New England

About Me

THE New England "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya" Video
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THE New England "P.U.N.K. Video
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THE NEW ENGLAND STORY
New England is a four-piece rock band hailing from Boston, Massachusetts comprised of John Fannon (guitar & vocals), Hirsh Gardner (drums and vocals), Jimmy Waldo(keyboards and vocals) and Gary Shea (bass). In 1979 the group broke on to the national scene with the release of their self-titled album"New England" on Infinity/MCA Records, after a bidding war of six major labels. The first single, "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya", became a smash hit and cracked the Top 30. The album was produced by Mike Stone (Queen) and Paul Stanley of Kiss, with whom New England toured for much of 1979. The album was recorded at Davlen Sound, Los Angeles, Electric Ladyland Studios, New York City, and mixed at Trident Studios, London, England... For their sophomore effort, entitled "Explorer Suite", the band switched labels to Elektra Records, after the unfortunate demise of Infinity Records. The foursome once again called upon veteran knob-twirler Mike Stone, who co-produced the album with John Fannon. The album was recorded at Intermedia Sound, Boston, and mixed at Media Sound, New York City. Highlights from this album are the orchestral title track,"Explorer Suite", "Honey Money", and "Conversation," which features New England's trademark lush background vocals. The touring never let up for the group as they split their time on the "Explorer Suite" tour between headlining concert halls across the US., and North American tours with Kiss, Journey, AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Kansas, Styx, Foghat, Molly Hatchett, and many others.
For the third album, "Walking Wild," the legendary Todd Rundgren was at the helm and the group recorded and mixed at Todd`s Utopia Sound Studios in Woodstock, New York. The results of these sessions were the hard-driving anthemic tunes such as "Don't Ever Let Me Go", "L-5" (co-written by Waldo, Fannon, & Rundgren) and "Holdin' Out On Me," which features Hirsh Gardner on lead vocals. After their third national tour, the frustration over the lack of label support from Elektra Records, and management problems, took it`s toll and the band parted ways.. Fannon & Gardner went on to successful careers as producers, while Shea & Waldo formed the highly acclaimed group Alcatrazz, with Graham Bonnet, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai.... The real strength of New England was the combination of four strong & diverse individuals: Fannon's lead vocals & songwriting, Waldo's whirling keyboards, Gardner's driving skin-pounding and high-pitched vocals and Shea's thunderous bass lines.
While the records speak for themselves, the fans are the reason New England lives: Waldo explains,"I would tour all over the world with Alcatrazz and every country we'd go to people would have New England albums for me to sign. It really shows you the power of music. We have fans all over Europe & Japan, places we never even toured. It's amazing."
1998 marked the 20th anniversary of the birth of New England. The first new music heard from New England in 15 years was released as part of the CD entitled "1978', which features the original versions of seven classic New England tunes, plus three never before released songs.These are the 16 track demos recorded at Earmark Studios, in Philadelphia, between 1977 and 1978. The CD was released worldwide along with the re-issues of Walking Wild and Explorer Suite. All titles are available on the GB Music label in the United States & Europe, and Maquee/Avalon in Japan.
In late 2002 New England reunited to record "More Than You'll Ever Know", a song from the Hirsh Gardner solo CD entitled "Wasteland For Broken Hearts." It marked the first time the group recorded together in 20 years.
2003 brings with it the release of New England's "Greatest Hits Live," which displays this foursome in top form. The energy sizzles on this disc, transporting you to a time when New England transported all of us into the AOR universe.
2005 and 2006 brought the group together to perform live at the Music For Middlesex 3 and 4 Benefit Concerts, held each year by Steven Tyler. Sharing the stage at the Chevalier Theater with many of Boston`s best, such as James Montgomery, Danny Klein, Jon Butcher, and Johnny A, the group played flawlessly to an overwelming reaction from the estatic crowd. A live DVD was filmed of both shows and is currently being edited, as well as new music being recorded for a future release...The group would like to thank their many loyal fans from around the world for their tremendous support over the years.......
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Member Since: 5/3/2006
Band Website: newenglandrocks.com
Band Members: Hirsh Gardner-Drums/Vocals
John Fannon-Vocals/Guitar
Gary Shea-Bass
Jimmy Waldo-Keys/Vocals

Sounds Like: The Way Rock & Roll Should Be!

