Best known for their 1979 smash hit “My Sharona,” The Knack burst onto the music scene with explosive success. Their sound, a fusion of power pop, new wave, and British Invasion-style rock, struck a chord with late-’70s listeners hungry for something new. Although their fame proved short-lived, The Knack made a lasting mark on pop music with their catchy hooks, guitar-driven sound, and Beatles-inspired aesthetic.
What began as a fun project by four musicians in Los Angeles quickly evolved into a multi-platinum sensation. Yet critical backlash, internal tensions, and declining commercial returns ultimately derailed their momentum. Still, The Knack’s story is more than just “My Sharona”—it’s about perseverance, influence, and a band that refused to disappear quietly.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | The Knack |
| Formed | 1978, Los Angeles, California |
| Original Members | Doug Fieger, Berton Averre, Prescott Niles, Bruce Gary |
| Genres | Power Pop, New Wave, Rock |
| Notable Hits | “My Sharona,” “Good Girls Don’t,” “Baby Talks Dirty,” “Rocket of Love” |
| Biggest Album | Get The Knack (1979) – #1 Billboard 200, Double Platinum (US) |
| Label | Capitol Records, Charisma Records |
| Awards | RIAA Platinum and Gold Certifications |
| Final Studio Album | Re-Zoom (2003) |
| Legacy | Power pop pioneers; “My Sharona” remains a classic rock staple |
| Disbanded | 2010 (following Doug Fieger’s death) |
Doug Fieger’s Road to The Knack
Before forming The Knack, Doug Fieger, a native of Oak Park, Michigan, played in several bands, including Sky and Sunset Bombers. Despite his talent and ambition, those early projects failed to break through commercially. By 1977, Fieger relocated to Los Angeles to make a fresh start.
There, he connected with three like-minded musicians:
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Berton Averre (guitar/keyboard)
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Prescott Niles (bass)
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Bruce Gary (drums)
Together, they formed The Knack in 1978. Blending tight musicianship with pop sensibility and playful energy, the group started building buzz in the LA club scene, regularly packing venues like The Troubadour and drawing attention from music insiders.
A Stunning Debut: Get The Knack
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Despite early rejections from record labels, The Knack were finally signed to Capitol Records in 1979. Their debut album, Get The Knack, was released the same year—and it exploded. The lead single, “My Sharona,” inspired by Fieger’s then-girlfriend Sharona Alperin, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six weeks.
“My Sharona” became the fastest-selling debut single in Capitol Records’ history since the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The track blended infectious hooks, rhythmic stutters reminiscent of The Who’s “My Generation,” and bold lyrics that straddled innocence and obsession. It went gold in the U.S. and platinum in Canada, topping charts worldwide.
The follow-up single, “Good Girls Don’t,” also found success, peaking at #11 on the Hot 100. The album itself, Get The Knack, soared to #1 on the Billboard 200 and went double platinum in the U.S. (quadruple platinum in Canada). The band’s power pop style—catchy, crisp, and loaded with attitude—resonated with a generation looking for a break from disco and stadium rock.
Press Backlash and Overexposure
The band’s sudden rise and similarities to The Beatles—in both image and sound—drew criticism. Their matching suits, black-and-white album cover, and refusal to do interviews (at their manager’s advice) were seen as calculated and arrogant. Music journalists accused them of ripping off the Beatles’ style, and Capitol was accused of overhyping the group.
The backlash was severe. A campaign dubbed “Knuke the Knack” emerged, fueled by both critics and rival musicians. Some felt the band hadn’t paid its dues or earned its massive exposure. Despite the growing resentment, The Knack stayed focused on recording their second album.
…But the Little Girls Understand and Fading Momentum
In 1980, the band released …But the Little Girls Understand. Though it achieved gold status, it failed to match the massive impact of their debut. Lead single “Baby Talks Dirty” stalled at #38, and follow-up “Can’t Put a Price on Love” didn’t chart meaningfully.
Critics panned the album’s lyrics as immature and regressive, and its commercial performance reflected the souring public mood. While the band still drew crowds, they were no longer media darlings.
Round Trip and First Breakup
The Knack released their third album, Round Trip, in 1981. Despite a strong effort, the album only reached #93 on the Billboard 200, and no singles made a significant dent on the charts.
Amid fading sales, increased pressure, and internal strife, Doug Fieger left the group on New Year’s Eve, 1981. The band tried to continue with a new singer, but it didn’t work. By 1982, The Knack officially disbanded.
Underground Revival and Reunion
Even during their hiatus, The Knack maintained a loyal underground following. This inspired a 1986 reunion, bringing the original members back to small stages and clubs. Bruce Gary eventually left and was replaced by Billy Ward in 1989.
In 1991, they released a comeback album, Serious Fun, under Charisma Records. The single “Rocket of Love” reached #9 on the Billboard Rock chart, but the band once again disbanded in 1992.
A Second Comeback: “My Sharona” Returns
The 1994 film Reality Bites introduced a new generation to “My Sharona,” featured prominently on its soundtrack. The song’s reappearance sparked renewed interest in The Knack, and they took the opportunity to return once more.
They released several compilation and studio albums:
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The Best of The Knack: Ten Best Series (1999)
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Normal as the Next Guy (2001)
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Re-Zoom (2003)
In 2004, a career-spanning documentary, Getting The Knack, was released, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their rise and fall.
Tragedy and the End of the Band
In 2006, original drummer Bruce Gary died of lymphoma. Four years later, frontman Doug Fieger passed away in 2010 after a long battle with lung and brain cancer. His death marked the true end of The Knack. Without their driving force and lead vocalist, the band quietly retired from the spotlight.
Despite their relatively short chart life, The Knack’s impact on power pop and new wave remains. “My Sharona” is now considered a classic rock staple, frequently ranked among the top songs of the 1970s.
Conclusion
The Knack’s journey from overnight sensations to a cautionary tale of pop stardom is both fascinating and bittersweet. Their debut was meteoric, and their fall was swift, but their music—particularly “My Sharona”—has endured. For a few years, they captured the pulse of a generation with an electric mix of attitude, melody, and energy.
While their career was marked by ups and downs, The Knack carved a permanent spot in rock history. And sometimes, one unforgettable song is all it takes to be remembered forever.