80s new wave mania: "The Fanatic" Felony (1983)
By John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109857)
Los Angeles, California
December 16, 2017 9:00am CST
“The Fanatic” was an immensely popular hit in LA by local band Felony. Radio station KROQ then on the musical cutting edge heavily played “The Fanatic” which also received exposure on the movie soundtracks to “Graduation Day” and “Valley Girl.” Formed in the late 70s, Felony was founded by two sets of brothers, Jeff (lead vocals) and Joe (guitar) Spry and Danny (keyboards) and Steve (sound engineer) Sands and later joined by a bassist and drummer.
“Hey, the fanatic
I am the fanatic
I like-a movies and rock shows
Rock stars and a-radio”
The title is self explanatory about a limo chasing celebrity obsessed fan seeking autographs and photographs. From the debut album of the same name, “The Fanatic” did reach alternative #1. KROQ played a few more Felony songs but the band quickly faded away and certainly never broke out of the LA scene. Felony broke up in 1991 and Jeff Spry committed suicide in 1992.
Hey, the fanatic. I am the fanatic. I like-a movies and rock shows, Rock stars and a-radios. I am the fanatic. Can I have your autograph? Maybe a poster or p...
5 people like this
4 responses
@RasmaSandra (73443)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Dec 17
Interesting but the first time I hear this. Thanks for sharing.
3 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
16 Dec 17
I do not remember this one at all, even with an appearance on American Bandstand.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
16 Dec 17
It was essentially a local hit.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62161)
• United States
17 Dec 17
I don’t remember the song name or the band, but the song does sound familiar.
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
17 Dec 17
So sad he killed himself. I don't think I've ever heard this one before.
2 people like this
