R.I.P. Talas frontman Phil Naro

R.I.P. Talas frontman Phil Naro

Unfortunately, Talas frontman Phil Naro has lost his fight to cancer. A GoFundMe campaign had been started for Naro back in or about October 2020 to assist him while he was battling cancer.

The following statement was issued by Naro‘s family as per Bruce Pilato‘s Facebook page earlier today:

“PHIL NARO RIP. Statement from his family –

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our son, father, friend and musician Phillip Sampognaro, known professionally as Phil Naro. Phil fought a valiant battle against cancer over the last few years but left this earth last night surrounded by his family and closest friends. A citizen of both The United States and Canada, he died at his home in Rochester.

Funeral arrangements and tributes will be announced shortly. He is survived by sons James and John; brother Joseph; and his mother, Maria, who he loved dearly. Phil was one of those rare individuals known as a “singer’s singer.” A staple of both the Canadian and US music scene, Phil had become a mainstay in venues ranging from clubs to large performing arts centers and massive arenas. He had just completed the debut album from the band LIPS TURN BLUE (formerly D Drive) which had secured a worldwide record deal, and a reunion album with Billy Sheehan & Talas, of which he was a member in the 1980s.

Phil had successfully balanced an in-demand solo career with a number of high-profile projects with other superstar musicians from bands such as The Rascals, Vanilla Fudge, Whitesnake, Yes, ASIA, and guitarist Ron Thal (ex-Guns N Roses) as a member of The Platinum Rock All Stars. Phil was capable of an extraordinary number of music styles all built around his unmistakably powerful voice. Fortunately, Phil left us with an extraordinary amount of recorded music, which will allow his artistic legacy to live on forever.”

Naro’s Bandcamp page indicates: “Phil Naro is a Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award winning performer for singing the theme song for the cartoon “6Teen”, as well as an internationally acclaimed composer, singer, guitar player, songwriter and producer. Current Bands and Projects include: The Platinum Rock All Stars; The Phil and John Show.”