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{{Short description|American band}}
The '''Gear Daddies''' are a band from [[Austin, Minnesota]] that enjoyed moderate success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its members were [[Dakota Hills Middle School#Famous_Teachers|Randy Broughten]] ([[electric guitar|electric]] and [[steel guitar]]), [[Nick Ciola]] ([[bass guitar|bass]]), [[Billy Dankert]] ([[drum kit|drums]] and [[vocals]]), and [[Martin Zellar]] ([[guitar]] and vocals). The songwriting was handled primarily by Zellar, though Dankert also had several songs of note, including crowd favorite "Time Heals" and "One Voice," which is the song that includes the hidden track "Zamboni" on "Billys Live Bait."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=GEAR|DADDIES&sql=11:kifrxqe5ldke~T1|title=Biography: Gear Daddies|last=Floyd|first=John|publisher=[[All Music Guide|AMG]]|accessdate=11 May 2010}}</ref>
{{more footnotes|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gear Daddies
| image = GearDaddies.jpg
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| alt =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin =
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[Country music|country]], [[Americana (music)|Americana]], [[alternative country]]
| years_active = {{start date|1984}}–present
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| current_members =
* Randy Brouten


* Nick Ciola
⚫
Their most notable mainstream success was when they played [[Late Night with David Letterman]] in 1991. Ciola and Dankert did not play on the show because many bands simply sat in with [[Paul Shaffer]] and [[The World's Most Dangerous Band]] when playing the show. Zellar had this to say of the experience: "I was so nervous, and it happened so quick. I couldn't tell you what the hell happened. I got done, and I was walking back and said to Randy (Broughton), 'Did I sing all the words? Did I do that?' When I watched it that night in the hotel room (the [[Omni Hotels|Omni]] in [[New York City|New York]]), I had no recollection of having lived it."
* Billy Dankert
* Martin Zellar
}}
The '''Gear Daddies''' are a rock band originally from Austin, Minnesota. Randy Broughten (electric and [[steel guitar]]), [[Nick Ciola]] ([[bass guitar|bass]]), [[Billy Dankert]] (drums and vocals), and [[Martin Zellar]] (guitar, harmonica and vocals) played their first shows together in 1984. They released singles and albums between 1986 and 1992 and became an important part of the Twin Cities music scene. Most songs were written by Zellar, but Dankert had several of note, including crowd favorite "Time Heals".


⚫
In 1991, Zellar and Broughten played "Stupid Boy" on ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]''. Ciola and Dankert did not play on the show because, at the time, many bands simply sat in with The World's Most Dangerous Band. Zellar said of the experience: "I was so nervous, and it happened so quick. I couldn't tell you what the hell happened. I got done, and I was walking back and said to Randy (Broughten) 'Did I sing all the words? Did I do that?' When I watched it that night in the hotel room, I had no recollection of having lived it."
The band officially broke up in 1992 but has performed reunion concerts nearly every summer since 1998 throughout the midwest.


"[[Zamboni (song)|Zamboni]]" is their best-known song, having been featured in the movies [[D2: The Mighty Ducks]] and [[Mystery, Alaska]], as well as on the acclaimed television program [[Malcolm in the Middle]]. It's also a staple at hockey games throughout North America.
Although their song "[[Zamboni (song)|Zamboni]]" was originally a [[hidden track]] on their album ''[[Billy's Live Bait]]'', it became one of their best-known songs as it often was played during intermissions at hockey games throughout North America. It later was featured in the movies ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'' and ''[[Mystery, Alaska]]'' as well as on television program ''[[Malcolm in the Middle]]''.


[[File:GearDads.jpg|thumb|left|The Gear Daddies in 2016 performing in Rochester, Minnesota]]
After the Gear Daddies broke up, lead singer Martin Zellar embarked on a solo career, first by himself, and then with his band "The Hardways," which featured Gear Daddy" Nick Ciola on bass. The Martin Zellar and the Hardways live album "Two Guitars, Drum and Bass" features the Gear Daddies' songs "Wear Your Crown", "She's Happy", and "Drank So Much." He was also known in the late 1990's for his tribute to Neil Diamond, which featured Ciola, as well as a number of local Twin Cities musicians, and performed simply as "Neil!"
After the dissolution of the band, Zellar began an active career of performing and recording with the band that became known as Martin Zellar and the Hardways, taking with him long-time friend and bassist Nick Ciola.


