The Outlets

The Outlets were a Boston rock band active primarily in the 1980s, known for their energetic live performances and a blend of power pop hooks with a punk attitude. The band consisted of David Alex Barton on vocals, his brother Rick Barton on guitar, Mike White or other rotating bassists, and Walter Gustafson on drums. They gained significant success in the Boston music scene but failed to achieve national recognition despite releasing their critically acclaimed album "Whole New World" in 1985, which received a recommendation from Billboard. Their single "Knock Me Down" became a regional hit. Rick Barton later co-founded The Dropkick Murphys before pursuing other projects.

In the late 1990s and 2005, the band reunited. During one of these reunions, Rick Barton rejoined for a studio recording of their self-titled album in 1999. The Outlets also released "I Remember," a collection of popular songs from the 80s and 90s. David Alex Barton has been involved in scoring music for television and the film "Hard Promises." The band's legacy continues with a dedicated following and occasional performances, showcasing their enduring influence on the rock scene in Boston and beyond.