Drew Fortier

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Drew Fortier
Drew Fortier performing with Bang Tango in Minnesota 2017.jpg
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Lawrence Fortier
Born (1987-07-14) July 14, 1987 (age 34)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
  • filmmaker
  • actor
  • author
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active2011-present
LabelsEMP Label Group
Associated acts

Andrew Lawrence Fortier (born July 14, 1987) is an American musician, guitarist, filmmaker, actor, and author. He is best known for his work with Bang Tango, David Ellefson, and Zen From Mars; which he cofounded, and includes members of Kik Tracee, Enuff Z'Nuff, Flipp, and Fear Factory.[1][2][3] He was guitarist for the now late Chuck Mosley (Faith No More). He has directed and edited the documentary Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie as well as the upcoming David Ellefson produced horror film Dwellers which Fortier also wrote and stars in.[4] He is the author of Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious which is an autobiography on his career thus far.

Film career[]

Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie[]

Main article: Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie

Fortier took 4 years filming and editing what would become a documentary on 80's hard rock band Bang Tango. Originally intended as a studio documentary, the film became expanded upon once original members of the band became involved and more information was revealed regarding the band's history. The film was never given an official release due to clearance issues regarding usage of Bang Tango's back catalogue of music in the film which is owned by Universal Music.[5]

Aside from the inclusion of various members of Bang Tango throughout the band's career up to that point, interviews featured throughout the film include: Howard Benson, Riki Rachtman, Chris DeMakes, Mandy Lion, Andrew Wilkow, Chip Z'Nuff, as well as an opening narration by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider.[6]

The film had one free public screening in Fortier's hometown of Chicago, Illinois with Bang Tango in attendance in April 2015.[7]

Fortier became a member of Bang Tango days later as the band's second guitarist.[8]

Fortier released the film for free on YouTube in early 2016.[9]

In June 2018, Fortier released an 11 minute deleted/extended scene from the film, which contained footage from being on the road with the band as well as more insight into how the band operates while on tour.[10] Fortier made note that the footage was initially removed from the film due to its portrayal of the band members featured in the scenes.[11][12]

Reception[]

Reviews of the film were positive. The general consensus is that despite its low budget, the film still manages to get its point across in an unbiased, artistic, and engaging manner while being able to appeal to not only fans of the band or genre, but to anyone not familiar with Bang Tango.

Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie[]

Summer 2017, Fortier was recruited as guitarist for (Ex-Faith No More frontman) Chuck Mosley's solo band. During his time with the band, Fortier and Mosley explored the idea of a potential documentary to where Mosley would be the subject. Prior to his passing in November 2017 Mosley confirmed with Fortier that a documentary about his life should be made. The film is being produced by Mosley's long time manager and percussionist, Douglas Esper.[13]

In February 2018 it was announced that Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie was officially in production with a TBA release date.[14]

Dwellers[]

Main article: Dwellers (film)

In May 2019, it was announced that Fortier will be writing, directing, and starring in the found footage horror film Dwellers which is being produced by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert via their newly formed production company Ellefson Films.[4] Along with Fortier, the film will also star James L. Edwards, Douglas Esper, Rick Jermain, and Jeff Hatrix.[15] Ellefson and Hazaert will also be appearing in the film as featured cameos.[16]

In August 2019, Ellefson Films released a 50 second teaser for the film which included a voice over from Canadian radio personality Mitch Lafon.

