Fonzie is a Portuguese rock band from Lisbon, formed in 1996. Consisting of vocalist and guitarist Hugo Maia, guitarist David Marques, bass guitarist Carlos Teixeira, and drummer João Marques. It was nominated for "Best Portuguese Act" two times at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2003 and in 2007. The band did three world tours playing in the four corners of the world for more than one time and was played in the most prestigious radio stationsaround the world. Their song "Gotta Get Away" were featured in American MTV series "" and "MTV MADE".
History
Formation and Built To Rock (1996–2003)
In 1996 Hugo Maia, João Marques and David Marques decided to form a band which they named as Fonzie. In 1997 the first promo tape Bring Me Up was released containing four tracks. The first EP with 10 songs called The Melo Pot was released in 1998; that same year sold out on every issue and which no longer exists any copies. Their debut album Built To Rock was recorded in 2001 in Sweden with producer Pelle Saether, famous for producing bands like The Hives, Millencolin, and No Fun At All. In the same year Fonzie won a worldwide contest sponsored by Millencolin, to elect the best "Millencolin Cover Song". In 2002 Built To Rock was released by the North American publisher Jumpstart Records, followed by a contract with the Portuguese Movieplay, the Japanese ULF Records, the South American Sound Records, PunkNation Records in Belgium and Godschild Records in Hong Kong. They toured all over U.S., Europe, Asia and South America and Their videos were played in more than 20 territories on TV channels such as MTV, MCM, and Fuse. In 2003 Fonzie were nominated for best Portuguese act at MTV Europe Music Awards.
In 2003 the band's second album "Wake Up Call" was released again produtor P.O.Saether, and features Nicola Sarcevic of Millencolin, Mats Olson, Agneta Olund, Jeremy Miers, Dj Alex as special guests. The video for the first single of this album "Gotta Get Away" was filmed Hollywood and was directed by Darren Doane. Taking advantage of the stay in LA, Fonzie perform a photo shoot with the highly prestigious photographer Joanne Smetts. Megaforce Records, which since the beginning of 80's so far sold over 30 million records, the label is chosen to carry the Fonzie to American territory. Signing a contract for the publication of two albums. Megaforce is one of the most prestigious publishing worldwide label, having in its curriculum the release of "Kill'Em'All" and "Ride the Lighting" of Metallica and "Among The Living" of Anrhrax. 2004 and 2005 new world tour over U.S., Asia, Europe, South America and for the 1st time in Australia with 18 dates as Headliners and where 12 were "Sold Out".
The years 2006/2008 marks the 10 years of Fonzie career which will be celebrated with the record of a new album which they decided to call "Shout It Out". After the release of "Shout It Out" Fonzie travel in a new world tour again all over the U.S., South America, Europe, Asia and Australia and were nominated again for best Portuguese act at MTV Europe Music Awards.
Angry Odd Kids and Caminho (2009-present)
The bassist Carlos Teixeira had formed a side project also Portuguese punk rock band in 2003 called Angry Odd Kids After the release of Angry Odd Kids album Fonzie return to the studio to record a new album, in January 2009 the first single "A Tua Imagem" was released on YouTube. In 2010 The album called "Caminho" was released along with the same titled second single. After they finish touring Carlos Teixeira leave to another side project called "Avenida Zero" and was replaced by JB as the bass player. In April 2013 their single "Renascer" from the upcoming unnamed album debuted in YouTube.
