Spector 45 is no stranger to the Granada Theater. In fact, in a ‘gorilla-warfare-like’ tactic, they crashed the Dallas Observer Music Awards (held at Granada) by playing a renegade set right outside the VIP party entrance doors. They were not to be ignored. The next year they were nominated by readers of the Dallas Observer for the ‘Best Roots Rock / Rockabilly’ Music Award.
Described as a cross between The Ramones and Grease soundtrack, Spector 45 is a rare jewel among Dallas local music. The band aims to “capture the pure energy of ’50s rock and roll” mixed with a twist of ’70s punk rock, and does it seamlessly. Spector 45 is reminiscent of the Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and the New York Dolls, but they have added their own homegrown spin that makes them standout among others in the Big D. It is a shame the band is still unsigned, but it means they still get to do things their way, and that’s what their music is about.
Featured Local Artist appearing Friday, Oct. 9 as an opener for Bad Brains w/ support Here Holy Spain.
“I hate people who talk about moving to Austin because Dallas sucks or that Deep Ellum is dead,” says lead singer Frankie Campagna, who many around town also know by his alias, Frankie 45. “This is from people who grew up and were raised here? I’m sick of hearing about how Dallas isn’t any good. And now, it’s all this talk about Denton, Austin’s little retarded cousin.”
Frankie 45′s father is local artist, gallery owner and longtime music promoter Frank Campagna. The elder Campagna could well claim to be the father of Deep Ellum, as Studio D, his art warehouse-turned-concert hall, was one of the area’s first venues. Some of the best local and national punk acts visited his establishment throughout the ’80s. Not surprising, much of the younger Campagna’s earliest experiences with music came via the tastes of his father, who introduced him to abrasive music and some of its most legendary practitioners at a young age. And the youngster has rarely looked back since his early introduction.
“My dad is one of the only people I’ve ever idolized,” Campagna says. “Him and Joey Ramone.”
And Campagna knew he wanted to make music that would make his dad proud. It took him several tries, sure, but with his new album, Campagna feels he’s finally done it.
“I’m starting—just starting—to live up to my dad’s legacy,” he says. “Everyone in the band thinks of my dad as the godfather of the Dallas music scene.”
But Campagna’s dad never pressured his son to become a musician. He claims he was only 4 years old when he first saw the movie Rock and Roll High School and decided he wanted to become a rock star. And when he entered Booker T. Washington School for the Arts, he began making moves in that direction. In 2001, he joined his first band, Anth’m (where he met Spector 45 drummer and his best friend, Anthony Delabano).
Originating from the remains Anth’m,Frankie and Anthony picked up the pieces and SPECTOR 45 formed in April of 2003 and has been playing ever since, building both momentum and fans.
interesting, thanks