Charlotte (American band)
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Eric Ganz, Vinnie Cacciotti, Nick DiBacco |
| Defunct | 1996 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2009 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Eric Ganz (lead vocals), Nick DiBacco (guitar), Vinnie Cacciotti (guitar), Chris Colovas (bass), Gary Meadors (drums) |
| Products | Music albums: Medusa Groove (2010), CHARLOTTE (2022) |
| Owner | Eonian Records (independent label) |
CHARLOTTE is a hard rock group originating from Los Angeles, California, established in 1986. Affiliated with the independent label Eonian Records, they launched their first album, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable songs from this release include 'Siren', 'Little Devils', 'Medusa Groove', 'Miss Necrophilia', and 'Ocean Of Love and Mercy'. Beginning their live performances on the Sunset Strip in 1987, Charlotte played at prominent venues such as The Roxy, The Whisky-a-Go-Go, and The Cat Club. They both headlined and opened for bands like Vixen, Ezo, and XYZ. After disbanding in 1996, some members pursued other musical projects before reuniting in 2009 following their contract with Eonian.
The Early Years (1986-1989)
Charlotte was formed when vocalist Eric Ganz joined guitarists Vinnie Cacciotti and Nick DiBacco after relocating from upstate New York to Los Angeles in late 1986. They were joined by bassist Rob Thiessen and drummer Eric Brewton to complete the initial lineup. This ensemble performed at venues such as The Whisky-a-Go-Go and The Roxy alongside acts including Warrant and The Zeros. Following Rob Thiessen's exit, Chris Colovas took over bass duties; Thiessen went on to establish the Canadian rock/metal group Noise Therapy. The band’s musical direction shifted towards a blues-infused hard rock sound reminiscent of the 1970s. Collaborating with producer Mike Wolf (formerly of King Kobra), they recorded tracks that would later feature on their debut album.
The '90s (1990-1996)
By 1990, Charlotte had established a regular presence at venues like The Whisky, The Roxy, and FM Station. They performed alongside bands such as Saraya and Freight Train Jane at Pomona National Truck-fest, and shared bills at The Palace with acts including XYZ and Cry Wolf. Working with seasoned producer Marc DeSisto—known for collaborations with Joe Cocker, Melissa Etheridge, and U2—the band honed a sound firmly rooted in 1970s rock traditions, moving away from their earlier glam metal style. Critics recognized their intense, dark live performances as uniquely compelling within the music scene. Under the guidance of DeSisto and Mike Wolf, Charlotte recorded Medusa Groove at Paramount Studios and A & M Studios. Although major record labels showed interest, the album was not released at that time. The group played their final concert in 1996; bassist Chris Colovas later joined Sircle Of Silence alongside former Accept vocalist David Reece.
The Reunion (2009-Present)
In 2009, Stephen Craig, executive producer and owner of Eonian Records, collaborated with Charlotte to finally release their debut album, Medusa Groove, which came out in April 2010. The album garnered positive critical acclaim; UK-based rock publication Fireworks praised it as "..twelve re-mixed kick-ass songs," while Dutch online magazine Lords Of Metal honored it as Album Of The Month. Metalstorm highlighted it as one of the most diverse rock albums released in recent years. In November 2010, featuring Gary Meadors (Gene Loves Jezebel) on drums, Charlotte reunited for a live performance at The Cat Club on L.A.'s Sunset Strip—their first show in nearly fifteen years.
Band members
- Current Members
- Eric Ganz – lead vocals (1986-1996, 2009-present)
- Nick DiBacco – guitar, backing vocals (1986-1996, 2009-present)
- Vinnie Cacciotti – guitar (1986-1996, 2009-present)
- Chris Colovas – bass, backing vocals
- Gary Meadors – drums (2010-present)
- Former Members
- Eric D. Brewton – drums, backing vocals (1986-1996)
- Rob Thiessen – bass
Discography
- Medusa Groove (2010)
- CHARLOTTE (2022)
Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Guns N' Roses, Faith No More, The Doors, James Brown, Willie Dixon, The Allman Brothers Band, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix
Associated entities
Executive production by Stephen Craig at Eonian Records; Production team includes Mike Wolf and Marc DeSisto; Recorded at A&M Studios and Paramount Studios; Featured in Fireworks magazine; Lyrics authored by Eric Ganz, with music composed by CHARLOTTE
Sources
- Music Connection, Los Angeles, vol. 15 no. 5, March 1991, pages 32 and 38
- Metal Forces, UK, no 53, Aug 1990, page 58
- Crash, Los Angeles, no 4, Oct 1989, pages 40 & 41
- Rock City News, Los Angeles, vol. 8 no. 13, 1990, pages 70 & 71
- Rock City News, Los Angeles, vol. 9 no. 13, 1991, page 34
- Screamer, Los Angeles, Feb 1991, page 12
- Screamer, Los Angeles, Jul 1991, page 53
- Hollywood Rocks, Los Angeles, no. 21, 1991
- Fireworks UK, issue no. 40, 2010, page 82
- Eric Gantz interview
- Medusa Groove review
- Sircle of Silence discography
- Gene Loves Jezebel discography
- Marc DeSisto biography
- Noise Therapy interview