Reviewer: Bill S.

My older brother bought the 8-track of this album back when it first came out. Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya had me hooked, but it was the other songs on this album that stayed in my head and wouldn't let go. From Hello, Hello, Hello to Nothing to Fear to Encore and everything in between, there is not a bad song on the album. It blows me away that I can listen to these songs 26 years later and still be awed by their perfection. Well crafted, well sung and well played. I'm going to go and listen to the CD again! I suggest you do the same.

Reviewer:

I have always been a major fan of New England 1978 Debut album. It is probably one of my most favorites. I never understood why New England never made it big like the others when their talent and songs out reach and out perform all the others. "Nothing to Fear" on the debut album is so much more intense especially with the instrumental lead in. I can actually vison the guy and girl as he passed by her every day. Toally Awesome. I am glad I found this website and the cd. Thank you very much.

Awesome!! Reviewer: TonyT

Had this LP when it was first released and loved it! I was so happy when I found it on CD! New England does great stuff!

Reviewer: Chuck

I have been looking for this on cd but all I could only find it as a Japanese import for well over $50! I heard New England were doing a reunion set at some local benefit.(which I sadly missed) So I decided to do a search on them and found the cd on cdbaby.. I remembered every riff every lyric when I played it again like I had still been listening to it everyday. Timeless and perfect. This is 5 stars in every dept. Hope I can see them live someday, maybe they will reform again and give it another shot. This is classic stuff without being nostalgically cheesy.. This still holds up after all these years as only great music can!!

A brilliant rock CD Reviewer: Paul e

I bought this in 1979 after hearing the brilliant Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya - Every track is a winner - How they didn't become as big as Journey/Foreigner I don't know. Excellent CD

Great band /Great Songs/Great Production Reviewer: Drew

This is the first band I ever saw...they opened for Kiss in 79. (They were actually much better than KISS musically that night @ MSG) Bought the vinyl the very next day. Thrilled to have it on CD. This band shouldve been big. Asia and Journey was about to break TOP 10 with a very similar(although softer) style. Bad timing or maybe it was the Todd Rungren Curse that kept them from being HUGE(*3rd album see New York Dolls) Standouts: Nothing to fear/ Shoot/ PUNK Havent beeen able to pry it out of my CD player yet.

Great band /Great Songs/Great Production

Reviewer: Bill Bailey

This Cd throws me back to the late 70s and 80s when I was dating some pretty wonderful women, and this album was a hit with them every time. Its good to hear it again and relive those cherished memories.

Reviewer: Keith Mahan

The shipment arrived in only 3 days! Its great to hear an old album i had on cd! Loved it!

SIMPLY the BEST NEW ENGLAND ALBUM!! Reviewer: Rik Fedyck, Vancouver, BC Canada

FINALLY! have been looking for anything New England on CD since my cassettes are worn out and BOOM,, FINALLY! BOUGHT ALL CD's from CD Baby! the BEST New England album of all, great Music that lasts and lasts and lasts,,,,,, C'mon guys give it another whirl! LET'S HEAR SOME NEW MUSIC!

A No Longer Lost Classic Reviewer: DK

Great songs, a great blend of big guitars, solid rhythm section, and sweet harmonies, and a sound that is cohesive without being repetitive or boring: NEW ENGLAND boasts all of these. So glad to have this (and their other releases) on CD--the vinyl has long since died! You know, boys, 2005 is a fine year for a comeback album...

Finally Found Rare Song dont ever wanna lose ya Reviewer: Rick P

After 25 years looking for the New England Band song Dont ever wanna lose ya i found it thru a internet search at CD baby. The outstanding customer service made the CD buying experience worthwhile. Rick P

Timeless memories... Reviewer: AndrÃ© Thibert (MontrÃ©al)

Here I was, 17 and a true Kissfan, I got to the concert in MontrÃ©al to see Ace Frehley basically...but I remember the opening act....people were going crazy even before the first song was playing...and then POW! This amazing sound from the mellotron waved in the air accompagned by this truly amazing music. New-England just give's me that vibe in my brain, so I went and bought the records, and now I got it onto a CD, thanks for GB music, It sound's great, without the scratching from a vinyl record.Also inside this CD there is a well documented booklet about the band history and nice pictures too. It is a must for any rock music fan, and buy the other CD as well,I got them all...make yourself a nice gift!

