Died On This Date (May 28, 2004) Derek Frigo / Enuff Z’Nuff Guitarist
themusicsover Derek Frigo
July 26, 1966 – May 28, 2004
Derek Frigo was the son of jazz musician Johnny Frigo and singer-actress Brittney Browne. He was also the lead guitarist for 80’s glam band, Enuff Z’nuff who had a couple of hits with “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle.” He was considered by many to be one of the unsung guitar greats of hard rock. Forming in 1984, Enuff Z’nuff signed to Atco Records who released their self titled debut that was loaded with neo-psychedelic pop rock songs. Their music became popular enough to warrant an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman and numerous visits to the Howard Stern show. Rolling Stone even called them the “hot band of the year” upon the release of their 1991 follow-up, Strength. But despite regular rotation on MTV and critical praise, their albums failed to sell the numbers they deserved, so Atco and then Arista Records dropped them. It was about this time that Frigo left the band and sadly let the effects of drugs and alcohol take control of his life. He moved to Los Angeles where he played with a few local bands and was reportedly working with Stone Temple Pilots on some of their material, but nothing seemed to click for him. Frigo was found dead of an overdose outside the apartment of a friend on May 28, 2004.
What You Should Own
Ricky Parent is best remembered as a drummer for the pop metal band, Enuff Z’nuff. Born in New Jersey, Parent began playing the drums at the age of five. When he got older, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in music, so he moved to Los Angeles to find a band to work with. He landed a job with War & Peace, the band formed by ex Dokken bassist, Jeff Pilson. The band soon broke up and Parent was picked up by Vince Neil to lay down tracks for his first solo album. In 1992, Parent learned that Enuff Z’nuff was looking for a new drummer, so he moved to Chicago and got hired on as their drummer. He played in the band for the band for the next 13 years. Ricky Parent died of cancer at the age of 44.