The Real Kids

First appearing at Boston clubs in the early '70s, the Real Kids would eventually become a local institution by 1977, but a lack of real sales would lead to a breakup, a re-formation, and a more complete breakup -- all within six years. However regional and fleeting the Real Kids' success was, they were pivotal enough to influence many in the Boston rock scene, as well as spin off into a number of other acts, and they gained enough support to garner reunion shows well into the dawn of the 21st century. Formed by John Felice in 1972 after he left the Modern Lovers, the Real Kids cemented their local legend through their energetic live shows and strong songwriting. The band released its debut, The Real Kids, on Red Star in 1978, but poor sales would lead to the band's first breakup. Felice wound up becoming a roadie for the Ramones, but would soon be back in Boston, this time fronting the Taxi Boys. Two EPs from that band were followed by Felice renewing the Real Kids' lease on life, this time with an entirely new lineup. This lineup wouldn't be around very long either, however, lasting only from the 1982 release of Outta Place until the 1983 release Hit You Hard on French label New Rose. Bandmembers Alpo Paulino and Billy Borgioli would form the Primitive Souls, and leader John Felice would go on to record and release 1988's Nothing Pretty with the Lowdowns. The band would return and play shows again during 1998-1999, including a New York City New Year's gig. Sadly, original bassist Paulino passed away on February 6, 2006.

from Wikipedia:

The Real Kids were a Boston punk rock band led by guitarist, singer and songwriter, John Felice.

Felice (b.1955) grew up in Natick, Massachusetts as a neighbor and friend of Jonathan Richman, a fellow fan of The Velvet Underground. At 15 he joined Richman in the first line-up of The Modern Lovers in the late 1970s. He performed with the band intermittently from then until 1973, but because of his school commitments, he was not involved in the 1972 sessions which produced the classic first Modern Lovers album. Commenting on Richman, Felice has said, "Me and Jonathan, as close as we were, you know, I was like a punk, I was a wise-ass kid. I liked to do a lot of drugs, I liked to drink, and Jonathan was like this wide-eyed, no-drugs, ate nothing but health food...".

Felice then decided to start his own band and formed The Real Kids (originally named The Kids) in 1972, with Rick Coraccio (bass), Steve Davidson (guitar), and Norman Bloom (drums). They became a successful live band in the Boston area, playing "an aggressive brand of straight-ahead, no-bullshit rock which harkened back to Chuck Berry, had overtones of the British Invasion groups at their mod finest, yet pointed the way towards the Punk to come". In addition to Felice's own songs, they performed versions of classics by Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly and others. The band did not record until 1977, when it comprised Felice, Billy Borgioli (guitar), Allen "Alpo" Paulino (bass), and Howie Ferguson (drums). Their only studio album, The Real Kids, was issued on the Red Star label in 1978.

While continuing to play occasionally with different line-ups of The Real Kids, Felice also worked for a time as a roadie for the Ramones. He also performed as part of the Taxi Boys in Boston. The Real Kids reformed to tour Europe and release a live album, Hit You Hard on French label New Rose in 1983. Band members Alpo Paulino and Billy Borgioli then left to form the Primitive Souls. In 1988, Felice formed a new band, John Felice and The Lowdowns, releasing an album "Nothing Pretty" on Ace of Hearts records, later re-released on Norton Records.

The Real Kids re-united on several other occasions. They performed regularly in 1998-99, including a New York City New Year's gig. Bass player Alpo Paulino died on February 6, 2006.