In 1976, Case teamed up with Jack Lee and Paul Collins, to form The Nerves in San Francisco. The Nerves' 1976 single, "Hangin' on the Telephone", was eventually recorded by Blondie.
After The Nerves disbanded, Case moved to Los Angeles and formed The Plimsouls in 1980. The group found success with the song "A Million Miles Away". The group disbanded soon after and Case struck up on his own with a self titled album released in 1986 on Geffen Records and produced by T-Bone Burnett. The album included a number of songs cowritten by Case's first wife, Victoria Williams, and also featured the talents of John Hiatt and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds.
In 1989, Case released The Man With the Blue Post-Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar, this time with the help of artists like David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, and Benmont Tench. Bruce Springsteen told Rolling Stone that he was listening to Petter Case more than anyone else that year.
In 1996, The Plimsouls ruinited for a few shows and some recording sessions.
In the late 1990's, Case curated the musical program for the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Case also had the chance to perform Beatles songs at the Hollywood Bowl with Sir George Martin.
Discography