American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1978. Long-running lineup: Doug Fieger (vocals/guitar, 1952-2010), Berton Averre (lead guitar), Prescott Niles (bass), and Bruce Gary (drums, 1951-2006). Distinguished by their throwback power-pop sound during the late-1970s new-wave era.
Released seven studio albums between Get the Knack (1979) and Normal as the Next Guy (2001). Commercial peak: Get the Knack (which produced the #1 "My Sharona" and spent five weeks atop the Billboard 200). Bruce Gary died in 2006 of lymphoma; Doug Fieger died in 2010 of lung cancer.
