Biography
Formed in Memphis during 2006, the Barbaras fused bubblegum pop with psychedelia and garage punk in a whimsical style. Bennett Foster handled guitar and vocals, Alex Gates covered guitar and vocals, Will McElroy played guitar and keyboards, Stephen Pope managed bass, and Billy Hayes took care of drums and vocals. All five musicians were in their early twenties at the time and built a following through high-energy, inventive performances that incorporated props, costumes, dancers, and a distinct visual motif for each show. Stephen Pope once told reporter Michael Donahue, "Holidays are really good for the Barbaras because we don't have to think of a theme." While gaining local attention in Memphis, the group gained support from Jay Reatard, who admired their sound and offered studio assistance. In 2008 they issued the single "Summertime Road" b/w "Day at the Shrine" and "Flow" on the respected local imprint Goner Records. The release earned strong critical notices, the band delivered a memorable performance at that year's Goner Fest (one song from the set later appeared on a festival live compilation), and they secured an agreement with In the Red Records for a debut full-length. Reatard’s decision to bring Billy Hayes and Stephen Pope into his touring lineup created friction inside the Barbaras, who were already juggling studio time around Reatard’s growing commitments and their own schedules. Midway through a tour, Hayes, Pope, and McElroy left Reatard’s group without notice and joined Wavves. Foster and McElroy remained together and started the Magic Kids. Reatard reportedly expressed disappointment over the Barbaras’ sudden end and was said to have told members of the band that he had deleted the unfinished album tracks shortly before his unexpected death in January 2010. Years afterward, the unreleased Barbaras recordings resurfaced on the hard drive from Reatard’s studio equipment and were remastered for eventual release on the Goner collection titled 2006-2008.
Albums