This is good news for garage band rock fans.
The word is that New York City’s The Del-Lords are back in the recording studio and planning concert dates next month, a full 26 years after they got together in the Big Apple.
Their only gigs right now are scheduled for Spain, but the band is promising more shows will be scheduled — and you have to figure their hometown will be on the list at some point sooon.
This was a great band, so the reunion will be much anticipated by those of us toiling away here at The Listening Room — and should definitely be good news to rock fans.
The Del-Lords were formed by guitarist Scott Kempner, a member of another New York City legenday band, The Dictators. (The Dictators’ bass player was Mark Mendoza, who later joined Twisted Sister when they went on their pop-metal run).
Formed in 1984, The Del-Lords consist of Kempner, Eric Ambel on vocals and guitar, Frank Funaro on drums and Manny Caiati on bass. They had a pretty good stretch in their day, and released four studio albums, along with a live album, Howlin’ at the Halloween Moon, in 1989. A compilation albums was also released in 1999.
But shortly after their last studio album, 1990’s Lovers Who Wander, the band splintered, in part due to label mismanagement. Kempner went on to record two solo albums, and Ambel has kept busy as well. He tours with Steve Earle, and has become a major producer in the alternative country music industry. He also owns a bar, The Lakeside Lounge, in Manhattan.
Then last year there were rumblings of a possible resurgence, when the band’s studio albums were re-released. More recently, came the announcement of the band’s reunion.
“26 Years after they began in NYC The Del-Lords have begun work on new recordings,” the band said on it’s website. “Their first 4 albums have been re-released by Collector’s Choice-American Beat with bonus tracks and expanded liner notes. Check out the site for more detailed info and hit the Top Ten Blog for the latest. We’ll be adding more content as we get it.”
Well, it’s about time.
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3 Comments
Jorge, this is great news about the Del-Lords. I remember them from the very beginning. Scott, Eric, Manny, Frank, all terrific musicians and great guys. I hope to see them in NY soon.
Marc,
No doubt. I know we just talked about these guys. I saw them at the Lone Star years ago, and Mendoza and Dick Manitoba joined them on stage for a tribute to Stiv Bators from the Dead Boys.
So, I’m in agreement: This is great news and definitely a show I want to get to when it comes around.
Thanks for reading.
Great news,have just received the new cd Under Construction.They certainley haven,t lost the knack for great tunes.Can,t wait to see them in the UK.