The Secret Syde
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Secret Syde | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Origin |  Long Branch, New Jersey |
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| Genre(s) | Punk Psychedelic Rock Post-punk |
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| Years active | 1983–1985, 2000, 2002 | |
| Label(s) | Mutha Records Hosehead Records |
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| Website | http://www.secretsyde.com/ | |
| Members | ||
| Steve DeVito Rob Angello Dave DeSantis Jon Davies |
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| Former members | ||
| Wayne Larsen Lew Mazza |
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The Secret Syde was a moderately popular punk rock band from the 80s. Formed in New Jersey, they achieved the most success in The Netherlands, where their music was aired on the BBC. They were also very popular in the southern portion of the United States, namely New Orleans. The band was known for their onstage antics, which included amazing light shows, go-go dancers, and Steve DeVito playing the guitar with his tongue.
Their first album “Hidden Secrets” was widely overlooked upon its release, but has since become a popular collector’s item. The second album, “Erebus” went unreleased, but some tracks gained airtime on the BBC in the Netherlands. They also opened for several national acts and they were an opening act for Joe Perry in 1983. Due to creative differences they disbanded in 1985.
Another incarnation of the band, a duo consisting of original member Jon Davies and guitarist Wayne Larson, opened for The Dead Kennedys in 1986. Around that same time Davies fronted Laughing Soup Dish for a few performances, and the band was billed as The Secret Syde. Fans say that the band sounded very different.
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[edit] Post-Secret Syde & Recent Activities
After The Secret Syde disbanded, Dave DeSantis joined the former members of Chronic Sick in the band The X-Men. Wayne Larsen formed The Laughing Soupdish, and released two albums and countless singles with the band. In 2005 Steve DeVito began touring with his friend Josh Zuckerman, whose music has gained national attention, even being featured on the TV series Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. Steve was also featured on Josh’s album “Out From Under,” released in July 2006 along with the album's music videos.
In 2000 the band reformed, with original members plus Wayne Larsen, to record a third album. It was recorded in Red Bank, New Jersey and was also unreleased. Recorded tracks included 'Madelaine', 'She is', 'Shadow','Dream Girl', and 'Freak Parade.'
Their last live show was a reunion in 2002, during which the band performed as a trio consisting of Steve DeVito, Dave DeSantes, and Rob Angello.
To this date there is an unreleased Secret Syde projects, Erebus, as well as the 2000 demo recordings. Select tracks from Erebus have appeared for free download, for a limited time, on their website, although an actual CD release has yet to surface.
The band is on somewhat of a hiatus, and it doesn't appear as though they will perform live anytime soon. Steve DeVito has gone on record several times saying he wanted a reunion.
[edit] Online
In 2004, their official website was launched. The site began as a small fanpage, but has since grown into a large website which features a photo gallery, past tour dates, solo tour dates, and mp3 downloads. The band was among the first of the Mutha Records bands to have an official website.
[edit] Trivia
- Jon Davies fronted the Laughing Soupdish when he opened for The Dead Kennedys in Dover. The band performed under the name The Secret Syde.
- Both Jon Davies and Dave DeSantis appear on the Laughing Soupdish album Underthrow the Overground.
- The band spelled their name "Syde" as a tribute to Syd Barrett.
- The band had a team of female dancers who appeared on stage with them, known as the Go-Go Sluts.
