ANGEL Frontman FRANK DIMINO Clarifies "Confirmation" Of Band Reunion In Recent Interview As "A Misunderstanding"
August 13, 2016, 8 years ago
In an interview with Dave Ling of Classic Rock, Angel frontman Frank DiMino was mistakenly misquoted, confirming "that plans are afoot to reunite his former group Angel for a handful of farewell concerts". The interview also suggested that DiMino 'broke the news on July 31st via his Facebook page with the declaration: “Special Announcement Coming Soon. Hint: It’s ‘Angel related,"' when, in fact, the veiled reference was to Angel guitarist Punky Meadows making an appearance in DiMino's new video for "Never Again."
According to Peter Kalish from Kalish Management: “Frank never said Angel was planning reunion shows simply because there are no plans. What one wants to see happen versus what is reality are two very different things. We had requested a copy of the interview recording but were unable to obtain it."
This isn't to say that an Angel reunion show (or shows) is entirely off the table, but it would have to be a situation that would make sense for all involved. DiMino agreed with a statement Meadows had made to Classic Rock previously, in which he stated, "We couldn’t go on tour and be Angel again, that’s in the past. But doing two final shows to cap it all off, that’s something I’d never say never about.”
DiMino says: "I would like to thank TeamRock for doing the latest interview with me and premiering my new video for 'Never Again'. However, I would like to address a misunderstanding between myself and Dave Ling, whom I did the interview with. I never at anytime meant to mislead Dave into thinking that I was confirming an Angel reunion. If there was an Angel reunion in the works I would know about it. There simply is no reunion at this time. Punky and myself are working on our solo projects and all our energy is pointed in that direction. In my interview with Dave and TeamRock it was not my intention to be misleading in any way. We appreciate the loyal and ongoing support of all of our fans."
DiMino recently released the second video from his current Old Habits Die Hard album. "Never Again" reunites the singer with Angel guitarist Punky Meadows, who makes a cameo appearance. The video was shot over two days in and around Frank's adopted hometown of Las Vegas, including the famed Bootlegger Bistro. Additional filming was done in North Carolina. For the premiere of the video DiMino teamed up with the popular outlet Classic Rock. The video can be viewed below.
The video is basically a tribute to Mad Max racing throiugh the desert with a Dark Angel watching over a young, turbulent couple. It stars 2015 Miss Nevada United States Amanda Gibson and actor Mark Justice whose film credits include Bleach (Eric Roberts) and The Immortal Wars (Tom Sizemore). It was directed by Paul Gervasi from the feature film Cherri Future and whose music video credits include Melissa Manchester, Katja Rieckermann (Rod Stewart), and production for Lady Gaga’s “G.U.Y.”
Of the video, Frank says, "Doing the new video for 'Never Again' was great! Our director Paul Gervasi and all the actors made it easy for me. Having Punky in the video was the icing on the cake. Job well done by all.”
DiMino's Old Habits Die Hard was released in July of 2015 through the Frontiers Music srl label and features collaborations with former ANGEL bandmates Punky Meadows and Barry Brandt, as well as Paul Crook (Meat Loaf, Anthrax), Oz Fox (Stryper), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) and Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot) amongst others.
DiMino recently commented on reuniting with his Angel bandmates for the Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal award show and the future:
“It's been one month since the Vegas Rocks! Hair Metal Awards and I had such a great time seeing and hanging out with all the guys. It started Saturday when Barry and I went to pick up Punky and Felix at the hotel and we drove over to meet Gregg at Ron Mancuso's studio, The Hideaway, where we did the Eddie Trunk Podcast. As soon as it started a very weird thing happened... we all slid into 'Angel mode' and bonded all over again. The five of us grew up and went through a special time in our lives together so we were working our way through a lot of good feelings and emotions. Even though we have always kept in touch, it had been 35 years since all of us were together in one room. By the time Sunday came, it felt like 35 years had never passed. Then doing the red carpet and being backstage with all the bands and musicians it felt especially great being there as Angel. Getting the award from Sally Steele and Vegas Rocks Magazine and having it presented to us by Eddie Trunk was the topping on a great weekend that manager Peter Kalish worked very hard to help put together. Great ride, next stop... who knows?”