Guitarist Drew Fortier returns to Bang Tango

Guitarist Drew Fortier returns to Bang Tango

Bang Tango have reunited with rhythm guitarist Drew Fortier who was back in the line-up for the group’s gig at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on August 12, 2017.

Fortier first played with Bang Tango in 2015. In an interview with Sleaze Roxx back in September 2015, Fortier explained how he ended joining Bang Tango in the first place: “Oh man — that’s a fun dream come true moment for me (laughs). Being involved with the band for four years, I always said “Hey…. you knoooooow…. if you guys ever need a rhythm guitar player just let me know!” Back in April of this year, I screened the movie in Chicago. The band was in attendance and it went amazing. Everyone loved it — even Joe [Leste]! Then they played a gig in Chicago that same week and I played rhythm guitar with them for fun. It meant a lot to me — great moment. Then they take off and continue their tour.

Then that Friday, Joe calls me up in the morning. First thing he says is “Hey Drew… Question… How would you feel about playing in front of 20,000 people with us at the M3 Festival tomorrow?” I then quickly replied with “I’m renting the car right now! I’m on my way!” So I then drove 12 hours straight from Chicago to Maryland. Still had my work clothes on too, which was a black suit (laughs). I get there. We do the gig and it was amazing. I guess the band really enjoyed having a second guitar at the Chicago show, especially Rowan who is an amazing lead guitarist and felt more comfortable and had the freedom to be more creative with his playing with a second guitarist. Since M3, I have officially become a member of Bang Tango. It has been such an honour and flattering experience to play these songs with them. I absolutely love these guys and it’s an honour to share the stage with such talented musicians and great friends.”

Speaking exclusively to Sleaze Roxx today, Fortier described what led to his departure and what he did in the meantime as he stated: “Life had gotten in the way a little bit and I took some time off and I kind of ventured off into the wild for the year I was gone. I had written and recorded the Zen From Mars album with [singer] Stephen [Shareaux], [bassist] Chip [Z’Nuff], [drummer] Mike [Heller], [guitarist] Brynn [Arens] and [keyboardist] Kate [Catalina] which is finally finished and being mixed by the amazing Richard Easterling. I then hooked up with Chuck Mosley [Faith No More] and did some shows with him. I absolutely adore Chuck and his band, I might be popping up again with them soon too but either way everyone should catch him on tour. I also began working as Operations Coordinator for Dave Ellefson and Thom Hazaert and their EMP Record Label, which has been amazing to be a part of and have learned so much about the music industry from them. I also had met an incredible girl that along with her and her two wonderful kids, have shot me up with a new lease on life, which feels amazing. Finally, I got cast as a lead in a movie called Her Name Was Christa written, directed and starring James L. Edwards.

In terms of what brought him back into the band and how it felt being on stage with the other Bang Tango guys again, Fortier advised: “Timing and fate lined up perfectly and Joe and I were talking and decided the time was right to bring me back to the band. It felt absolutely amazing to be back and performing with Joe, [bassist] Lance [Eric], [guitarist] Rowan [Robertson] and [drummer] Timmy [Russell] again. It feels so good to be home. Playing these songs with these incredibly talented gentleman is such an honor and feels so great. On top of all that, it feels so great to reconnect with them in person. We’re all such good friends and it’s always a riot when we’re all together.”

Fortier was mum when it came time to share what are Bang Tango‘s plans for the future as he stated: “I can’t reveal future plans at the moment but all I can say that the fans are going to be incredibly stoked.”

Bang Tango playing “Soul To Soul” live at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on August 12, 2017:

Bang Tango – Soul to Soul (Des Moines, IA 8/12/17)

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Bang Tango playing “Someone Like You” live at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on August 12, 2017:

Bang Tango – Someone Like You (Des Moines, IA 8/12/17)

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