VIDEO VAULT: Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing) - by Romeo Void

 

Video Vault is a new feature we're going to experiment with as an occasional post. PM writers will take turns posting vintage music videos of bands / entertainers they enjoy,  share a snippet about it -  such as why they like or hate the video,  info about the band, etc. Focus will be on vintage videos (10 years & older). 

To kick things off, I selected "Girl in Trouble" by Romeo Void. The video was released in 1984.

Romeo Void was a new wave/post punk band formed in San Francisco by four friends: Debora Iyall (singer - her name is pronounced "Day-Bo-Rah" as it's the American Indian pronunciation of it), Benjamin Bossi (saxophone), Frank Zincavage (bass guitar), and Peter Woods (lead guitar). Their first drummer quit shortly after their debut video of  "Never Say Never".  They went through several drummers until they found Aaron Smith, a professional session drummer.

L to R: Aaron Smith, Debora Iyall, Peter Woods, Frank Zincavage, and Benjamin Bossi. Photo: Last FM

 

Romeo Void was popular with college radio stations and underground clubs. Ric Ocasek of The Cars was a key figure in helping them in their early days. He produced the EP of their first hit "Never Say Never" in 1982.

A rumor that went around (I tend to believe it) is that music producer Clive Davis went to a club to see them (not knowing what Debora looked like). When he saw her on stage he walked out - supposedly because she didn't have "the right look". IMO, this explains why in the video for "Girl in Trouble" Debora is hidden in feather boas, camera angles, and other effects while a young model takes center stage. The video sucks but the song is good.

As the story goes, things came to an end for the band in 1985. While on tour they were told their label was pulling all promotional support. The band was basically abandoned. At this point, they were fed up and burnt out from touring so they called it quits. They did reunite for a VH-1 special about 20 years ago.

From what I was able to dig up, Debora went on to teach art. Benjamin Bossi died last year ago from early onset Alzheimer's (he was 69). Frank continues to dabble in music and is a ceramic artist. Peter went to law school then moved to Japan where he's still at. Aaron continues to be a session drummer based in Tennessee.