Spread Eagle (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
| Website | www |
Spread Eagle is a New York City-based American hard rock group formed in 1989. Shortly after coming together, they secured a contract with MCA/Universal Records. Their discography includes three studio albums: Spread Eagle (1990), Open to the Public (1993), and Subway to the Stars (2019).
Bassist Rob De Luca also performs with the British rock ensemble UFO.
Formation and early period
During the 1980s, Paul DiBartolo, Rob De Luca, and Tommi Gallo were members of the Boston hard rock band Bang. In 1989, guitarist Paul Di Bartolo—also known as Salvadore Poe—relocated to New York City, where he enlisted vocalist Ray West and persuaded De Luca and Gallo to join him in establishing Spread Eagle.
Within a few months of rehearsals, the group landed a recording agreement with MCA/Universal Records.
Debut album: Spread Eagle
Before performing live for the first time, the band was signed, and most tracks for their 1990 self-titled debut were composed in the studio. Due to minimal promotional support from MCA, the band financed the production of the music video for "Scratch Like a Cat" independently.
Second album: Open to the Public
After extensive touring caused exhaustion within the group, drummer Tommi Gallo departed and was temporarily replaced by Kirke Blankenship, who contributed to one track on Open to the Public. Released in 1993, this album featured session drummers John Macaluso and Thommy Price. Dave Femia took over drumming duties during the subsequent tour. Despite these efforts, the album did not achieve commercial success amid the surge of grunge, which ultimately led to the band's dissolution in 1995.
Activities following Spread Eagle
Ray West briefly exited the music industry but remains active as a vocalist with Weapons of Anew.
Paul DiBartolo, adopting the name Salvadore Poe, composed and recorded material for Swedish singer Lisa Ekdahl, his former spouse. He developed a strong affinity for Indian culture and spends considerable time there.
Rob De Luca went on to establish new projects Ouijipig and Of Earth. Additionally, he has contributed extensively as both studio and touring bassist for artists such as UFO, Sebastian Bach, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Helmet, George Lynch, and Vinnie Moore.
Tommi Gallo is involved with Iron Rage and was previously part of Bang. He created the artwork for Spread Eagle’s debut album cover and continues residing, performing, and producing art in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Reunion in 2006
In 2006, Lovember Records remastered and reissued Spread Eagle’s debut album Spread Eagle, which had been unavailable for a decade. At that time, Rob De Luca and Ray West reunited to revive the band, launching their "Back on the Bitch Tour" throughout the northeastern United States.
By 2012, with guitarist Ziv Shalev joining alongside drummer Rik De Luca (who had been with them since 2010) and founding members Ray West (vocals) and Rob De Luca (bass, vocals), Spread Eagle solidified a consistent lineup.
Recent developments
In 2017, Spread Eagle announced multiple European performances, including appearances at Hull Metal Heaven and HRH Sleaze festivals. After completing their UK/EU tour, they signed with Frontiers Music SRL and commenced writing and recording sessions. Their most recent release, Subway to the Stars, debuted on August 9, 2019. The lead single "Sound of Speed" was accompanied by a go-kart racing-themed video shot in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, directed by Phil Allocco.
The Australian drag racing outfit West Coast Pro Modifieds selected "Sound of Speed" as their theme song for the 2019/2020 season. The Australian fan base produced a "Pro Mod Edit" of this video by substituting go-kart footage with actual drag racing scenes. Subway to the Stars earned spots on several 2019 year-end lists, including Top 5 hard rock releases on Ultimate Guitar and Top 20 albums in both Sleaze Roxx readers' poll and The Rock Pit Australia. In July 2020, Spread Eagle unveiled a lyric video for their track "More Wolf Than Lamb."
Current
- Ray West – lead singer, tambourine (1989–1995, 2006–present)
- Rob De Luca – bass guitar, vocals (1989–1995, 2006–present)
- Rik De Luca – drums (2010–present)
- Jommy Puledda – guitar (2022–present)
Former
- Paul DiBartolo (Salvadore Poe) – guitar, vocals (1989–1995)
- Tommi Gallo – drums (1989–1992, 1993–1994)
- Dennis Kimak – guitar (2008–2012)
- Ziv Shalev – guitar (2012–2022)
Session
- Kirke Blankenship – drums (1992)
- John Macaluso – drums (1992–1993)
- Thommy Price – drums (1992–1993)
Touring members
- Dave Femia – drums (1993)
- John Macaluso – drums (2006)
- Chris Caffery – guitar (2006)
- Gerry White – drums (2008)
- Gianmaria "Jommy" Puledda – guitar (2022)
Discography
| Year | Album | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Spread Eagle | MCA/Universal Records |
| 1993 | Open to the Public | MCA/Universal Records |
| 2019 | Subway to the Stars | Frontiers SRL Records |
External links
- Official website
- [AllMusic profile]
- [Discogs artist page]
- Frontiers Records artists
- Glam metal musical groups from New York (state)
- Hard rock musical groups from New York (state)
- Heavy metal musical groups from New York (state)
- MCA Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1989
- Musical groups disbanded in 1995
- Musical groups from New York City
- Musical groups disestablished in 1995