Dan Reed Network

Originating in the Pacific Northwest, the multi-racial rock-funk group Dan Reed Network never reached the commercial heights many had anticipated. Its story began in 1979 when vocalist Dan Reed and drummer Dan Pred met as high school students in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and started Nightwing. The collaboration ended in 1981 after Reed moved to Portland and joined Nimble Darts on keyboards and guitar, while Pred relocated to Los Angeles the following year. They reconvened in Portland in 1984 once Nimble Darts had disbanded, forming Dan Reed Network with guitarist Brion James, bassist Melvin Brannen, and keyboardist Jeff Siri. When Siri exited in 1985, former Quarterflash keyboardist Rick DiGiallonardo took his place, and the band issued the independent EP Breathless. By 1987 they ranked among the region’s leading draws, securing a Polygram deal. DiGiallonardo was then replaced by Blake Sakamoto for the self-titled debut album produced by Bruce Fairbairn. Its opening single “Ritual” reached the Top 40 in spring 1988, after which the group toured extensively through the United States and Europe. Nile Rodgers produced the follow-up Slam, released in late 1989, yet the record stalled despite prime support slots on tours by Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones. Returning to Fairbairn for 1991’s The Heat brought improved reviews without reviving their trajectory. The 1993 compilation Mix It Up appeared as momentum faded and members turned to outside projects—Reed with Adrenaline Sky, Pred and Sakamoto in Generator—though the band never formally dissolved. Live at Last arrived in 1997.