Missing Persons and Stacey Q
DALE BOZZIO IS A FOUNDING, ORIGINAL MEMBER OF MISSING PERSONS.
1980 the band made its first record, a 4-song EP entitled Missing Persons, in Zappa’s brand-new Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studios; . The band toured, promoted the EP, appeared in the movie Lunch Wagon, and became a must-see band among the Los Angeles live music crowd. “Mental Hopscotch” was a #1 record on local radio station KROQ-FM, and the self-promoted EP sold 7,000 copies.
Two years of hard work led up to a signing with Capitol Records in 1982. With label support, the re-released EP sold another 250,000 units, and the new full-length album Spring Session M (an anagram of “Missing Persons”) went gold.
The singles “Mental Hopscotch”, “Surrender Your Heart” (1984), “Destination Unknown,” “Words,” “Walking in L.A.,” and “Windows” met with varying success, especially in the local markets of Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The visual effects used in the music video for “Words” were unusual for the time, making it popular on the fledgling cable TV channel MTV.[/tab]
Missing Persons appeared at a three-day Southern California concert known as the US Festival in May 1983.
Although the band gained new attention by heavy play on MTV and FM rock-radio with the striking music video for “Surrender Your Heart” that was designed by Peter Max, the experimental album Rhyme & Reason (1984) . The band followed up with the more conventional Color In Your Life in June 1986.
During the early 1990s, Dale Bozzio toured with her own hired band using the name “Missing Persons” and performing Missing Persons songs. She now tours under the name “DALE BOZZIO original member MISSING PERSONS.”
Some of her musicians have been Wes Wehmiller, Ron Poster, Mike Mangini, Anthony Resta, Ben Sesar, Tony Savarino, Brad Miller, Jeff Calder, Michael T. Ross, Van Spragins, Michael Maysonet, James Sperry and Eric Welsh.
In June 2005, Missing Persons featuring Dale Bozzio appeared on week five of the NBC show Hit Me Baby One More Time. They performed “Words” and a cover of the Kylie Minogue dance track, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”.
MISSING PERSONS’ DALE BOZZIO has toured throughout the United States. During the past few years, the band has made several appearances on the Regeneration Tour, played club dates on the west coast during the Summer of 2009, and played with the 1980s Club Tour at venues across the country in the Spring of 2010. THE BAND HAS ALSO PERFORMED AT THE 2010 AND 2012 JACK FM RADIO FESTIVAL SHOWS IN IRVINE, CA
The Matter feature the powerful guitar interplay of Michael Hamilton and Dennis LeBlanc, backed by the solid rhythm section of Erikson and Rick Gerardi. The songs range from the intricate and chiming Girl From the Sun to the sixties inspired power pop of Her First Rodeo to the surging and grinding sonic assault of Saw Love, a crowd favorite and often the set closer.
Solid Rock Credentials
The Matter have their genesis in the punk scene of the early 80s. Gerardi and LeBlanc were part of the So Cal punk scene in a band called The Factory whose single, Smile, has become a rare collectible by collectors from around the world. After The Factory disbanded, Hamilton joined the two in a band called The Cinematics. After two years, Hamilton departed and moved to New York City, where he signed on to do sound, provide guitar tech services, and tour manage for bands such as The Del Lords and The Smithereens. He also worked in the studio with The Smithereens, producing a number of B-sides and playing as a “guest” on other popular tracks. Hamilton has toured all over the world, behind the scenes or onstage, with a number of acts. A highlight was playing with members of Crazy Horse, backing Ian McNabb (Icicle Works) at Glastonbury Festival.
Full Circle
Fast forward to Hamilton - back in Southern California - reconnecting with Gerardi and LeBlanc. Informal jams coalesced into new and inspired songs, and The Matter was born. The present line up was locked in when Erikson replaced the original bassist. Erikson was in a number of bands in the Orange County area over the years and the personal and musical chemistry with the band was undeniable.
Both LeBlanc and Hamilton write and arrange for the band, crafting highly original songs built on an electric pastiche of 60s, 70s, and 80s influences. The band recently recorded basic tracks with legendary producer Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads, Living Color, Smithereens, etc...).
Making Their Mark Moving Forward
The Matter are grabbing the attention of audiences all over Southern California with their eclectic songwriting and mesmerizing performances.
For booking, contact Erikson at eriksond@icloud.com or Bruce Kilgour at bkilgour@charter.net.
You can find The Matter at Facebook.com/RockTheMatter or on Instagram @thematterca