Ellefson Films hosted a Q&A panel at Rue Morgue's Frightmare in the Falls horror convention where Fortier and Ellefson revealed that the film will be a gritty found footage horror film that plays out as a documentary gone horribly wrong. Dwellers is described as being highly influenced by The Blair Witch Project and C.H.U.D.[17]

The full trailer for Dwellers was released via Ellefson Films in November 2019.[18][19]

Other works[]

As a way to hone his filmmaking skills to aid the process of creating and completing Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie, Fortier experimented with shooting and editing music videos for Bang Tango, which resulted in clips for their songs: Live Life, I Like It, Bring on the World, and Suck It Up from the Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt album.[20] This led to Fortier, through word of mouth, being hired to produce and edit promotional videos for such acts as: Vince Neil, Slaughter, Queensrÿche, Great White, Kix, Autograph, Lynch Mob, Vixen, Marty Casey, Les Warner, David Ellefson, Mark Slaughter, Jesse Camp, Doll Skin, A Killer's Confession, and more.[21]

After completing Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie, Fortier was in talks with Fear Factory for a proposed documentary on the band's career. A treatment for the film was drafted which led to meeting with members of the band to speak further about the idea. It was ultimately decided that due to the band's ongoing litigation with former members, it was not the right time for a film to be made.[22]

Music career[]

Bang Tango[]

Main article: Bang Tango

After completing and screening Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie in April 2015, Fortier would go on to join the film's subject, Bang Tango, as their second guitarist making his live debut with the band at the 2015 edition of the M3 Festival in Maryland.[23] The decision to bring Fortier into the band was at the suggestion of Rowan Robertson who, as Bang Tango's lead guitarist, felt the band should be represented as having two guitarists to properly perform the material which was originally written and recorded with two guitarists.[24]

Despite having Fortier become a member of the band, frontman Joe Leste' showed disdain toward Fortier in the press regarding the way Leste' had been portrayed in the film.[25][26]

Fortier took a year long break performing with the band to work for Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson's EMP Label Group as their Operations Coordinator. Fortier worked closely with Ellefson and the label's Operations Director Thom Hazaert up until he returned to Bang Tango in August 2017.[27]

Stephen Shareaux[]

Main article: Stephen Shareaux

Mid 2015, Fortier began performing acoustic shows with Kik Tracee vocalist Stephen Shareaux. This would mark the first time Kik Tracee material had been performed live in over 20 years.[28]

Notable appearances include a one off full band appearance as support for the debut of Mark Slaughter's solo band in New Jersey as well as performing at Megadeth bassist David Ellefson's Ellefson Coffee Co. Grand Opening in Jackson, MN for which Fortier also performed an impromptu acoustic mini set of Megadeth songs with Ellefson on bass and Thom Hazaert on vocals.[29][30]

Fortier and Shareaux would go on to form the alternative rock band Zen From Mars.

Chuck Mosley[]

Main article: Chuck Mosley

Fortier joined Chuck Mosley's solo band early summer 2017. It was during this time that plans for a documentary on Mosley's life were discussed which would become Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie.[31]

Zen From Mars[]

Main article: Zen From Mars

Summer 2015, Fortier began demoing songs for what was intended to be Bang Tango's next studio album. Due to the songs departure from the typical Bang Tango sound, Fortier decided to put a new band together to finish writing and recording for an album release.[32] Fortier, along with Kik Tracee vocalist Stephen Shareaux, then formed Zen From Mars. The rest of the band featured on the album include: bassist Chip Z'nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff), drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven), guitarist Brynn Arens (Flipp), and pianist Kate Catalina.[33]

August 2016, the band released a short video titled Who is ZFM? which teased the identities of the band members which led to the release of a music video featuring an early demo version of the song New Leaf which was mixed by Matt Wallace.[34]

September 2016 the band released a clip of a finished song titled Aflame.[35]

Their debut album, The Ultra Head Frequency, is currently being mixed and mastered by Richard Easterling for a TBA release date.[36]

Other works[]

In 2011, while shooting Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie and 4 years prior to joining the band, Fortier performed additional guitar and backing vocals on Bang Tango's Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt album. His lead guitar parts can be heard in the choruses of the track Live Life, and his backing vocals can be heard in the choruses of the song Boombox Seance.[37] In June 2018, Fortier joined 90's hard rock band Flipp as their guitarist for a one off show in Minnesota.[38]

