It was Groundhog Day, 1984, when four musicians gathered together for the first time atop Braddock Mountain in Frederick, Maryland. By that evening, they were a band and soon thereafter known as The Skeptics.
For the next six years, the band created a blend of original garage, surf, punk, Appalachia, and psychedelic ear candy for a small but devoted fan base. Playing clubs, alleys, side streets, and opening for accomplished bands, such as Love Tractor, The Slickee Boys, and The Velvet Monkeys, The Skeptics brought their unique vibe and magic to these venues. By the Fall of 1990, The Skeptics were no more. They drifted apart and went their separate ways.
Importantly, a very integral part of The Skeptics' story surrounds their long-time manager, Ol' Hole Heels (OHH), one of Frederick's finest entrepreneurs, who's been with the band from the beginning. OHH discovered the boys practicing in an old tool shed he was renting them. Quickly realizing they had real talent and potential, OHH took them under his wing. He became their mentor and manager, guiding them on a dizzying upward spiral, amidst a whirlwind of rehearsals, gigs, interviews and recording sessions. OHH's management style was unprecedented. In fact, he was responsible for such things as the band's look, attitude, wardrobe, and for many songs in their impressive catalog.
In 2007, OHH came out of hiding and convinced the boys they should return to the scene. That summer, The Skeptics played a reunion show in Frederick. OHH was happy. The crowd was happy. The boys had performed well and they were happy. It was then that OHH decided the time was right to think about documenting their story. He felt that new generations of listeners should have the opportunity to hear and see the legendary band.
OHH reached out to me about making The Skeptics documentary. There was no way I'd pass on working with the famous OHH, so he didn't have to ask twice. The project was a go. Over the next couple of years, I dragged my camera around, interviewing OHH, the band members, fans, friends, family, and was given unlimited access to the band's musical archives.
In March 2010, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own premiered at the historical Weinberg Center in Frederick, during the town's annual film festival. After the screening, The Skeptics took the stage. It was a good night. A fun night.
Now over a decade later, I'm digitally releasing the documentary on my Youtube channel. For those who followed the band, I'm sure it will be fun revisiting those times. For those just discovering the band, you're in for a treat. Home grown magic at its best. The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own is a rare glimpse into one of Frederick, Maryland's best unknown musical treasures. I hope you enjoy their story.
The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own
The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own
Keith Chester
July 10, 2020
