DANTE FOX was formed in September 1989 by vocalist
Sue Willetts, who wanted to put together an AOR/Melodic Rock band
which could create and play really good and strong songs. She soon
joined forces with guitarist Tim Manford, who was in a band called
EXPRESS, which had caused quite a stir with rock magazines (i.e.
Derek Oliver’s Wimpwire on Kerrang!), without getting a chance to
get any major exposure.
The next few years were spent recording, writing and playing
anywhere and everywhere. On the strength of their songs and live
performances, DANTE FOX eventually caught the interest of Linda
Bruce, a Birmingham studio owner. She booked the band into their
studio to record a demo tape which was sent to various major labels
in the UK.
With new band members Jon Cooksey on Drums and Bryn Jones on Bass,
Dante Fox signed to Now and Then Records in March of 1996 and in May
appeared on the Gods line up next to Hugo, Ten and Jamie Kyle. The
band later appeared on the ELO tour of the UK.
In October 1996 the debut album, entitled "Under Suspicion", was
released in the UK and Europe with warm responses from the press.
Through the summer of 1997 Sue and Tim started writing for the new
album “The Fire Within” which was released on Frontiers Records in
1998, again with a positive response from the press and some great
shows.
The band then decided to take a break, only to return in 2005, when
they were offered a support slot for VIXEN and GIRLSCHOOL, for their
summer tour of the UK. The new band’s line-up includes now Mick
Hales on drums (a veteran of the midlands rock scene), bass player
Mike Dagnall and keyboard player / guitarist Roman Wieckowski.
After more tours in 2006, the band started to record their third
album at Mad Hat Studios. This time the songwriting is very mature.
The title track on the new album "Under The Seven Skies" boasts the
combined songwriting talents of the new line up and is the first
song finished and written as a team. This happens to be an nine
minute epic, with string arrangements, classic Brian May-esque
harmony guitars and as usual Sue's passionate vocals. The first
track recorded "Breakin’ Me Down" has had heavy rotation on Steve
Price's Show on ARFM with great reaction and support.
DANTE FOX are looking forward to the release of the album and taking
the new songs on the road.
All songs are in WMA Format.