Acting career[]

Her Name Was Christa[]

July 2017, Fortier was cast as a lead role in the horror/comedy Her Name Was Christa.[39] Directed by, written, and starring James L. Edwards, the film was released in February 2020 to very polarizing reviews.[40]

Writing career[]

Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious[]

Fortier wrote an autobiography titled Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious which covers his career up until 2018. The book features a foreword by Thom Hazaert.[41]

Rock Star Hitman[]

In November 2020 it was announced that Fortier along with Megadeth bassist David Ellefson had co-written a fiction thriller novel titled Rock Star Hitman due for release in December 2020 via The Ellefson Book Co.[42]

Personal life[]

Fortier currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with fiancé Tharasa DiMeo, to whom he became engaged on the set of Her Name Was Christa. Fortier arranged to have DiMeo cast as a featured extra sharing a scene with him in order to surprise her on camera with a ring and marriage proposal.[43][44]

Filmography[]

Year Title Credited as
Director Producer Editor Writer Actor Notes
2015 Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie Yes Yes Yes No No Documentary on Bang Tango
2019 Back Again No No No No Yes Role: The Assistant
2020 Her Name Was Christa No No No No Yes Role: Nick
2021 Dwellers Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Role: Drew
2021 Brimstone Incorporated No No No No Yes Role: Gregory Asmodeus
TBA Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie Yes Yes Yes No No Documentary on the life of Chuck Mosley

Discography[]

With Bang Tango[]

  • Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt (2012) - additional guitars and backing vocals

With Obszön Geschöpf[]

  • Master Of Giallo (2018) - guitar on the song "The Death Kiss"

With Zen From Mars[]

  • The Ultra Head Frequency (TBA) - release date TBA

With Ellefson[]

  • No Cover (2020) - lead and rhythm guitar on cover of Downed by Cheap Trick[45]

Bibliography[]

  • Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious: My Bittersweet Journey In and Out of the Music Business
    • 2018 Hardcover ISBN 978-1-387-94185-8
    • 2018 Paperback ISBN 978-0-359-10604-2
    • 2018 Paperback (Amazon Edition) ISBN 978-1-718-10639-0
  • Rock Star Hitman
    • 2020 Hardcover ISBN 978-1-735-37964-7
    • 2020 Paperback ISBN 978-1-735-37963-0

References[]

