Ritzi

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Ritzi was a 1970s pop music band from England. They hit the charts just once with "Too Much Fandango". Since then nothing else was heard from Ritzi, and the song has become one of the rarest pop songs ever recorded. Very little is known about the band members and what became of them.

Ritzi are from the Fylde area of Lancashire. Members are Phil Free (bass), Pete Hughes (guitar), Mick Carroll (vocals) and Pete Long aka Fong (percussion). The boys have recently started rehearsing again and will be performing in the near future.

Kev Brennan was the support DJ for Ritzi on many gigs throughout the 80's. Now living in New Zealand.

Ritzi bassist Phil Free and drummer Peter Long aka Fong, are regarded by many as one of the finest rhythm sections to emerge during the mid 1970's. The band are now back together after 20 odd years, and I had the great pleasure to see them live (December 2007). Ritzi were amazing, lets hope they achieve the success they deserve. A huge fan, thanks guys, it was an honour to watch and hear you perform. Ste. Ritzi bassist Phil Free has suffered serious health problems recently. Phil, always regarded as a party guru in the ilk of Kieth Richard and many others, unfortunately suffered a near fatal heart attack at his home in the North of England in May 2006. The paramedics battled fervently to save his life. A day later however,whilst recovering in the coronary care unit, Phil suffered a second heart-attack. This time, thankfully, he was in the best place he could have been, aided by the best care available and was eventually stabilised. The story didn't end there however. Phil had a third heart-attack two weeks later, this time surgery was required. After a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation program, grouped with great endevour and life-changing circumstances, Phil has been able, along with the other guys, to re-form Ritzi. Perhaps the best quote surrounding this horrific period of Phil's life came from his youngest daughter, Soul Singing Sensation " Hannah-Rose ", " Thank God my Dad drank 3 bottles of red wine a day," "They say its good for the heart, maybe its what kept his arteries open long enough for him to receive the care and treatment he so desperately required.".....A tongue in cheek response, but one said with great love for her father. The Ritzi story continues........ The band begin recording a new album in January 2008. Chris,(Ritzi spokesperson). December 2007.