Fitz and The Tantrums Release Their New Album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces: Live In Chicago industry. Large venues, as well as clubs and By Roscoe P. bars across the planet are suffering a Fitz and The Tantrums have just complete shutdown resulting in the loss of released the date for their upcoming new live hundreds of thousands of jobs, not to mention album. Fitz and The Tantrums: Live In the bands that have to rely on touring to make Chicago is set for release on October 2nd a living. Even the venue where this album through Dangerbird Records. This also was recorded in 2011, Metro, the legendary marks the 10th Anniversary of Fitz and The Chicago night club was forced to close it’s Tantrums debut album, Pickin’ Up The doors and turn to a GoFundMe campaign to Pieces. In celebration of this, the band has attempt to survive the ravages of COVID-19 released their first single from the album, and the fallout in its path. “Pickin’ Up The Pieces.” The release of this Yes folks, Fitz and The Tantrums: Live song from the album was done strategically In Chicago was recorded in 2011 at the to honor the release of their debut album ten Chicago nightclub, Metro. Their concert that years ago. night was broadcast live on the Palladia Drummer John Wicks reflects, “That Network and listened to by thousands of record provided a great calling card. They people, adding new members to the band’s were great songs and they showcased our fanbase. The new release not only features musicianship which was super important for all the songs from the broadcast, but it also the live show and a big key to our early adds six more songs to the package that success.” It is quite ironic that “Live In Chicago” didn’t make it to the broadcast because of time constrictions. This album captures a comes at a time when touring has virtually moment in time where the band was fresh and come to a standstill around the planet. Bands energetic and ready to make a name for and fans alike are forced to come to deal with themselves. It features the extreme electric a worldwide shutdown of the touring music 54 Rock and Blues International • September 2020
performance of the band with all its pop sensibilities and hook filled songs, as well as the obvious camaraderie of the band onstage. Although the band was relatively young, it was most definitely tight and this recording features the early repertoire of the band along with their own style of neo-soul music. Onstage for this concert was James King (Saxophone/Flute), Joseph Karnes (bass), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) and John Wicks (drums) along with lead singers Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs. Fitz and The Tantrums were formed in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks of the L.A. Music Scene to be known at L.A.’s ‘Premiere Party Band’. It wasn’t long for this band to become ‘multi-platinum hitmakers’. The band started out with their own independently produced and released 5-song EP which was quickly noticed by Dangerbird Records, who took no time to sign them to a label and release the band’s debut album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces. Pickin’ Up The Pieces, released in 2010 spawned the hit singles, “MoneyGrapper” and “Don’t Gotta
