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.
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