Just Fantastic! Reviewer: PlanetGaffnet, Crowthorne, UK

I remember this album, oh, from waaaaay back. I was drawn to it as I was a huge Kiss fan at the time and Paul Stanley was linked the production. Good enough. Hearing it again after all those years sent shudders through me; I remembered almost every note and hadn't realised how much this album had stayed with me. It's a fantastic timeless piece and I'm overjoyed to have rediscovered it again. If you're a fan of Aviary, Angel, Styx and their 'pomp-rock' bretheren, take a chance on this CD. Magical.

A Masterpiece Reviewer: Gary Whyman Bo

bought this album after hearing PUNK on the radio. The songs are mini masterpieces in their own right and are ageless. This album is as fresh today as it was then and is in my Top 10 albums of all time.

I could have drifted back to graduation H.S. Reviewer: Scott F.

I wore out my original cassette that was purchased 6-2-79 at my local Record Bar. I never thought I would hear any of these songs again. UN believable. Thanks for being here guys. I still have the old cassette and case.

Been looking for this CD for years. Reviewer: Rabid

"Don't Ever Wanna Lose You" is one of those songs that should have been an even bigger hit than it was. I remember the first time I heard it on KSHE in St Louis back in 1979; I immediately bought the album, and played it over and over and over again.

Brilliant! Reviewer: Mark

God these guys were great and so is this album! Every song is brilliant!!!! My favorite song on this album is "Nothing to fear". Top notch!

Reviewer: Tim

If you went to high School in the late seventies like I did and listen to new England then, it's even better now. This album A.K.A CD is worth every penney to bring back simpler times, sit back and enjoy...........

I love this CD! Reviewer: Thunder Dragon

I have been looking for this New England CD for a few years now and have finally found it. I wore out my vinyl version years ago so now I can try to do the same to the CD version. Best songs are 'Nothing To Fear' and 'Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya'. Produced by KISS' Paul Stanley. This CD does not disappoint!

Exquisite, top-notch melodic rock with class Reviewer: Bruce Ray

I had this on LP when it first came out, and it was sheer pleasure to finally get it on CD. This is truly an exquisite, top-notch melodic rock CD that literally oozes with classy hooks. Yes, the vocalist could very well be Jeff Lynne's long-lost twin brother, but come on - who could forget "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya," the big ballad "Shall I Run Away?", or the eternally catchy "Nothing to Fear" with their huge, driving, wall-of-sound melodicism and bombastic romantic flourishes? On this debut album, the songs and arrangements are all solid, well-crafted, and highly memorable, and the guitar/multi-keyboard/harmony vocal instrumentation works flawlessly. If you're also a fan of ELO, Asia, and some of the more accessible moments of Yes, then get New England - you won't be sorry!

Great symphonic hard rock! Reviewer: Peter Pardo/Sea of Tranquility

New England's debut is a catchy mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and good old fashioned pop with great vocal harmonies. Fans of Aviary, Angel, Trillion, Ambrosia, Queen, and ELO will love this band!

Absolutely Incredible!!! Reviewer: Joe Nugent

This band is amazing! Listening to them after all of these years just proves that they were WAY ahead of their time. If you've never heard of New England, but love incredible vocal melodies and harmonies mixed with Brian May-ish screaming guitars, you've got to pick this up. It's rock at it's best. What's left to say but, when's the reunion?

AN ALL TIME CLASSIC !!! Reviewer: Freddy De Keyzer The debut of New England is nothing less than breathtaking ! A MASTERPIECE ! I especially like the swirling keyboards ! Brilliant ! And the song 'Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya' is the icing on the cake ! What a song ! This album is an ALL TIME CLASSIC, A MUST ! Every home should have one !
Record Label: MCA Records
Type of Label: Major

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An album to add to your New England collection that's for sure!Reviewer: Scotty GustafskiOnce again, New England delivers what they do best...awesome songs with wonderful melodies and vocals. Th...
Posted by New England on Sun, 06 Aug 2006 08:42:00 PST