PERFORMER | various |
DEBUT | 1980 |
Geri and the Atrics is a rock and roll band on The Muppet Show. The polar opposite of Bobby Benson's Baby Band, the group consists of six elderly ladies, and one pair of false teeth. The band appeared in three episodes of The Muppet Show. The group had a rather eclectic sound, performing classic rock and roll songs, but with such instruments as a tuba and cello.
Geri and the Atrics debuted in Episode 404, with a rendition of "Hound Dog". Statler and Waldorf are quite appreciative, calling the group their kind of act. The band returned in Episode 413, singing "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" as the UK Spot.
The group resurfaced the following season, asking the musical question "Who Put the Bomp in the Bomp Bomp Bomp" as the opening act of Episode 517. Statler and Waldorf, in their status as the show's producers, reverse their previous opinion, calling the act a terrible mistake. The band is unfazed, noting that they have a gig at the Boom Boom Room.
While Geri and the Atrics disbanded when the series ended, the group would be recycled on many other occasions when old lady Muppets were required, either individually or collectively. As a group, they sang counterpoint to the babies in The Muppets Take Manhattan; sat with Statler, Waldorf, and Pops in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years; and several members appeared in The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, and Muppets Tonight. The guitar player and a photo of the group appeared in The Muppets episode "Because... Love".
Band members[]
Image | Description |
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Performed by: Jerry Nelson |
Cello player
Geri is the lead vocalist for the band and the front performer in their season 4 performances. She was one of the only puppets not to be recycled in later productions. Filmography[] |
Performed by: Jerry Nelson |
Tambourine player
A different musician takes over as lead performer for the group's season 5 performance of "Who Put the Bomp". Also performed by Jerry Nelson and given her status as leader, this might in fact be a re-designed Geri for the fifth season. Filmography[]
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Performed by: Louise Gold |
Guitar player
The guitarist always stands next to the piano. The puppet was occasionally used in other roles and reappeared with other ladies in The Muppets Take Manhattan, A Celebration of 30 Years, and other productions. Filmography[]For appearances of the puppet recycled & redressed as a male butler (circa 1996-2014), see Carter.
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Performed by: Frank Oz |
Piano player
The piano player tickles the ivories with wild abandon. In addition to appearances with the other ladies in The Muppets Take Manhattan and A Celebration of 30 Years, she was reused other times. Filmography[]
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Performed by: Dave Goelz |
Drummer
The drummer puppet appeared with fellow members in A Celebration of 30 Years and the design, albeit slightly recolored, was recycled several times. Filmography[]
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Performed by: Steve Whitmire |
Tuba player
The puppet later appeared in the audience of A Celebration of 30 Years and in the "Bear on Patrol: Special Produce Unit" sketch within the "Breakfast Isn't Just For Breakfast Anymore" episode of The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora. Filmography[]
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Performed by: Kathryn Mullen |
Vocalist and knitter
The only member (outside of the teeth) not to play an instrument, this lady sits in a rocking chair and continually knits. Her chair helps confirm the band's status as a rock band, however, and she joins in the chorus and on solo lines. She also appeared in A Celebration of 30 Years, The Muppet Christmas Carol and multiple episodes of Muppets Tonight. Filmography[]
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Performed by: Richard Hunt |
Vocalist and dentures
A pair of false teeth sits on top of the piano, next to the guitar player. Whether they're her teeth or communal property is unclear. The pair of teeth chatters away and joins in the chorus, especially on "Yeah yeah yeah" lines. Filmography[]
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