Whitefoxx: Come Pet The Foxx

WHITEFOXX is known as one of the pioneers in the rise of the Philadelphia Metal scene in the mid 80s. Formed originally as PRECIOUS METAL in 1982 as a cover band, the group’s first incarnation comprised of vocalist Tony Harnell, guitarist Barry Bennedetta, keyboard player Mark Soma, bassist Mike Regina and drummer Craig Soma. As the cover scene started to go sour, Harnell quit the band and eventually winded up fronting Norwegian outfit TNT. Bennedetta went on to play briefly in the band WAYSTED with UFO’s Pete Way.

In 1984 vocalist / guitarist Mark Chasen joined PRECIOUS METAL and began writing songs with Mike Regina where they traded off lead vocals. They recruited drummer
Billy Sipp and in 1985 started playing out as a power trio. As the band gained notoriety in the Philadelphia / South Jersey metal scene, guitarist Jeff LaBar was added to the fold which propelled him into the local spotlight where he was quickly recruited to fill the void left by Michael Kelly Smith with Polygram recording artists, CINDERELLA. emaining good friends with PRECIOUS METAL, LaBar recommended fellow guitarist Jimmy Maropoulos to take his place. Shortly thereafter, drummer Billy Sipp was replaced with new up and coming skin beater, Jimmy “Feek” Ferraioli. Feek was young, had some monster “chops” and he brought his own special brand of humor to the band. Soon PRECIOUS METAL had to change their name when an all-girl band with the same name landed a major label record deal. This is how WHITEFOXX was born.

Although Feek helped with the transition from PRECIOUS METAL to WHITEFOXX, he only stayed with the band for about a year before moving on to other projects. He was responsible for creating many of the signature drum parts in the early WHITEFOXX material, some of which remain to this day. In 1986, with a new name and new attitude, WHITEFOXX entered the studio and cut a strong, four song demo with temporary drummer Jim Drnec. This first foray featured the impressive anthem “Beverly Hills” which gained them attention in HIT PARADER magazine in the US as well as KERRANG magazine in the UK. Soon “Metal” shows on local radio stations picked up on this and started playing tracks from the WHITEFOXX demo. Shortly after this, WHITEFOXX found their missing link in drummer Rik Anthony and enjoyed the stability hey had been looking for. With this lineup of Chasen, Regina, Maropoulos & Anthony, the band went on to become one of the strongest contenders in the Philadelphia Metal scene. With catchy songs, a flashy stage show and a growing army of followers, it seemed they were destined for stardom! But, as with any group of talented individuals, it’s not always easy to stay on the same page let alone the same stage.

Chasen, Maropoulos & Ferraioli went on to form the band CHASEN with new bassist Donie Bufalo while vocalist Rob Zucchi and guitarist Reggie Wu joined WHITEFOXX. Wu later went on to form the band HEAVENS EDGE. In 1987 WHITEFOXX seemed to stabilize again when WORLD WAR III frontman Tipa Sparrs joined Regina & Anthony along with guitarist / keyboardist Tucker Michaels and guitar wizard Dave Lord was recruited to fill the void left by Reggie Wu. In 1988 WHITEFOXX signed a production deal with Denny Somach Productions. The plan was for Somach to get WHITEFOXX signed to a major label to take the band’s career to the next logical level. The song “Starry Eyes” caught the attention of several labels and some showcases were set up so the record company execs would get a chance to see the band play live. At least one deal was put forth but unfortunately, Somach didn’t feel any of the offers were strong enough to produce a competitive enough product. Eventually, WHITEFOXX disbanded in 1989 when Anthony and Regina, this time as frontman, went on to form the band LIGHT YEARS with guitarist Larry Campanella & bassist Slater Clifton.

In 1992 Regina, Anthony & Zucchi went back on the road again as WHITEFOXX with Larry Campanella on guitar. Chasen declined the invitation to join this incarnation due to another project he was already involved in. The plan was to play only a few shows but it lasted for a full year.

In 2004 Chasen reformed WHITEFOXX for a series of shows that featured Philadelphia / South Jersey bands from the 80’s. He recruited guitarist Barry Bennedetta , drummer Jim Drnec, and a local bass player to do the show as Regina was involved in other projects. WHITEFOXX came full circle when co-founders Chasen and Regina got back together to appear onstage for the first time in over 20 years for a reunion show in New Jersey in 2012. This lineup also featured former WHITEFOXX guitarist Larry Campanella and drummer Chris Nerone. At one point in the show they were also joined onstage by Reggie Wu to perform “Beverly Hills."

In 2013, Mark Chasen was invited to join the FnA Records family, not just once, but twice. In the latter part of 2013, FnA Records (www.fnarecords.net) will release the first ever “Official” WHITEFOXX CD, and then in early 2014, FnA Records will release material from the band called Chasen (post-WHITEFOXX) featuring Mark Chasen and Jimmy Maropoulos. Three of the tracks on the Chasen album were produced by legendary producer Kim Fowley.