The Motels

New wave group the Motels achieved success in the early 1980s with their sleek, atmospheric pop. Centered on lead singer Martha Davis, the Motels formed in 1972 in Berkeley, California. The group moved to Los Angeles but constant personnel changes and instability led to a break up in 1976. Davis formed a second incarnation of the Motels in 1978, which built a loyal following in L.A., leading to a deal with Capitol and the release of their self-titled debut in 1979. The band experienced more line-up changes, but hit big with the album ALL FOUR ONE, which yielded the single “Only the Lonely.” The single “Suddenly, Last Summer” followed and sustained the band’s winning streak. Davis disbanded the Motels in 1987, only to re-form the group in the late ‘90s.