodies and intricate vocal arrangements, often involving six-part harmonies. The band's refined production and musicianship invited comparisons to power pop acts such as The Rascals and Raspberries. Demonstrating considerable technical proficiency, they performed exact renditions of complex covers, including tracks by Steely Dan. The unique quality of their sound was further distinguished by Phillips' signature lead vocals.
Recordings
In 1978, Hotel issued the single "You'll Love Again" through Mercury Records, which attained position No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group cultivated a dedicated regional fan base supported by extensive live performances.
Their contract with MCA Records commenced in 1979 with the release of their self-titled debut album, Hotel, featuring a collection of pop rock songs. Singles such as "You've Got Another Thing Coming" (No. 54) and "Hold On To The Night" (No. 80) were co-written by Phillips alongside renowned songwriter Barry Mann. Production duties for both MCA albums and the Mercury single were managed by Dain Eric.
As musical trends shifted toward new wave by 1980, Hotel responded with their second MCA album, Half-Moon Silver, which presented a more aggressive AOR style. The title track single "Half Moon Silver" reached No. 72 on the Hot 100 but suffered from inadequate promotional support and diminished sales. Consequently, MCA terminated their contract. The band persisted with club performances until their dissolution in 1982.
Later formations
Marc Phillips and Tommy Calton, founding members of Hotel, subsequently created the "Calton-Phillips Group," which was later renamed "Split the Dark." This ensemble secured victory in the MTV Basement Tapes contest in November 1986, capturing 71% of audience votes. Split the Dark disbanded by 1988.
Guitarist and vocalist Damon Johnson, one of the band's latter members, went on to establish the rock group Brother Cane, achieving nationwide recognition in the 1990s with three albums including the successful track "I Lie in the Bed I Make." Johnson's career further included associations with Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, and Black Star Riders.
George Creasman (born September 12, 1952) died on June 9, 2020, at age 67.
Marc Phillips (born February 28, 1954) passed away due to COVID-19 on January 21, 2021, at age 66.