Originally
Formed in
The Big Apple
Just like your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, Tampered was spawned in Woodhaven, Queens of New York City. Founded by Pasquale Rollo and Joe Cristiano (Pissant) in the year 2000 and formed out of the remanence of the two former front men’s groups Aberdeen Lizards and We Can’t Be Silent. Diametrically opposed styles, but that is what led to its unique direction within the likes of Local H meets They Might Be Giants. Collaborating on unfinished material from both prior projects along with new songs, soon joined by Hanae Moriuchi-Rollo on bass, Pasquale’s wife and former bassist in an earlier side project Gavinhouse, and Tommy Gonzalez, former drummer of Ska Punk group Jolie Soul.
The group played venues in Queens and Manhattan, including the historic CBGB in hopes to pick up where its predecessor had left off.
In his original Spidey suit, Pasquale had opened for known acts such as Papa Roach, Mike Watt, Mindless Self Induldence and Verbena with Dave Grohl on bass, performed at the 98 & 99 CMJ & Intel Music Festivals and the NYC Marathon. Also appeared on Global Japan TV and various public access shows. Two key moments that paved the way to a chance at success were playing an acoustic show for the Foo Fighters backstage at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC, followed by a call out on stage from Dave Grohl at the Virgin Megastore during a concert. (Footage can be seen on youtube for both events).
These interactions led to talks with Foo Fighters management Gold Mountain Entertainment and their label Capitol Records but the deal fell through. Shortly after, Aberdeen Lizards recorded their debut album Begin Anew, on Street Records, (home of Eurogression band based in Folly Beach, SC whom recorded with Steve Albini) prior to their breakup in 2000 and into the birth of Tampered.
Now in his black Spidey suit, Pasquale utilized his existing relationship with Street and recorded Tampered’s first 4 song self-titled EP under the label. Two songs from these recordings; In Girls Shoes & Peekaboo had debuted on FM radio program The Radio Chick on 102.7 WNEW, then again on Jim Kerr Radio program on KROCK Q104.3 and on 96wave in Charleston, SC, WFMU and Tom Pyles Radio. Like it’s predecessor, Tampered opened for some interesting and known acts at CBGB’s such as Chuck Mosely, The Mayfield Four, and Hank The Angry Dwarf of The Howard Stern Show.
And Then It Ended
The group soon recruited Heather Zabrocki on keyboards, formerly of the local Riot Girl scene in bands, Young Miss Pathetic, and The Pink Stuff. They recorded a 2nd three song EP called Piggy Back, and in support, played one more show at CBGB. Shortly after, Heather and Tommy decided to quit the band due to other interests, followed by Pasquale’s wife (ouch), but Pissant hung around for many years following.
9/11
Never
Forget
Then 9/11 hit and changed everything. Pasquale decided that he couldn’t find inspiration to play music during these horrible times so he put the guitar back in its case for many years to follow.
Once regaining the focus to play again, Pissant and Pasquale re-united in 2007. The duo continued to write songs together and played an acoustic show live on WNJC Radio in NJ. They kept things going on and off as a duo through 2011 until moving further away from each other making it nearly impossible to play. Things eventually petered out around 2017 and Pasquale decided to go solo for a while.
Enter
Jacksonville
Florida!
Suit off and gloves too, revisiting the project and moving down to the Jacksonville area of Florida, Pasquale tried another shot at things and after giving up on so many bad musician tryouts, decided it was time for machines to do the job of humans. Incorporating an Akai MPC drum machine sampler, along with playing keyboards, coupled with Hanae on bass plus synths, thus a new style of music was born.
25 years from the day of inception, Tampered has incorporated the sounds of the 80’s new wave and slapped it together with a 90’s grunge alternative edge, Grungewave. In support of our 8 song “DEMO”, yes emphasis on “demo” as we have no interest in kidding ourselves thinking we can push our own record. We are currently seeking a record deal, and with the right label and people behind us…who knows? Perhaps we can earn our place in this crowded world. We can be seen live in Jacksonville and St. Augustine as a dynamic duo for the time being.
May consider a “Pasquale” solo tour outside the state, or country for the right opportunity…family first, it’s life. ~P