#109 John Urban (Brat)

John Urban of Brat on the early 1980s Tampa Bay Metal and Hard Rock Scene ////////

In this episode, John Urban of Brat and Urban Vault takes us through the early Tampa Bay hard rock and heavy metal scene.

Originally from Cleveland, OH, John moved to Tampa Bay in 1981 and shares memories of the many clubs, bars, and venues he frequented and where Brat performed. From Mr. T's Club 19, 49th Street Mining Company, Mark Twain's (later the Tampa Bay Power Club), London Victory Club, Ruby's, The Ritz Theater, Rock-It Club, and more, John talks about the heavy cover band scene of the early 1980s and the emerging hard rock and heavy metal scene featuring bands like Avatar (later Savatage), Argus, and Nasty Savage.

He discusses the origins of Brat, becoming the first band signed to Par Records (original home to Savatage and Crimson Glory), recording sessions, and the highs and lows of the band including interpersonal conflicts, a contract offer from Metal Blade Records, and recording at Morrisound Studios, which would become iconic for the Tampa death metal scene and one of Florida’s most legendary recording studios. John also recalls his try‑out for Savatage during this period.

We also explore John’s other projects, such as the short lived Urban Vault, his writing for several local, national, and international zines, and his job as a music reviewer and interviewer for the Tampa Tribune, where he interviewed legends like Gene Simmons, Ronnie James Dio, and Joey Ramone.

In addition to music, John, known in the Bigfoot community as “Famous” John Urban, has also published books on Bigfoot.