The Del Fuegos
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Del Fuegos were a garage rock group originating from Boston, Massachusetts, active primarily during the 1980s. Established in 1980, the band achieved notable commercial recognition in 1986 with popular tracks like "Don't Run Wild" and "I Still Want You," which gained additional exposure through a widely viewed Miller Beer television advertisement. Their audience extended to prominent musicians, including Tom Petty, who not only collaborated with them but also invited them to open for his tour. The band's name is inspired by the Tierra Del Fuego archipelago.
History
The relationship between brothers Warren Zanes and Dan Zanes was described as "fractious," significantly impacting the group's internal dynamics. Following the lackluster commercial performance of their third album, the band was released from their contract with Slash Records. This led to Warren and drummer Woody exiting the lineup. Dan, along with guitarist Tom Lloyd, brought in new members and produced a fourth album under RCA Records, but the group dissolved within a year. Reflecting on the end of the band, Dan remarked, "The '80s were over, we were over."
On June 23–24, 2011, The Del Fuegos reunited after a 21-year hiatus at Boston's Paradise Rock Club to support Woody's rehabilitation initiative, Right Turn. This reunion was followed by a tour from February to March 2012, culminating at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire. During this period, they recorded eight new songs compiled into the EP Silver Star, released on February 21, 2012.
The group came together once more for a single performance in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in July 2023 and later held two sold-out concerts at Boston City Winery on December 21, 2024. They are also slated to appear on September 13, 2025, at the Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield, Massachusetts.
Band members
- Dan Zanes (guitars/vocals)
Dan Zanes embarked on a solo career with an album released in 1995. After initially distributing a cassette featuring original children's songs within his local area, he founded Dan Zanes and Friends. This ensemble gained significant traction through frequent airplay on Disney Channel's preschool programming block Playhouse Disney (now known as Disney Junior) and on Noggin (currently Nick Jr. Channel). His 2007 release Catch That Train! earned a Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children.
- Warren Zanes (guitars)
After departing following the band’s third album, Warren pursued advanced education, obtaining two master's degrees and a Ph.D. in Visual and Cultural Arts. He currently holds the position of vice president of education at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and resumed his musical career with his solo album Memory Girls in 2002.
- Tom Lloyd (bass)
Lloyd exited after the fourth album's release and later completed his bachelor's degree at University of California, Berkeley, followed by earning a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from California Institute of Technology in 1999.
- Adam Roth (guitars)
Roth worked alongside comedian Denis Leary and contributed recordings with musicians such as Jim Carroll, David Johansen, and Evan Dando. He was involved with bands including the Enablers and Liza Colby Sound. Adam Roth died of cancer on December 16, 2015, aged 57.
- Steve Morell (drums)
Morell left prior to the release of the band's debut album.
- Woody Giessmann (drums)
In 2003, Giessmann established Right Turn, an organization dedicated to assisting artists recovering from substance abuse and mental health challenges.
- Joe Donnelly (drums)
Donnelly has participated in projects like Wiki 3 and collaborated with Chris Pahud.
- Sonny Columbus
Columbus contributed to The Del Fuegos’ recordings of holiday-themed music.
Albums
- The Longest Day (1984), Slash Records, reached UK Indie chart position #20
- Boston, Mass. (1985), Slash Records, peaked at #134 on U.S. charts
- Spin Radio Concert (live album, 1985), released by BBE Sound
- Stand Up (1987), Slash Records, attained U.S. chart rank #167
- Smoking in the Fields (1989), issued by RCA Records, reached #139 in the U.S.
- Best Of The Del Fuegos: The Slash Years (2001), Warner release
- Silver Star (2012), published by February Records
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart rankings | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US Modern Rock | US Mainstream Rock | |||
| 1985 | "Don't Run Wild" | – | – | 46 | Boston, Mass. |
| 1986 | "I Still Want You" | 87 | – | 33 | |
| 1987 | "Name Names" | – | – | 43 | Stand Up |
| 1989 | "Move With Me Sister" | – | 22 | 32 | Smoking in the Fields |
Other appearances
- Miller Music (1984; promotional compilation featuring various artists; RCA)
- Miller Music II (1986; promotional compilation featuring various artists; RCA)