Full Moon (band)
Encyclopedia
Full Moon was a hard rock
band formed by brothers John and Joseph Fischer in 1974. Eventually adding Joe Wilhelm and Alan Hetzel, the band survived until 1984. Full Moon was largely influenced by many artists of ranging genres, including 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
(the band was known for their cover of "Free Bird
"), UFO
, Thin Lizzy
, and Molly Hatchet
. The band is known for their distinctive use of harmony lead guitars produced by what they called "Les Paul
through Marshall Amps
setup". Some of their better known songs include: "Sergeant at Arms", "Night Calls", "Every Man", and "Winter City".
In 1979, the band began work on their first album, Full Moon. They began recording the album in 1980 in an old movie theater in Marietta, Pennsylvania
. The guitar work, featured prominently within the music, is exemplary of the sound that was Full Moon. At the time, the album was released on a regional basis, and generally did well for the band.
After the initial Full Moon success, the band was in the studio again in 1981. This time they recorded a single, "Cross Country Man", with "State of the Artist" on the B-side. This was the height of Full Moon's success. They soon began rigorous touring, and even opened for national acts in concert situations.
After changing the band's name to Winter City, named for one of their songs that bears the same name, Full Moon eventually disbanded in 1984.
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band formed by brothers John and Joseph Fischer in 1974. Eventually adding Joe Wilhelm and Alan Hetzel, the band survived until 1984. Full Moon was largely influenced by many artists of ranging genres, including 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
(the band was known for their cover of "Free Bird
Free Bird
"Free Bird" is a song by the American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
"), UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
, Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy are an Irish hard rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Two of the founding members, drummer Brian Downey and bass guitarist/vocalist Phil Lynott met while still in school. Lynott assumed the role of frontman and led them throughout their recording career of thirteen studio albums...
, and Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet is an American southern rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1975. They are widely known for their hit song "Flirtin' with Disaster" from the album of the same title. The band, founded by Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland, took its name from a prostitute who allegedly mutilated...
. The band is known for their distinctive use of harmony lead guitars produced by what they called "Les Paul
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
through Marshall Amps
Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification is a British company, founded by drummer Jim Marshall, that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, brands personal headphones/earphones , and, after acquiring Natal Drums, drums and bongos. Marshall amplifiers, and specifically their guitar amplifiers, are among the most...
setup". Some of their better known songs include: "Sergeant at Arms", "Night Calls", "Every Man", and "Winter City".
History
John and Joseph Fischer were close brothers and well versed guitarists. Joseph also provided the lead vocals, while John backed Joseph's. Later adding Alan Hetzel on drums and Joe Wilhelm on bass, Full Moon began to fall together. While the band was good at covering other artist's songs, they often wrote their own songs. John and Joseph were responsible for writing most of the songs. The band then began playing shows at schools, bars, and other small events.In 1979, the band began work on their first album, Full Moon. They began recording the album in 1980 in an old movie theater in Marietta, Pennsylvania
Marietta, Pennsylvania
Marietta is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,689 at the 2000 census. It is located on the east bank of the Susquehanna River just north of Columbia.-Geography:Marietta is located at ....
. The guitar work, featured prominently within the music, is exemplary of the sound that was Full Moon. At the time, the album was released on a regional basis, and generally did well for the band.
After the initial Full Moon success, the band was in the studio again in 1981. This time they recorded a single, "Cross Country Man", with "State of the Artist" on the B-side. This was the height of Full Moon's success. They soon began rigorous touring, and even opened for national acts in concert situations.
After changing the band's name to Winter City, named for one of their songs that bears the same name, Full Moon eventually disbanded in 1984.
Today
While Full Moon had never reached national recognition, they had loyal fans, who, after a few years of searching for original copies, got what they wanted. Monster Records remastered and created a compilation album called State of the Artist in 2000. The album includes the entire first Full Moon album, the "Cross Country Man"/"State of the Artist" single, and several previously unreleased songs, including "Are You Free", "No Chance I'll Change", and "We're Almost There".Discography
- Full Moon (1980)
- "Cross Country Man" (single) (1981)
- State of The Artist (compilation album) (2000)