Native New Yorker Peter Zaremba's first singing experience was when he formed the FLESHTONES, some say as a direct result of running out of Yardbirds, Kinks and Stooges albums to listen to. Many may remember Peter as the host of MTV'S 'The Cutting Edge', the nations first (and many say last) alternative TV show. Acts as diverse as R.E.M., the Chilli Peppers, Ice T, 10,000 Maniacs, and even Madonna had their national TV debut on Peter's show. He no longer has time for TV or his extensive stamp collection as Peter now devotes all his time to vocalising and composing for the FLESHTONES.
It was guitarist Keith Streng who originally founded the band together with his high school buddy Zaremba in 1976. In fact, Keith still plays the same '65 Mustang* he bought from Peter at that time, although he does change the strings frequently. He also composes much of the FLESHTONES material with Zaremba. It was Keith's friendship and involvement with R.E.M's Peter Buck in his 'Full-Time Men' project that directly led to Peter's producing the FLESHTONES' last album 'Beautiful Light'.
Bill Milhizer is the group's long time drummer and purveyor of the patented FLESHTONE beat. Many people attribute Bill's classical leanings to his Troy (New York) origins, but he'll tell you his first love has always been home grown American Garage Rock and the New York Yankees. Bill took a permanent break from beating the skins for the likes of Warhol Superstar Holly Woodlawn when he overheard Peter and Keith discussing the need for a drummer, and he offered his services.
Bassist Ken Fox learned the tricks of his trade practising to FLESHTONE classics like 'Roman Gods' and 'Hexbreaker' in his suburban Toronto home, before going to Nashville and doing a stint with Jason and The Scorchers. Kenny, however got his chance to hook up with his idols in time to record 'Powerstance' in 1990. Ken now resides in Astoria, Queens, where he studies Greek in his spare time.
'Beautiful Light' marked the return appearance of long time FLESHTONE and mentor Gordon Spaeth, lending his particular edge to the alto sax. Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed the rather volatile 'Mr Excitement' perform with the FLESHTONES will realise why Gordon is an inspiration (as well as a warning) to us all!
THE INSPIRATION
Sure, lots of people have heard of the FLESHTONES, but if you haven't, it's definitely time to give a listen to what has turned rock 'n' rollers around the world, as well as some of your favourite bands, into devoted fans. Currently the FLESHTONES are set to release their latest effort 'Laboratory of Sound' on Musidisc. Recorded with producer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Urge Overkill, Pixies and Breeders) in his Chicago Studio - Electrical Audio Recording, 'Laboratory of Sound' captures the true sense of garage rock and fresh raw energy into one.
Not 'funk' or 'punk' or 'dance', the FLESHTONES are as one critic said, "a great big greasy ball of all that is glorious and fun in Rock and Roll, with a dash of charismatic magic thrown in." Since regaining attention with their two previous albums, POWERSTANCE (Naked Language '92) and BEAUTIFUL LIGHT (Naked Language '93), the FLESHTONES have taken full advantage of their re-awakening in the public's awareness. Peter Buck of R.E.M. was more than happy to serve as producer for 'Beautiful Light', having wanted to do so ever since seeing the FLESHTONES play Athens, Georgia for the first time. Athens provided the perfect setting at John Keane Studios where R.E.M. have done so much of their recording.
The FLESHTONES emerged out of the explosion of new music that came out of New York's CBGB and Max's Kansas City in 1976. Inspired by local would-be stars the Dolls, the Ramones and the Dictators, they picked up the abandoned instruments they found in the basement of guitarist Keith Streng's Whitestone, Queens home. Over the years they've learned to play them, but don't worry, not so well as to spoil the fun! Indeed after 18 years, it is amazing the way the FLESHTONES can still approach performing and playing music as if for the first time. Those less inspired may have fallen by the wayside, but the FLESHTONES have never given up on their self-appointed mission, to root out all that is boring and pretentious in music and make sure everybody has a transcendental experience to boot! Just ask anybody who has witnessed their delirious live shows - from M-80, the first international 'new wave' music festival in 1979, to leading throngs of singing fans into the streets of Paris for a non violent confrontation with the Riot Police, to dawn of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, to right now. A FLESHTONES happening is predictable only in its unpredictability! From Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece, the FLESHTONES refuse to alter direction unless they lead the way. It's time to give a listen to the wildly fabulous, forever FLESHTONES.