  1. ^ "Former Faith No More Singer Chuck Mosely To Be Joined By Bang Tango Guitarist Drew Fortier On Select Dates". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
  2. ^ "Don't Need Rules: Stephen Shareaux and Drew Fortier To Embark On Acoustic Tour". Icon vs. Icon. 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  3. ^ "Kik Tracee, Enuff Z'Nuff, Fear Factory Members Join Forces In Zen From Mars Project". blabbermouth.net. 2016-08-09. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Produce Horror Film 'Dwellers'". blabbermouth.net. 2019-05-31. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  5. ^ "Attack Of Life: The Bang Tango Movie Streaming For Free". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  6. ^ Lucchese, J Cooch. "Dee Narrates Bang Tango Documentary". www.deesnider.com. Archived from the original on 2018-03-15. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  7. ^ "Bang Tango - Band Members To Attend Screening Of The Bang Tango Movie". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  8. ^ "Bang Tango Moviemaker Joins Band As Second Guitarist". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  9. ^ "Bang Tango Documentary Movie Now Streaming Free". www.knac.com. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  10. ^ "Producer Drew Fortier releases deleted road scene from 'Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie' – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-06-25.
  11. ^ "Director Drew Fortier Releases Never-Before-Seen Footage From 'Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie'". Icon vs. Icon. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2018-06-25.
  12. ^ "Attack Of Life: The Bang Tango Movie - Deleted, Extended Scene Now Streaming". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-06-25.
  13. ^ "Chuck Mosley documentary announced". TeamRock. 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  14. ^ "Filming Commences On "Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie" Documentary". Icon vs. Icon. 2018-02-20. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
  15. ^ Price, Jason (2019-05-31). "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Produce 'Dwellers' Horror Film From Director Drew Fortier". Icon Vs. Icon. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  16. ^ "Thrash to Horror: Famous Metal Bassist Tackles Horror for First Time". Dead Entertainment. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  17. ^ "See First Trailer For David Ellefson-Produced Horror Film 'Dwellers'". blabbermouth.net. 2019-11-15. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
  18. ^ Miska, Brad (2019-11-15). "Trailer for 'Dwellers', Produced by Megadeth's David Ellefson [Video]". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
  19. ^ "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Posts Trailer From His New Horror Movie Dwellers". Metal Injection. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
  20. ^ "Bang Tango Debut "I Like It" Video – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  21. ^ "'Attack of Life' Filmmaker Drew Fortier Launches New Production Company". Icon vs. Icon. 2017-10-04. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  22. ^ "Welcome to the American Underground (Pt.8) Chris Taylor talks with Drew Fortier, musician and film maker". HeadBangers Lifestyle. 2016-09-10. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  23. ^ "M3 Rock Festival Day Two (Part 2) Concert Review – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  24. ^ "Joe Lesté of Bang Tango Interview – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-03-01.
  25. ^ Callwood, Brett (2017-01-16). "Underrated '80s Rockers Bang Tango Return to the Sunset Strip". L.A. Weekly. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
  26. ^ "Bang Tango movie creator Drew Fortier explains film ending that Joe Lesté dislikes – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
  27. ^ "Guitarist Drew Fortier returns to Bang Tango – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  28. ^ "Kik Tracee Frontman Teams Up With Bang Tango Guitarist For Acoustic Gig – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  29. ^ "Megadeth's David Ellefson returns to Minnesota hometown for his coffee shop's grand opening". Twin Cities. 2017-04-06. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  30. ^ "Mark Slaughter Announces First Solo Show In Support Of Upcoming Halfway There Album". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  31. ^ "There's A Documentary On Ex-Faith No More Frontman Chuck Mosley Coming - Metal Injection". Metal Injection. 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  32. ^ "Drew Fortier's ideas for Bang Tango songs ended up becoming Zen From Mars material – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  33. ^ "Zen From Mars: Drew Fortier Offers A Glimpse Inside The New All-Star Band". Icon vs. Icon. 2016-08-10. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  34. ^ "ZFM Mystery Solved! Zen From Mars Featuring Kik Tracee, Enuff Z'Nuff, Fear Factory, Bang Tango Members Premier "New Leaf" Music Video". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
  35. ^ "Zen From Mars release teaser for new song "Aflame" – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
  36. ^ "Zen From Mars - Debut Album In Mixing Stage; Audio Preview". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  37. ^ "Drew Fortier". Discogs. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  38. ^ "Flipp Recruit Drew Fortier As New Guitarist Recap ::Flipp News ::antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  39. ^ "Bang Tango, ZFM Guitarist Drew Fortier To Star In New Horror Film, Her Name Was Christa". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  40. ^ "'Her Name Was Christa' Is Both Brutally Honest And Strangely Comforting". PopHorror. 2019-06-27. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  41. ^ "Drew Fortier Releasing Autobiography 'Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious'". www.antimusic.com. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  42. ^ BraveWords. "MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON, ZEN FROM MARS Guitarist DREW FORTIER Collaborate On New Book, Rock Star Hitman". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  43. ^ Music Mania Podcast (2018-01-29), Exclusive interview With Drew Fortier 1-30-18, retrieved 2018-03-01
  44. ^ Drew Fortier (2018-03-28), Drew Proposes to Tharasa on Movie Set, retrieved 2018-03-28
  45. ^ Downed (feat. Chip Z'Nuff & Drew Fortier), retrieved 2020-12-03

External links[]

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