Chris DeMarco
Band Story
Chris DeMarco: The Rock Renaissance Man Who’s Lived Every Note
In the heyday of the '70s and '80s, when stadiums were packed and guitar solos soared into the stratosphere, Chris DeMarco wasn’t just playing music—he was living it. A sought-after musician and magnetic frontman, DeMarco rubbed shoulders and shared stages with a veritable who’s who of rock royalty, leaving his mark on a generation defined by rebellion, rhythm, and raw talent.
But unlike many of his peers who were consumed by the relentless pulse of Hollywood and the electric chaos of New York City’s music scene, DeMarco eventually chose a different path. He stepped away from the spotlight’s glare, trading late nights and neon lights for a more introspective rhythm. That shift didn’t dim his creative fire—instead, it gave rise to something even more powerful: a body of work that reflects both the wisdom of experience and the unshakable heart of a rock ‘n’ roll lifer.
Now based in the Atlanta, Georgia area, DeMarco continues to craft music that resonates across generations. Through his independent label, Dreamco Music, he has released two standout albums that pay homage to the golden age of rock while offering something fresh for today’s discerning ears.
His latest release, Chris DeMarco – The 80’s, is a time capsule of unreleased recordings from his New York sessions during the genre-defining decade. Featuring an all-star lineup—Bob Kulick (KISS, Meatloaf), Doug Katsaros (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Elton John), Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Blue Öyster Cult), and the late, great Yogi Horton (John Lennon, Aretha Franklin)—this album is a feast for lovers of pure, unfiltered ‘80s rock. A treasure trove that lay dormant for years, it's now roaring into the spotlight with the urgency and authenticity of a rediscovered classic.
And if The 80’s is a love letter to his roots, then Lost and Found is DeMarco’s personal memoir in melody. With guitar work from icons like Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper), Tommy Talton (Gregg Allman Band), Ken Mazur (Robert Palmer), and Barry Richman (Lynyrd Skynyrd), along with contributions from Jim Fielder (Buffalo Springfield, Blood Sweat and Tears) and Rhys Clark (Billy Joel), it’s a cross-generational jam session of legendary proportions. Add a bonus track featuring Billy Joel and Michael Monarch (Steppenwolf), and you’ve got a release that bridges decades with ease and elegance.
But DeMarco’s talents go beyond the studio and stage. A versatile composer, he’s lent his signature sound to film, TV, and radio, including scores for cult classics like Troma’s War and Toxic Avenger III: The Last Temptation of Toxie. His music for the latter was even inspired by classical master Antonín Dvo?ák—a testament to DeMarco’s range and reverence for musical craft.
Selections from both albums have found their way onto radio playlists and podcasts across the globe, further proof that DeMarco's music speaks a universal language. And while platforms like iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon, and CD Baby make it easy to access his work today, his story is best understood as a journey—one that spans over four decades, countless stages, and collaborations with some of rock’s most revered players.
From the frontman of the Island Records-signed band Riff Raff in 1977 to a revered solo artist with a still-burning creative flame, Chris DeMarco is more than a musician—he’s a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and playing from the heart. Still in his prime, still pushing boundaries, and still making damn good music, DeMarco is the kind of artist who doesn't just follow the beat—he creates it.
In the heyday of the '70s and '80s, when stadiums were packed and guitar solos soared into the stratosphere, Chris DeMarco wasn’t just playing music—he was living it. A sought-after musician and magnetic frontman, DeMarco rubbed shoulders and shared stages with a veritable who’s who of rock royalty, leaving his mark on a generation defined by rebellion, rhythm, and raw talent.
But unlike many of his peers who were consumed by the relentless pulse of Hollywood and the electric chaos of New York City’s music scene, DeMarco eventually chose a different path. He stepped away from the spotlight’s glare, trading late nights and neon lights for a more introspective rhythm. That shift didn’t dim his creative fire—instead, it gave rise to something even more powerful: a body of work that reflects both the wisdom of experience and the unshakable heart of a rock ‘n’ roll lifer.
Now based in the Atlanta, Georgia area, DeMarco continues to craft music that resonates across generations. Through his independent label, Dreamco Music, he has released two standout albums that pay homage to the golden age of rock while offering something fresh for today’s discerning ears.
His latest release, Chris DeMarco – The 80’s, is a time capsule of unreleased recordings from his New York sessions during the genre-defining decade. Featuring an all-star lineup—Bob Kulick (KISS, Meatloaf), Doug Katsaros (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Elton John), Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Blue Öyster Cult), and the late, great Yogi Horton (John Lennon, Aretha Franklin)—this album is a feast for lovers of pure, unfiltered ‘80s rock. A treasure trove that lay dormant for years, it's now roaring into the spotlight with the urgency and authenticity of a rediscovered classic.
And if The 80’s is a love letter to his roots, then Lost and Found is DeMarco’s personal memoir in melody. With guitar work from icons like Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper), Tommy Talton (Gregg Allman Band), Ken Mazur (Robert Palmer), and Barry Richman (Lynyrd Skynyrd), along with contributions from Jim Fielder (Buffalo Springfield, Blood Sweat and Tears) and Rhys Clark (Billy Joel), it’s a cross-generational jam session of legendary proportions. Add a bonus track featuring Billy Joel and Michael Monarch (Steppenwolf), and you’ve got a release that bridges decades with ease and elegance.
But DeMarco’s talents go beyond the studio and stage. A versatile composer, he’s lent his signature sound to film, TV, and radio, including scores for cult classics like Troma’s War and Toxic Avenger III: The Last Temptation of Toxie. His music for the latter was even inspired by classical master Antonín Dvo?ák—a testament to DeMarco’s range and reverence for musical craft.
Selections from both albums have found their way onto radio playlists and podcasts across the globe, further proof that DeMarco's music speaks a universal language. And while platforms like iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon, and CD Baby make it easy to access his work today, his story is best understood as a journey—one that spans over four decades, countless stages, and collaborations with some of rock’s most revered players.
From the frontman of the Island Records-signed band Riff Raff in 1977 to a revered solo artist with a still-burning creative flame, Chris DeMarco is more than a musician—he’s a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and playing from the heart. Still in his prime, still pushing boundaries, and still making damn good music, DeMarco is the kind of artist who doesn't just follow the beat—he creates it.
Band Members
Chris DeMarco
Chris DeMarco
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Georgia (GA)
Genre: Classic Rock