Biography
Amid the mid- to late-1970s emergence of New York's first punk rock wave, acts such as the Ramones, Patti Smith, Television, and the Dead Boys stood out most prominently, yet many other groups also performed regularly at CBGB's and Max's Kansas City, and Tuff Darts numbered among those who registered an early impact. Delivering hard-edged rock that blended pop hooks, heavy guitar riffs, and a noticeable retro flavor, the band began attracting notice on the local club circuit as early as the start of the 1970s, its driving attack and formal attire securing opening slots for the New York Dolls. Its founding roster featured Robert Gordon handling lead vocals, Jeffrey Salen and Bob Butant on guitars, John DeSalvo on bass, and James Morrison behind the drums; this configuration appeared on three cuts of the 1976 various-artists set Live at CBGB's before Gordon departed for a solo path centered on rockabilly revival.
Morrison exited shortly after Gordon, with John Morelli taking over on drums and promptly bringing in Tommy Frenzy as the new frontman. Under Frenzy the group landed a contract with Sire Records and issued its self-titled debut album in 1978, recorded under the supervision of Bob Clearmountain and Tony Bongiovi and boasting contributions from Ian Hunter and Eric Weissberg. An extensive national tour supported the release, yet once the musicians returned to New York, Frenzy declared his intention to launch Big Spender, after which Tuff Darts promptly dissolved. The lone long-player, Tuff Darts!, resurfaced on CD in 2002, prompting Frenzy, Salen, DeSalvo, and Morrison to reconvene for several performances; Frenzy has since maintained activity with that same configuration while also pursuing independent recording and live work.
Morrison exited shortly after Gordon, with John Morelli taking over on drums and promptly bringing in Tommy Frenzy as the new frontman. Under Frenzy the group landed a contract with Sire Records and issued its self-titled debut album in 1978, recorded under the supervision of Bob Clearmountain and Tony Bongiovi and boasting contributions from Ian Hunter and Eric Weissberg. An extensive national tour supported the release, yet once the musicians returned to New York, Frenzy declared his intention to launch Big Spender, after which Tuff Darts promptly dissolved. The lone long-player, Tuff Darts!, resurfaced on CD in 2002, prompting Frenzy, Salen, DeSalvo, and Morrison to reconvene for several performances; Frenzy has since maintained activity with that same configuration while also pursuing independent recording and live work.
Albums