The Tubes

The Profile

The Tubes are an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1972 by musicians originally from Phoenix. Known for satirical, theatrical stage shows led by vocalist Fee Waybill, they broke out with White Punks on Dope and later scored mainstream hits like Talk to Ya Later and She’s a Beauty. Their records have involved producers Todd Rundgren and David Foster; keyboardist Vince Welnick later joined the Grateful Dead.

Formed in San Francisco (1972); signature songs include White Punks on Dope, Talk to Ya Later, She’s a Beauty; renowned for provocative, multimedia live shows featuring characters like Quay Lewd and performances with Re Styles; collaborations include producer David Foster and guitarist Steve Lukather (notably on early-80s hits), and producer Todd Rundgren (Remote Control, Love Bomb); albums span art-rock/glam beginnings to polished AOR.

Reviews hail The Tubes’ outrageous, multimedia live power and their shift from 70s art-rock pranksterism to early-80s AOR polish. Now is praised for eclectic, Beefheart-tinged experimentation; The Completion Backward Principle and Outside Inside spotlight David Foster’s sheen and Steve Lukather’s firepower. The classic live set is lauded among the best of its era, while Young and Rich is celebrated as accessible, witty rock.