I'm For America

PHANTOM'S OPERA biography

New Jersey theatrical hard rock band PHANTOM'S OPERA have an exceedingly rich history. Keyboard player Jack Young having first founded the band with Alec John Such (BON JOVI) in 1969 at the age of 13! The original line-up of the band featured Alec John Such on bass and Tico Torres (BON JOVI) on drums. Dean Fasano was a former vocalist with the band before he joined MESSAGE (with Richie Sambora) and PROPHET (later replaced by Russel Arcara (ARCARA).

In 1989, along comes another young rocker from Sayreville named Colie Brice who invites Jack to join GEMINI - Colie's first band that was slugging it out on the NJ metal scene in the late 80's. Along with Brice, former GEMINI guitarist Eric Walz switched to bass, allowing guitar demon Michael Romeo (SYMPHONY X) room to shred, and NJ drum hero Bob Nelson room to pound on the group's debut album that been released in 36 different countries on four different labels to date. After Mike Romeo left to form SYMPHONY X, guitarist Karl Cochran (ACE FREHLEY's band, ARCARA) played on the group's sophomore releases entitle "So Long To Broadway". Then Bobby Gilmartin (MYSTERY BLOOM, NEW MACHINE) joined PHANTOM'S OPERA for the recording of their third album 'Following Dreams' - produced by Steve Evetts & mastered by GRAMMY winnner Joe Palmaccio. In 1998 Colie Brice and Bob Nelson left the group.

During March of 2003, after trying to replace Colie Brice for nearly five years PHANTOM'S OPERA announced their new vocalist as being Terry Brock, a singer of high repute citing credits with KANSAS, MICHAEL BOLTON and STRANGEWAYS. A new studio album, 'Act IV', was released in 2003 through Escape Music. Meantime members Bob Gilmartin and Dave Garcia recorded a debut album NEW MACHINE on a new label founded by Colie Brice called Aeria Records. Talk about drama...

A MESSAGE FROM COLIE BRICE:

May 15, 2009

Words really can't express the depth of sadness so many people feel about the premature departure of Jack Young, the Phantom of Phantom's Opera, the rest of us were merely members of the choir serving his talents as best we could. Jack earned and created an incredible legacy in his life. His songwriting ability was a divine gift and reach people on many levels. AT 40 years of age, some of the songs I sang nearly 20 years ago reveal new meaning as I journey through my own life.

I am absolutely certain that Jack would have been delighted and touched so very deeply by the outpouring of regard and affection that has accompanied his death.

It will be a year since his passing soon and I, like so many others am still reeling. Jack was a great mentor to me and we had a tortured relationship at best, but I know we loved each other.

Being in Phantom's Opera was being part of a fellowship that enjoyed many chapters and a rich history. Sadly not all of Jack's music was released and/or recorded properly. Michael Romeo, Eric Walz, and I have discussed reaching out to Jack's estate and trying to go through Jack's archives and getting more of his music put to the world. That I am certain he would want as well..

I just wanted people to know that we share your pain and miss Jack too. We won't let his memory fade!

Sincerely,

Colie Brice