Rocker John Fannon To Release Solo CD, Performing Solo Show At Bull Run Restaurant

SHIRLEY, MA. - For veteran musician and studio owner John Fannon, a solo CD release has been a long time coming. The one-time, late-70's rising star with the rock band New England, Fannon has long since left behind the limelight of a rock-and-roll upstart, however, John also found his niche in the business, building a career as a studio owner and producer. Fannon will be performing a solo show at the Bull Run Restaurant and ballroom in Shirley on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Albeit his first, it has always been in the back of John's mind to record a solo album. "Although I've been working on the music off and on since last June," Fannon said in a recent, exclusive interview. "I had actually been thinking about recording a solo CD for quite a long time and now that I am out doing gigs again, it feels like the right time to do it."

Originally from Boston, John started playing the guitar in the late 60's at age 15 and studied aerospace engineering for two years at the University of Massachusetts, before deciding to make music his career. After playing in a couple bands in the early 70's, John helped form the band New England in 1976, featuring keyboard player Jimmy Waldo and bassist Gary Shea formerly of the band Alcatraz,and Toronto-based drummer Hirsh Gardner.

New England secured a record deal in 1979, releasing their self-titled debut album on MCA Records, co-produced by Mike Stone(Queen, Journey, Asia) and the legendary Paul Stanley of Kiss. The album produced the single "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya", which became a Top 40 and AOR hit, as New England embarked on a North American tour supporting such iconic bands as Kiss, Rush, Styx, Journey and Cheap Trick.

New England would record two more albums - 1980's The Explorer Suite produced by Fannon and Stone and 1981's Walking Wild produced by Todd Rundgren - before the band members would go in different directions. In the early 80's Fannon would build his own recording studio in Framingham dubbed (of course) The Explorer Suite. "Built with a lot of help from my friends, I have owned the studio for some 25 years now."

Experienced in a variety of digital recording aspects and specializing in sound design and post-production mixing, John's clients over the years have not only included musicians, but also television, radio, the internet and corporate media. He's even won a Boston/New England Emmy Award for post-production sound mixing.

But back to the new CD. Fannon has been writing and recording material for his debut solo release titled Saved All The Pieces for nearly a year . "Up to this point, I am playing and singing everything myself but as the CD progresses, there should be some guest appearances from some friends as well. Fannon is gearing towards a spring release for the debut CD.

"I am doing all the writing and recording at The Explorer Suite, which is a very comfortable and creative environment to work in. The songs are still evolving, a work in progress, but the music is translating to my live shows. Most of the time, I am onstage by myself, so it is important for the music to hold up with just myself performing."

On Feb. 25, Fannon will bring his multi-instrumental , one-man show to The Bull Run Restaurant and Ballroom in Shirley, MA. Fannon will perform New England songs, as well as tracks from his upcoming solo release. Chelmsford's own Jilly Martin will open the show. For more information visit the Bull Run Restaurant at www.bullrunrestaurant.com or John Fannon at www.johnfannon.com.