Pistoleros
In 1988 brothers Mark and Lawrence Zubia formed the band Live Nudes in Tempe, AZ. They soon found themselves gigging alongside the likes of the Gin Blossoms, Dead Hot Workshop, The Refreshments, and Chuck Hall & The Brick Wall. With the Gin Blossoms inking with A&M Records, Tempe’s Mill Avenue music scene exploded. Dead Hot signed with Atlantic and The Refreshments landed on Mercury. Marveling at their Tempe cohorts scoring major label record deals, Live Nudes continued to plug away on the scene and hit the studio to record a 5 song EP.
In 1992 Gin Blossoms founder, guitarist, and hit songwriter Doug Hopkins got booted from the band while recording their debut major label effort “New Miserable Experience” in Memphis. Hopkins came home to Tempe and soon approached the Zubias about forming a band. The trio grabbed Chuck Hall’s rhythm section and dubbed the new outfit Chimeras.
The Chimeras quickly exploded on the local scene. Hopkins, still struggling with serious addiction issues, was once again asked to leave a band. Soon after drummer Mark Riggs exited. The two were replaced by guitarist Pete Milner and drummer Gary Smith. The Zubia’s, along with bassist Scotty Andrews, embraced the new lineup and forged ahead recording the self released “Mistaken For Granted.” The album found its way to Rob Seidenburg, VP of A&R at Hollywood Records, who traveled to Tempe and signed the band. The label soon received a cease and desist letter from an Irish band who laid claim to the name Chimeras. The band and label obliged, choosing the moniker ‘Pistoleros’, a line delivered by Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront.”
With a major label contract in hand the Pistoleros starting writing with Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens, and Gary Louris & Mark Perlman of the Jayhawks, among others. By September of 1996 the Pistoleros found themselves in the iconic A&M Studios cutting their major label debut “Hang On To Nothing.” The record was mixed by the legendary Chris Lord-Algae. By 1997, before the album’s release, guitarist Pete Milner exited the band and was replaced with Thomas Laufenberg.
“Hang On To Nothing” was released on October 7th, 1997 to critical acclaim. The band hit the road touring with Kenny Wayne Shepard. They also played radio sponsered shows and festivals nationally to promote the album. The single, “Guardian Angel,” found success in Hispanic markets. However, overall sales were sluggish. By 1998 the Pistoleros went into Ocean Way Recording Studios, to demo tunes for their second Hollywood release. However, the label was in turmoil and Hollywood ultimately decided to drop the Pistoleros from their roster.
The band headed home to Tempe and began work on a new record. By April of 2000 the boys were recording at Gin Blossoms’ lead vocalists Robin Wilson’s Uranus Studios in Tempe. The self titled “Pistoleros” was released on September 11th, 2001. In November of 2002 the band marked their 10 year anniversary with back to back sold out shows at Nita’s HideAway in Tempe. Both shows were recorded and the live album “Bars & Guitars” was self released.
By 2004, separate from the band, the Zubia Brothers released “Voices On The Street” produced by Gin Blossom Jesse Valenzuela and recorded at Titan Studios in Los Angeles. By 2005 Mark and Lawrence become estranged due to Lawrence’s increasing self destructive lifestyle. The Pistoleros were on hiatus and the brothers embarked on solo projects. By 2006 Mark had released a solo album “Parts Of Yesterday” which found release on El Rey Records. He also gigged and recorded with his band Los Guys. Lawrence formed The Persuaders featuring members of Gin Blossoms, Dead Hot Workshop, and Pistoleros and released “Ghost Ship Sailors” on Cactus Rock Records.
By 2015 Lawrence was sober, the Zubias had reconciled, and both brothers were ready to get the Pistoleros back in the studio. They approached Phoenix based indie label Fervor Records who immediately signed the band. Fervor put the band in their Bomb Shelter studios footing the bill for the band to take their time and record the album they want to make. The Pistoleros released “SHINE” and the subsequent video single “I’m Concerned.”
In 2017, drummer Gary Smith left the band and was replaced by original Chimeras drummer Mark Riggs. And 25 years after their founding, the band was ready to record their second album for Fervor Records. Entitled “SILVER,” to mark the band’s 25 year anniversary. “SILVER” will drop worldwide November 3rd, 2017.
