Heatwave

The band came together initially when two American serviceman brothers, Jennie Wilder and Keith Wilder, who were based in Germany, began performing together. After they were discharged, they moved to London, UK in 1975 to team up with songwriter/keyboardist Rod Temperton. They then fleshed out the lineup with Spaniard Mario Mantese (bass), Czechoslovakian Ernest Berger (drums) and Americans Jesse Whitens (guitar) and Eric Johns (guitar). With the multicultural nature of the group, they managed to create an eclectic sound that pushed their music well ahead of their peers, becoming pioneers in their genre.

After touring the London club circuit, they gained the attention of GTO Records, with their simple disco beats and heavy funk grooves. They began recording their debut album but the tragic murder of Jesse Whitens set them back. However, finding a replacement in Roy Carter, they began recording again, releasing a string of singles culminating in the hit disco anthem, 1977’s “Boogie Nights.” The song hit number two in the UK charts and also became a top five hit in America. Their debut album appeared later that year, titled “Too Hot to Handle,” peaking at number five in the R&B charts. By the end of the year, they had also gained a number two hit in the US with their soul ballad, “Always and Forever.”

Success followed them into their next album, “Central Heating,” in 1978, featuring the hit, “The Groove Line,” which scaled the top of the charts. However, lineup instability followed shortly after, with both Johns and Temperton leaving the band. Further tragedy hit after Mantese was stabbed by his girlfriend and was left paralysed, forcing his retirement. In 1979, Heatwave had recuperated to record their third album, “Hot Property,” which despite its strong collection of songs, failed to make much of an impression in the charts.

Bad luck seemed to follow the members of Heatwave, with Jonnie Wilder suffering a paralysing car crash in 1980. His brother continued to lead the group, releasing “Candles,” which featured the top 40 single, “Gangsters of the Groove.” Heatwave continued to be a powerful presence in the world of disco ad funk, but in 1983, they brought the group to a close after several lineup difficulties. However in 1989, the Wilder brothers returned, with “Sound of Soul,” which led to the group to continue to tour in the UK and America, releasing a live album in 1997, titled “Live at the Greek Theater.” Their classic hit, “Boogie Nights” was reimagined in 2002, through an extended club remix which helped to spread Heatwave’s music to a whole new generation of dance fans. Jonnie Wilder sadly passed away in his sleep at his home in Ohio, US, in 2006.