Prophet (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Trenton, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Albums: Prophet (1985), Cycle of the Moon (1988), Recycled (1991) |
Prophet was a melodic rock group originating from Trenton, New Jersey, established in 1983. The band's final roster consisted of Russell Arcara on lead vocals, guitarists Dave DiPietro and Ken Dubman, bassist Scott Metaxas, keyboardist Joe Zujkowski, and drummer Jim Callahan. Throughout their active years, the ensemble experienced multiple personnel changes.
History
The inception of Prophet took place in 1983, initiated by bassist Scott Metaxas and keyboard player Joe Zujkowski, both previously affiliated with Icarian and Tom Fuller's Rock City. They brought on board Ken Dubman and William Runco as guitarists, Bob Butterfield handling drums, and Marc Hoffman as the lead singer. At first, the band earned a reputation as one of the premier cover acts in New Jersey, performing material from artists such as Queen, Boston, Kansas, and Styx.
Later that same year, Hoffman and Butterfield departed and were succeeded by vocalist Dean Fasano and drummer/vocalist Ted Poley—the latter having collaborated with Dubman earlier in Lush. William Runco exited without a replacement.
This formation recorded Prophet’s self-titled debut album under Total Experience/RCA, featuring the track "Slow Down," which some speculate influenced Bon Jovi’s "Wanted Dead or Alive." Following the album's release, Fasano and Poley left; Poley went on to become Danger Danger's lead singer.
Subsequently, Russell Arcara took over vocal duties while Michael Sterlacci joined on drums and backing vocals. Arcara had previously fronted Surgin', whose 1985 EMI America album included "Shot Through the Heart," co-written by Jack Ponti and Jon Bon Jovi. Managed by Noel Monk—formerly associated with Van Halen—this lineup produced Prophet's second record, Cycle of the Moon, released through Megaforce/Atlantic Records. This album is often considered the band’s defining work, reaching number 137 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ahead of their third studio effort, Recycled, issued in 1991 by Halcyon Records, Sterlacci departed. Guitarist Dave DiPietro and drummer Jim Callahan, both from T.T. Quick, joined to complete the sessions. Acoustic guitar and backing vocals were provided by guest musician Karl Cochran.
Following 1992, band members engaged in various musical ventures: Arcara formed groups such as Arcara (Where’s Mary) and The Way; he also co-founded the cover band Wally and the Beaver alongside Dubman, DiPietro, Callahan, producer Stephen DeAcutis, and bassist Tony LeClerc. Prior to their debut performance, DiPietro left; he later teamed with Metaxas to join Nuclear Assault for touring and recording Something Wicked. Dubman became part of blues outfit Rocket 88; Callahan transitioned into software development and graphic design. Previously, Dubman, Arcara, Metaxas, and Callahan had also performed together in the Edgar Cayce Band cover group.
Tragically, on April 8, 1996, Joe Zujkowski passed away by suicide at age 39.
The group reunited on April 29, 2012, featuring Metaxas, Dubman, Arcara, Callahan, with Bill Dellicato stepping in on keyboards in place of Zujkowski.
In 2016, Ken Dubman unveiled a solo album titled Reckless Abandon, characterized as "earthy, organic 70's style hard driving rock." Currently, Russell Arcara fronts Revolution Rewind.
Prophet’s discography has been reissued multiple times by UK-based Z Records—including their debut album, Cycle of the Moon, Recycled, and a 2013 compilation named Asylum. Additionally, in 2009 Wounded Bird Records re-released Cycle of the Moon in the United States.
Members
- Final roster
- Ken Dubman – guitar (1983–1991, 2012, 2015), backing vocals (2012, 2015)
- Scott Metaxas – bass guitar and backing vocals (1983–1991, 2012, 2015); acoustic guitar and lead vocals (studio recordings exclusively)
- Russell Arcara – lead vocals (1987–1991, 2012, 2015)
- Jim Callahan – drums (1991, 2012, 2015)
- Bill Dellicato – keyboards and piano (2012, 2015)
- Former members
- Joe Zujkowski – keyboards and piano (1983–1991; deceased 1996)
- Marc Hoffman – lead vocals (1983)
- William Runco – guitar (1983)
- Bob Butterfield – drums (1983)
- Dean Fasano – lead vocals (1983–1987; deceased 2009); backing vocals (1985)
- Ted Poley – drums (1983–1987); lead vocals (1985–1987); backing vocals (1985)
- Michael Sterlacci – drums and backing vocals (1987–1991)
- Mike DiPietro – drums (1991)
Discography
- Prophet (1985)
- Cycle of the Moon (1988)
- Recycled (1991)
External links
- [ Allmusic]