The Fabulous Knobs


The Fabulous Knobs is an American rock band formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1978. They were one of the key players in the North Carolina music scene during the Comboland era, frequently performing at "The Pier", "The Station", "Free Advice", "Mad Hatter", "The Brewery" and other venues in downtown Raleigh. The band reunited in 2016 for a series of performances and is currently recording new material.

Background

The future band leader Terry Anderson and David Enloe, both born on Christmas Day 1956 in Southern Pines, NC., met over music, playing recorders in a fourth-grade class at Raleigh's Powell Elementary. When, at the age of 12, Terry Anderson started playing drums at his father's country music band, and David got a Gibson ES-335 guitar they decided to create a band of their own. Their little band was called Rooster and performed only once, at William G. Enloe High School. After graduation, Terry and David both went to Sandhills Community College, where they continued to play occasionally. When they put up a notice that they were looking for a bass player, they got a response from someone named Jade Cordero, who turned out to be Jack Cornell, who happened to have a bad handwriting. Jack started fitting right in, and soon they were also joined by Debra DeMilo and Bob Wallace to form the core of The Fabulous Knobs. After graduation from Sandhills Community College, the band relocated to Raleigh, NC, where they were joined by Keith Taylor.

''Next Big Thing'' (1980)

The Fabulous Knobs released their first EP "Next Big Thing" in 1980. At that time they were known to live together at their “Knob World Headquarters”, a big yellow house on Edenton Street in Raleigh, and to haul their own gear in the back of an orange box truck nicknamed “The Big O.”
Tracklist

''Hugs and Kisses'' (1981)

The Fabulous Knobs’ 1981 album was the first local hit for regional label, Moonlight Records and heavily promoted by record chain Record Bar. Added to the mix was Dave Adams who played keyboard on the recording sessions and occasionally live as well.
Tracklist

2016–present: Reunion and upcoming studio album

The band reunited after 27 years in 2016, with the first show played at Raleigh Little Theater on August 13.
In May 2018, The Fabulous Knobs confirmed on Instagram the band was back in the studio, recording their new album that will be released by end of 2018. The album will consist entirely of new material, while having the spirit and familiar signature sound of The Fabulous Knobs.

Style

A quintessential rock band, The Fabulous Knobs are known for their upbeat driving rhythm, soulful vocal of Debra DeMilo, elegant bass line and a rich guitar work with a gratifying twang.

Social activism

The Fabulous Knobs were one of the bands who raised their voices against North Carolina's infamous House Bill 2, otherwise known as Bathroom Bill, which Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law at the end of March during a special legislative session, and raise funds to help support LGBT advocacy group EqualityNC’s fight against the discriminatory law.

Band members