For the members of Vanity Crash, what started with a rock n’ roll musical quickly developed into some very musical rock n’ roll.
Vanity Crash’s founding members planted the band’s glittery seeds while portraying slammin’ glam punks “The Angry Inch” in Cleveland Public Theater’s production of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. After two consecutive seasons together, they decided to form an equally energetic and accomplished band of their own. The result is a riff-driven ruckus that combines the pomp of Bowie and T Rex with punk-fueled aggression and a Radiohead-esque desire for experimentation.
Lead Vocalist Dan Folino played the lead role in Hedwig, and was voted “Best Male in a Musical” in 2002. With that rare combination of beautifully-soaring voice, slap-in-your-face live presentation and that indefinable appeal that just makes you want to pay attention to whatever he’s doing, Dan is bringing the classic “rock star front man” aesthetic back to rock n’ roll.
Dennis Yurich, guitarist/vocalist, served as Hedwig’s Musical Director and guitarist. He has played guitar for Queue Up, System 56, Verdanzen and The Times. Dennis has composed original scores for numerous plays, including the musical version of Lysistrata.
Guitarist Brian Hager is a former guitarist/songwriter for the band Vinylbaby. He studied music at Boston’s Berklee College of Music where he performed with several area bands. His first guitar was broken over his back by his older brother at age 11. Brian previously played Bass with Vanity Crash and has filled the void of departing guitarist Chris Viola.
Bassist Tim Ratley toured extensively with the band "The Earl Rays" during the 1990's. He was asked to join the band after a stint with Brian Hager and Folino in a tribute band to the music from Ziggy Stardust.
Drummer Jason Giaco is the wild man. He's rambunctious style adds flair and excitement to the band.
Though Vanity Crash got its start through theatrical performance, the music they make is far from a work of fiction. Their sound comes straight from the soul and from the gut. And that’s exactly where Vanity Crash’s music hits the audience, too.
Influences
David Bowie, T-Rex, Sweet, New York Dolls, Aerosmith, Faces, Starz
Sounds Like
Get Vanity Crash for your iPOD. Click the iPOD image below (requires iTunes):
New vC music to come! Dan, Dennis, Brian, Jason and Tim are polishing their instruments and laying down some new tracks. We are in the writing process and will announce our return to the stage in the near future. We are planning a new and glamorously entertaining show...
"As frontman for the Cleveland retro-glam revisionists Vanity Crash, Folino wraps himself in boas, leather, and cheetah prints, sweating out larger-than-life Revlon rock like a punk peacock. His voice a powerful, poised instrument that's commanding and seductive" - Jason Bracelin
Ten Local Bands to Watch in 2004 Cleveland Free Times
"'Ego and alcohol,' states (lead vocalist) Folino, citing the band's essential ingredients and hinting at an exuberant, tongue-in-cheek quality that mixes well with the band's anthemic tuneswith its glittery costumes and make-up, and Folino's stagey excess and booming voice, Vanity Crash is a splashy addition to the area's music scene." - Anastasia Pantsios
Vanity Crash: Glitz for the Music World North Coast Voice Magazine
"It's amazing that a band so new can have as faithful of a following as they do. It seems that they as fans have chosen a favorite song already: Legend. In the third verse of this slightly Bowie-esque song of self-bravado, Folino, who is single handedly bringing the classic "rock star front man" aesthetic back to rock n' roll, exclaims Women, ludes and booze, they're my Promised Land, and the crowd just goes nuts" - Lee Barrish
Pirates Cove Show Review North Coast Voice Magazine
"Vanity Crash further wrecked the brains of the unsuspecting crowd with their scorching interpretation of 70s glam rock, completing their homage with fantastic stage attire and a garnishment of boas and panties which decorated the microphone standthe group's audience was insatiable, further ensuring the panties that dangled from the microphone would need to be changed by the end of the night." - Alana Mileras
A Night at the Theater" - Show Review Cleveland Free Times
"Vanity Crash took the stage next for a high-intensity set of tunes that featured driving rhythms, spiraling guitars and the amusing rock-star antics of singer Dan Folino, who mockingly glorified himself in the set-closing song, 'Legend.'" - Anastasia Pantsios
Come out and enjoy good music and great beer on September 12th
The Ataris
The Berlin Project (From PA) (Ex members of Punchline)
The Composure (from PA, feat. Paul from Punchline!)
The Missing
Heather Hits Harder
@ The Rockstar "Above Peabody's"
2083 E 21st St Cleveland, OH 44115
7pm
$10
You might remember The Ataris from the radio hit cover of Don Henley's "The Boys Of Summer" from their gold selling album "So Long, Astoria" still played on the radio everyday!
"BEACH BLANKET BLITZKRIEG!"-PRISCILLA LIVE AT THE HI-FI CONCERT CLUB IN LAKEWOOD,OHIO...NOV.25,2009...W/VERY SPECIAL GUESTS THE KNOCKOUTS AND MORE TBA.
Was just goin thru all my photo prints the other day, and came across the ones I did of you guys at Verlie's! Great job, if I do say so myself! Great subjects make great shots! Luv ~ Dawn
Hey there! Wanted to say hello since it's been a while since we have been by your page ! WASABEEEE!! Love, Rockstars Glued/Rockstars Glued Radio Staff www. rockstarsglued. com
