In the late 1970s, they played in a Philadelphia-based band called Baby Grand, which featured local singer David Kagan.

They soon became a huge success along their native United States, playing everything from clubs to high schools, while appearing on local television shows.

On September 25, 1982, the Hooters opened for one of The Who's farewell tour concert shows at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on a bill that also included The Clash and Santana.

[9] Just before the band were about to experience mainstream success, bassist Rob Miller was seriously injured in an automobile accident and was replaced by Andy King.

[8] On July 13, 1985, the Hooters were the opening band at the Philadelphia Live Aid benefit concert, gaining international recognition for the first time.

The three-hour concert was broadcast via satellite to 100 cities and also featured the Neville Brothers, Huey Lewis and the News, and Daryl Hall & John Oates.

On June 15, 1986, the Hooters participated in A Conspiracy of Hope, a benefit concert on behalf of Amnesty International, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The band performed on the popular British television show Top of the Pops on December 3, where they met one of their musical idols, Paul McCartney.

"Satellite" was also featured in an episode of Miami Vice, titled "Amen...Send Money", which first aired on October 2, 1987, dealing with two warring televangelists.

[16] The accompanying video went even further, depicting a young girl and her parents, who resemble the couple from Grant Wood's American Gothic painting, attempting to watch The Three Stooges interspersed with the Hooters performing, but being constantly interrupted by transmissions from a Christian show.

Although never officially confirmed, the video contained barely concealed parodies of famous Christian televangelists Tammy Faye Bakker, Jerry Falwell, and Oral Roberts.

On the tour supporting One Way Home, Fran Smith Jr. (bass, backing vocals) was brought in to replace Andy King, who left the band to pursue other interests.

In 1989, the Hooters issued their final album for Columbia Records, Zig Zag, which was introduced as politically oriented theme, with Peter, Paul and Mary providing background vocals for an updated version of the 1960s folk song "500 Miles", which became an international hit.

Following a show at The Town & Country Club in London in March 1988, the band met Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, who told them that he was a fan.

Violinist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Mindy Jostyn, formerly with Joe Jackson, Billy Joel and others, joined the group for a short period during 1992–1993, adding a new voice to the mix.

[17] In November 2005, the Hooters appeared on VH1 Classic's concert series Decades Live Rock as guests of Cyndi Lauper, where they performed "And We Danced" and "All You Zombies."

In September 2007, Time Stand Still was released, preceded by a tour of Europe from June through August, with shows in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

In July 2008, the Hooters launched a European summer tour, playing shows in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland.

[8] In 2017, the Hooters released Give the Music Back: Live Double Album, and toured in Europe and played shows in the Philadelphia area.