⚫
Electric guitarist Randy Broughten is currently a physical education teacher in Eagan, Minnesota. As well as being a member of the [[Cactus Blossoms]], he has been the steel guitar player for many years with Minneapolis country band Trailer Trash, who are known for their annual Christmas shows and who had a cameo in the mockumentary film ''[[Dill Scallion]]''.
Zellar currently resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife and children, but returns to the United States occasionally to perform. <ref> http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/82301762.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU </ref>


Drummer James "Billy" Dankert is a professional visual artist as well as a musician.
⚫
Electric guitarist, Randy Broughten is currently a teacher at [[Dakota Hills Middle School]] in [[Eagan, Minnesota]]. His frizzy grey hair has become a well known trademark hairstyle at Dakota Hills. He can be seen by some students at Dakota Hills often playing the guitar inside his office with his colleagues before gym class. He has also been the steel guitar player with Minneapolis country band "Trailer Trash" for many years, who are known for their annual Christmas shows, and who also had a cameo in the mockumentary film [[Dill Scallion]].


As of the present, all four members of the Gear Daddies reunite several times a year to perform throughout the Midwest.
Bass player Ciola resides in the Minneapolis area and has played continuously with Zellar since the original breakup of the band.


The Gear Daddies were an influence on a number of bands that emerged in the upper Midwest in the late 1980s through the 1990s, including Johnny Clueless, The Billy's, [[Steve's Piece]], Violet, Shoot Lucy, Leep 27,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leep 27 |url=http://leep27.com/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=leep27.com}}</ref> Dazy Head Mazy, Groundhouse and [[Six Mile Grove]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six Mile Grove |url=https://sixmilegrove.com/million-birds |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=sixmilegrove.com}}</ref>
Drummer Dankert also resides in the Twin Cities area, and has released several albums with his band "The Real Austinaires."


==Honors and awards==
The Gear Daddies were an influence on a number of bands that emerged in the upper midwest in the late 1980's through the 1990's, including Johnny Clueless, [[The Billy's]], Violet, Shoot Lucy, and [[Six Mile Grove]].
[[File:Gear Daddies - First Avenue Star.jpg|thumb|Star honoring Gear Daddies on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]]]]
The Gear Daddies were honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]],<ref name="FirstAveStars">{{cite web |url=http://first-avenue.com/about/thestars |title=The Stars |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=First Avenue & 7th Street Entry |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418135117/https://first-avenue.com/about/thestars |url-status=dead }}</ref> recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.<ref name="StarTribune2019">{{cite news |last=Bream |first=Jon |url=https://www.startribune.com/10-things-you-ll-learn-about-first-avenue-in-new-minnesota-history-center-show/509374312/ |title=10 things you'll learn about First Avenue in new Minnesota History Center show |work=[[Star Tribune]] |location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota |date=3 May 2019 |accessdate=10 May 2020 }}</ref> Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.<ref name="MSPMag2019">{{cite news |last=Marsh |first=Steve |url=http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/first-avenue-star-wall/ |title=First Avenue's Star Wall |work=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine |location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota |date=13 May 2019 |accessdate=10 May 2020 }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 25: Line 51:
**''[[Can't Have Nothin' Nice]]'' (1992)
**''[[Can't Have Nothin' Nice]]'' (1992)
*EPs
*EPs
**''[[Color Of Her Eyes]]'' (1990)
**''[[Color of Her Eyes]]'' (1990)
*Miscellaneous
*Miscellaneous
*The song "[[Zamboni (song)|Zamboni]]" appeared on the [[soundtrack]]s for the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] movies:
*The song "[[Zamboni (song)|Zamboni]]" appeared on the soundtracks for the Disney movies:
**''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1994)
**''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1994)
**''[[D2: Mighty Ducks/D3: Mighty Ducks]]'' (1997)
**''[[Mystery, Alaska]]''
**''[[Mystery, Alaska]]''

