XYZ (French band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Lyon, France |
| Founder | Pat Fontaine, Terry Ilous |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Pat Fontaine, Terry Ilous, Tony Marcus, Joey Shapiro |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 4 (current members) |
| Website | www |
XYZ is a hard rock ensemble that originated in 1978 in Lyon, France, founded by Pat Fontaine and Terry Ilous. The initial roster consisted of Paul Villet on drums, Uncle RV handling guitars, and Pat Fontaine performing vocals and bass. Following early performances throughout Europe and at New York's CBGB, Terry Ilous joined as the lead singer, solidifying the classic quartet. In 1984, the group moved to Los Angeles, where Villet and RV exited, making way for Robert Pieper (guitars) from Connecticut and Joe Pafumi (drums) from Massachusetts.
In Los Angeles, XYZ became the de facto house band at the Whisky a Go Go. Their debut album, launched in 1989 under Enigma, featured the popular track "Inside Out" and led to a nationwide tour supporting Ted Nugent. The band later signed with major label Capitol for their 1991 follow-up album, Hungry. Although XYZ disbanded in 1992, they have reunited intermittently since the early 2000s.
History
Hailing originally from Lyon, France, XYZ relocated to Los Angeles in 1984, where they enjoyed considerable commercial achievements. The band sold over two million albums globally and was frequently featured on MTV during the early 1990s. After gaining exposure performing in Hollywood venues, they secured their initial recording contract in 1989 with producer Don Dokken. Subsequently, Terry Ilous and Pat Fontaine enlisted Marc Diglio (guitars) and Paul Monroe (drums) to replace Pieper and Pafumi for their debut release XYZ. Issued in 1989, this album included hits such as "Inside Out" and "What Keeps Me Loving You," with music videos receiving significant airplay. The album peaked at No. 99 on the Billboard 200. Additionally, the track "Maggy" appeared in the 1990 film I Come in Peace.
Their sophomore effort, Hungry (1991), achieved less commercial impact and failed to chart. It produced a single video for "Face Down in the Gutter," directed by Michael Bay. Following this release, Diglio and Monroe departed, succeeded by Tony Marcus on guitar and Joey Shapiro on drums. After touring alongside Foreigner, the members disbanded once more. The group reassembled in 2008 featuring Ilous, Fontaine, Marcus, and Shapiro.
In 1995, Fontaine and Shapiro formed Puzzle Gut with Lance Bulen (guitars/vocals), securing a deal with Interscope Records in 1997. This trio released one album while supporting the Roar Tour headlined by Iggy Pop.
Recent events
XYZ remains active with performances at festivals and concerts throughout the United States and Europe, frequently participating in Monster of Rock Cruises departing from Miami, Florida. Lead vocalist Terry Ilous also fronts The Vagabonds, an acoustic ensemble blending flamenco influences with classic rock styles.
Ilous spearheaded the charity event '80's Rockers for Japan' to support the Red Cross relief efforts following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. This fundraiser featured prominent rock artists such as former Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, Paul Shortino, Rudy Sarzo, among others.
XYZ has performed at major festivals including Rocklahoma (2008), M3 Rock Festival, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, and Firefest held in Nottingham, England (2012).
Drummer Joey Shapiro acquired Gorilla Snot—a company specializing in drumstick and guitar pick grips—in 2012 and has owned Avalanche Studios, a recording facility based in Denver, since 2019.
Bassist Pat Fontaine made a brief appearance in the opening scene of The Dirt, a Netflix production about Mötley Crüe. Former drummer Paul Monroe appeared alongside his daughter on a 2016 episode of That Awkward Game Show broadcast on Spike TV.
In April 2025, Terry Ilous was featured in a Starbucks advertisement together with his Legends-of-Classic-Rock bandmates.
Members
- Present lineup
- Pat Fontaine – bass guitar (1980–1992, 2003–present), lead vocals (1980–1982)
- Terry Ilous – lead vocals (1982–1992, 2002–present)
- Tony Marcus – guitar (1991–1992, 2002–present)
- Joey Shapiro – drums (1991–1992, 2003–present)
- Past members
- Uncle RV – guitar (1980–1983)
- JP Villet – drums (1980–1983)
- Jamie Lewis – keyboards (1984–1986)
- Bill Lordan – drums (1984–1986)
- Bobby Pieper – guitar (1984–1988)
- Joey Pafumi – drums (1986–1988)
- Marc Diglio – guitar (1988–1991)
- Paul Monroe – drums (1988–1991, 2003)
- Sean McNabb – bass guitar (2003)
- Tony Burnett – guitar (1990–1993)
Studio albums
| Year | Album information | Chart peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| US | ||
| 1989 | XYZ
|
99 |
| 1991 | Hungry
|
— |
| 2003 | Letter to God
|
— |
| "—" indicates albums that did not enter the charts | ||
Extended plays
| Year | Album information | Chart peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| US | ||
| 1983 | XYZ (EP)
|
Compilation albums
| Year | Album information |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Rainy Days (demo recordings)
|
| 2005 | Forbidden Demos
|
| 2008 | Best of XYZ
|
Live albums
| Year | Album information |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Take What You Can Live
|
| 1997 | Take What You Can Live (European Edition)
|