Punky Meadows is from one of the most striking Hard Rock band of the 70's, ANGEL, and on September 18, Punky Meadows will release the new single, "LOST AND LONELY.'
The track features three members of Angel - guitarist Punky Meadows, vocalist Frank Dimino, and bassist Felix Robinson, as well as Punky's band members Danny Farrow, Charlie Calv and Bob Pantella, who all performed on the song.
They also filmed a brand-new video at The Chance Theatre in New York for the song, in which it is the first time since 1980 that three members of Angel appear together in a music video.
Check out the video here:
The video was shot by Jeffery Moore, who co-directed with Danny Farrow.
'Man, we had such a great time shooting our latest video with Frank, Felix and the guys,' says Punky. 'Danny and I talked about doing this video for a while. We thought it would be something special for not only the fans of my band, but for the many Angel fans as well. Frank really delivered on this track, and the whole band kicked ass!!!'
Also order the autographed limited special edition of Punky Meadows' 'Fallen Angel' full CD with the Frank Dimino version of 'Lost and Lonely' at www.mainmanrecords.com
Punky Meadows also just launched a new merch Store with many shirts, posters and other great items you can order at https://shop.bandwear.com/punkymeadows.
And more exciting news - Punky and the band just signed with The Artery Foundation Artist Management, and will be working on many new exciting things together, including a slew of shows for 2018.
Lastly, Punky and his band will be doing a special show November 10th at the Debonair Music Hall (Mexicali Live) in Teaneck, NJ. You can get tickets and meet and greet at link for Punky’s official site below.
Legendary Rock Group ANGEL will appear at the 2016 Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal Awards in Las Vegas on May 15. The group will receive the Glam Rock Legends Award in honor of their contributions and influence in music. Accepting the award will be Punky Meadows, Frank DiMino, Gregg Giuffria, Barry Brandt, and Felix Robinson. This will be the first time all band members have been onstage together since 1980. From Frank DiMino: 'It's going to be lots of fun and we're all looking forward to seeing one another! It's been way too long.' Kalish Management confirmed the members are not performing at the event. The show will be held at the Eastside Cannery Hotel & Casino. Also appearing are Twisted Sister, Scorpions, Quiet Riot, Doro Pesch, Kip Winger, and more. For more info visit: www.vegasrocks.com
ANGEL Biography
ANGEL was formed in 1975 by guitarist Punky Meadows and bassist Mickie Jones in Washington, D.C. After becoming the house band at Bogeys the group built a strong following and eventually managers and record companies started to come around. Gordon Fletcher, a writer and reviewer for Rolling Stone and Creem Magazine would frequent the club and took notice of the band. Fletcher invited Gene Simmons from KISS to see them perform. Simmons was not only impressed, he was 'blown away'.
That summer, ANGEL signed a management contract and relocated to Los Angeles. Their manager financed the recording of their first album with producers Big Jim Sullivan and Derek Lawrence. Casablanca Records signed ANGEL to a multi-album deal upon the recommendation of KISS without hearing a single note or seeing the band live. On October 23, 1975 their debut album was released and ANGEL was voted best new band by the reader's poll of Circus Magazine. During that same year, ANGEL was awarded a gold record for the best and most promising new band in Japan. Their legendary live performances included an elaborate stage show incorporating magic tricks by magician Doug Henning, pyrotechnics, smoke, an incredible light show, a larger than life talking angel named Gabriel, members mysteriously appearing and disappearing onstage, and angelic all-white costumes. Many critics labeled them a glam band due to their flamboyant image. The progressive rock style from the first two albums would eventually evolve into mainstream hard rock on the 3rd and 4th albums. Later, due to record company pressure, the band adapted a more commercial rock sound with strong melodies and pop sensibilities as evidenced on their 5th album.
The group released a total of eight albums: 'Angel' which includes their signature song 'The Tower', 'Helluva Band', 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven', 'White Hot' 'Sinful', 'Live Without A Net', 'An Anthology', and 'In The Beginning'. Their television appearances included American Bandstand, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and The Midnight Special. The 'White Hot' album included a version of The Rascal's 'Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore' which became ANGEL's highest charting single reaching #44 on Billboard. ANGEL toured non-stop for years with such names as Rush, Aerosmith, Styx, Ted Nugent, Blackmore's Rainbow, Bob Seger, ZZ Top, Blue Oyster Cult, Judas Priest, Peter Frampton, and many others. The group traveled to Japan for a highly successful tour which included two nights headlining the legendary Budokan. Upon arriving at Narita Airport they were greeted by hundreds of screaming fans.
In the film 'Foxes' starring Jody Foster, ANGEL appeared as themselves and their songs '20th Century Foxes' and 'Virginia' were included on the film's soundtrack. 'Wild and Hot' from the 'Sinful' album was used in the KISS film, 'Detroit Rock City'. Finally, in 1980 the band decided to call it a day. Years later a revamped version of the group was formed featuring DiMino and Brandt along with several new members. This resulted in a new album and live shows in Europe and the USA.
Since the band's heyday each member has moved on to various music projects and business ventures. Frank DiMino became a well-respected vocal coach and in-demand session singer receiving a platinum album for his vocal contribution in the blockbuster film 'Flashdance'. In 2015 he released his solo album 'Old Habits Die Hard' under the moniker Dimino. Keyboardist Gregg Giuffria formed the AOR bands Giuffria and House of Lords resulting in several hit singles and international success. Bassist Felix Robinson toured with 707 and played on White Lion's album 'Fight To Survive'. Drummer Barry Brandt played on many LA sessions with different artists. Guitarist Punky Meadows whom Frank Zappa immortalized in the song 'Punky's Whips' will release his debut solo album in May, 2016. Tragically, founding member and original bassist Mickie Jones passed away from cancer in 2009.
A comeback solo album from former Angel vocalist Frank Dimino is not something that would normally pop up on my musical radar. 70s pomp rockers Angel were a little before my time and generally a little outside my tastes.
But in my duties as reviewer here – Old Habits Die Hard is here to feature.
Frank’s vocals are somewhat different than the heyday and musically speaking this is more straight forward classic 70s rock than pomp. that the guys have hit their mark with this album.
The style and the vocals remind of a little of UFO and Vanilla Fudge – which is probably a sign
Frank has brought in a lot of fine folks to help him here - Paul Crook (Meat Loaf), Oz Fox (Stryper), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), Danny Miranda, Rickey Medlocke (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd), Jeff Labansky, and former Angel bandmates Punky Meadows (on guitar) and Barry Brandt (co-writing with Frank the song Even Now).
So it’s a very star studded and largely uptempo affair. Highlights include the opener Never Again and Rockin’ In The City; the earthy 70s ballad Even Now and the stomping Mad As Hell.
The remaining tracks all fit in nicely but will likely hold appeal with already established fans of Frank.
The production is a bit iffy overall – the drum sound is pretty soft and I think and the mix a little muddy in places, but at the same time, it has that authentic 70s groove.
So not bad at all – better than I had expected and better again after a few listens. Not an album for everyone, but well suited for fans of Dimino and that 70s classic rock retro feel.