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roJjWwj-XJ0&list=PLF6D8EB2B3D17B672&feature=plpp_play_all Gear Daddies video playlist]
* [http://www.martinzellar.com Martin Zellar website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvC_rV0qt_Y&list=PLF6D8EB2B3D17B672&index=37&feature=plpp_video Gear Daddies on Letterman video]
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4346}}
⚫
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110606143728/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/82301762.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU ''Star Tribune'']
* [http://video.tpt.org/video/2365640121/ Gear Daddies]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Video produced by ''[[Twin Cities PBS]]''


{{Authority control}}
* {{allmusicguide |id=11:kifrxqe5ldke}}
⚫
* http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/82301762.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU


[[Category:Musical groups from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Minnesota]]

Latest revision as of 12:50, 17 August 2024

Gear Daddies
Background information
GenresRock, country, Americana, alternative country
Years active1984 (1984)–present
Members
  • Randy Brouten
  • Nick Ciola
  • Billy Dankert
  • Martin Zellar

The Gear Daddies are a rock band originally from Austin, Minnesota. Randy Broughten (electric and steel guitar), Nick Ciola (bass), Billy Dankert (drums and vocals), and Martin Zellar (guitar, harmonica and vocals) played their first shows together in 1984. They released singles and albums between 1986 and 1992 and became an important part of the Twin Cities music scene. Most songs were written by Zellar, but Dankert had several of note, including crowd favorite "Time Heals".

In 1991, Zellar and Broughten played "Stupid Boy" on Late Night with David Letterman. Ciola and Dankert did not play on the show because, at the time, many bands simply sat in with The World's Most Dangerous Band. Zellar said of the experience: "I was so nervous, and it happened so quick. I couldn't tell you what the hell happened. I got done, and I was walking back and said to Randy (Broughten) 'Did I sing all the words? Did I do that?' When I watched it that night in the hotel room, I had no recollection of having lived it."

Although their song "Zamboni" was originally a hidden track on their album Billy's Live Bait, it became one of their best-known songs as it often was played during intermissions at hockey games throughout North America. It later was featured in the movies D2: The Mighty Ducks and Mystery, Alaska as well as on television program Malcolm in the Middle.

The Gear Daddies in 2016 performing in Rochester, Minnesota

After the dissolution of the band, Zellar began an active career of performing and recording with the band that became known as Martin Zellar and the Hardways, taking with him long-time friend and bassist Nick Ciola.

Electric guitarist Randy Broughten is currently a physical education teacher in Eagan, Minnesota. As well as being a member of the Cactus Blossoms, he has been the steel guitar player for many years with Minneapolis country band Trailer Trash, who are known for their annual Christmas shows and who had a cameo in the mockumentary film Dill Scallion.

Drummer James "Billy" Dankert is a professional visual artist as well as a musician.

As of the present, all four members of the Gear Daddies reunite several times a year to perform throughout the Midwest.

The Gear Daddies were an influence on a number of bands that emerged in the upper Midwest in the late 1980s through the 1990s, including Johnny Clueless, The Billy's, Steve's Piece, Violet, Shoot Lucy, Leep 27,[1] Dazy Head Mazy, Groundhouse and Six Mile Grove.[2]

Honors and awards

[edit]
Star honoring Gear Daddies on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue

The Gear Daddies were honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[3] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[4] Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.[5]

Discography

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Leep 27". leep27.com. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Six Mile Grove". sixmilegrove.com. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  3. ^ "The Stars". First Avenue & 7th Street Entry. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  4. ^ Bream, Jon (3 May 2019). "10 things you'll learn about First Avenue in new Minnesota History Center show". Star Tribune. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  5. ^ Marsh, Steve (13 May 2019). "First Avenue's Star Wall". Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
[edit]
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