John - Vocals Rob - Guitar Pete - Guitar Ray - Bass Wayne - Drums
Formed in the early winter of 1997, a band began developing as a side project by two members of the hardcore-punk group Awkward Thought. Guitarist Rob Seale and lead vocalist John Franko had been working on some material that was quite a stylistic departure. Rob was writing songs that were much more diverse and emotional. He had recruited long time friend Wayne Treptow, a well known and creative drummer. Next, through a mutual friend, Rob met Jon Scondotto, former Lament vocalist who was looking to start a similar project of his own.
Soon the band went from writing new songs to performing live shows, under the names Fueled and Lift. The audience response was overwhelming, leaving the crowds stunned after learning that the band was just months old. The group then recorded an eight-track promo tape with three songs which quickly reached many people in the tri-state area. By the summer, John Franko left the group due to the growing popualrity Awkward Thought, whereas Rob Seale decided to stay with this new project and leave Awkward Thought. Enter Ray Canapini, lead vocalist for Sealed With A Fist, who would not only play bass, but bring the band to a new level with his song writing ability.
All four members chose the name tonystark, and agreed that the promo tape did not reflect their ability and direction of the band. It did, however, impress Resurrection A.D. Records owner A.J Falvo. The band and Resurrection had agreed to an EP release that will debut in early summer of 1998. Entitled HIGH TECH LOW LIFE, TONYSTARK.
Over the past year, tonystark has supported various acts in the New York City area, including CANDIRIA, ABSOLUTE BLOOM, FAHRENHEIT 451, MAXIMUM PENALTY, SHUTDOWN, and SWEET DIESEL, in such clubs as CBGB'S, The Wetlands, The Continental, Castle Heights, and Coney Island High. Influences: The Police, Bad Brains, The Clash ,The Smiths.
Source: http://www.resurrection-ad.com/bands/tonystark/bio/index.shtml
