"Music itself set the tone for everything … the way we dress and the way we think … it reflected every aspect of what the world had become … that is why I believe … that all music shaped people’s minds and hearts … that’s why they call music the universal language …"

Frank Ferrara: The Big BANG of Rock Music

Often called America’s answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back with a new album “Another Me” (July 21st, 2023)! Featuring all 3 members of the classic line-up: bassist/vocalist Frank Ferrara, guitarist Frankie Gilcken and original drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio along with new drummer Danny Piselli. With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing for a number of years. 2023 marks the 52nd anniversary of BANG’s critically acclaimed debut album which was just reissued last week on a unique, limited edition colored vinyl. In the summer of 1971, BANG, a trio from the Philadelphia area, decided to take a road trip to Florida to try their fortune. While buying some rolling papers in the Sunshine State, they learned about a Faces and Deep Purple concert nearby in Orlando. They showed up at the venue and brazenly declared they were ready to go on stage.

The concert organizer asked them to set up and play for him. After a couple songs, he told them they were opening for Rod Stewart and Faces. Before they knew it, BANG was playing with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, Fleetwood Mac, Ike and Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers, and even Black Sabbath. Capitol Records signed them, and three LPs were released. The 1971 self-titled debut album “BANG” is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest ‘proto-metal’ bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band’s versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide! It’s been nearly 20 years since the band’s previous studio album, two decades in which they’ve overcome incredible challenges, all to bring this epic slab of heavy, melodic psychedelic metal to their still loyal fanbase!

Interview by Michael Limnios           Archive: BANG, 2014 interview @ blues.gr    

Special Thanks: Frank Ferrara & Billy James / Glass Onyon PR

When did the idea of the band come about? What is the story behind the band's name BANG? 

I guess you could say it was when me and Frankie Gilcken started playing music together when we were 14 … at 16 … the band we were in … got the opportunity to open for the Young Rascals at the Spectrum in Philly … that pretty much solidified what we wanted to do with our life … after that band dissolved … two weeks after Woodstock … me and Frankie put an ad in the paper … and Tony responded … and that was the beginning of BANG … and our journey …

Why do you think that Bang music continues to generate such a devoted following?

The simple answer is … our music is original at its best … Tony’s lyrics are a big part of our appeal ..  along with Frankie’s guitar work and my vocals and playing bass … we created … I believe … a sound of our own … and after 52 years … we are thrilled with how our music still resonates with everyone … young and old …

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The passion has been there from the beginning … I guess I have to say the first concert we did at 16 was the first highlight and going to Woodstock and seeing all those great bands … that solidified my desire to make music my life … we had lots of highlights, but I think the biggest one that stands out to me is going to Europe for the first time in 2016 … it took 45 years to get there and when we did … the response that we got was mind blowing and very euphoric … seeing and feeling the love from BANG fans … from 20 yr old to 80 year old … was exhilarating …

"In life things are constantly changing from day to day … in so many ways music has lost its essence and integrity … flashing tits and ass and twerking … has nothing to do with music … sad that the younger generation of today is being force fed something that really has no value … in my mind we need to go back to when music had more meaning and more soul …" (Photo: BANG)

What is the impact of your generation’s music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

We were fortunate to put music out in the early 70’s when there was so many amazing bands … it was a time when every band had its own sound … our songwriting reflected what was going on in the world … songs like … Death of A Country … Our Home …  Mother … Redman  … etc … were a reflection of what was going on around us past and present … as far as how I want our music to affect people … I just want it to make people aware and to be happy when they hear it …

How has the Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Music itself set the tone for everything … the way we dress and the way we think … it reflected every aspect of what the world had become … that is why I believe … that all music shaped people’s minds and hearts … that’s why they call music the universal language …

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I think the most important lesson I learned is that … Expectations are the root of all heartache … too many people do things hoping to reach the highest of highs … 9 times out of 10 … that doesn’t happen … you should always do things out of love … remember nothing is guaranteed in life … so just keep it simple and you’ll be more content and happy …

Do you think there is an audience for Rock music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

In life things are constantly changing from day to day … in so many ways music has lost its essence and integrity … flashing tits and ass and twerking … has nothing to do with music … sad that the younger generation of today is being force fed something that really has no value … in my mind we need to go back to when music had more meaning and more soul …

BANG - Home

(Photo: BANG)