Missing Persons
Though Missing Persons’ recording career was brief, they should have been huge since their synth-Rock sound was perfectly in tune with the times, as was Dale Bozzio’s eye popping appearance. But it was not to be.
In the beginning, Terry Bozzio, one time drummer in Frank Zappa’s backing group, married the former Dale Conslavi in ’79. A year later, they started U.S. Drag which eventually became Missing Persons with fellow Zappa alum, guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, bassist Patrick O’ Hearn and keyboardist Chuck Wild.
Dale Bozzio, her shocking pink hair and space age outfits, was clearly the focal point. After nailing the L.A. club circuit, Missing Persons released their self-titled EP in ’81.
Capitol Records picked up the EP and re-released it with the single “Destination Unknown” which just missed the Top 40.
“Spring Session M,” an anagram of Missing Persons, was the title of the group’s first full-length effort and boasted the classic “Walking In L.A.” (“nobody walks in L.A.”) .
Walking In L.A.
“Rhyme & Reason” with “Give,” “Right Now” and the longing mid-tempo “Surrender Your Heart” stood as the cream of the crop. The single “Give” got the full MTV treatment but the song was only a minor success. The album did about the same.
Give
Right Now
“Color In Your Life,” an ’86 pop-dance effort, deservedly stiffed. The Bozzio’s then got divorced and Missing Persons went missing.
Next Moves:
Dale Bozzio – Recorded a solo album that sunk quickly.
Terry Bozzio – Worked with Jeff Beck, among others, including a spell with The Knack (post- “My Sharona”).
Warren Cuccurullo – Joined Duran Duran long after their prime but it became a long-term paying gig.
Patrick O’ Hearn – Went the New Age instrumental route.
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