Meet Tony Marsico

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Marsico.

Hi Tony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After first arriving in Los Angeles in 1980, I knew this was the place for me. Sure, I would miss my Philadelphia roots, a good cheesesteak, and friends, but I got over that fast once I landed in the City of Angels. My brother, Frank, had prepped me with the idea of coming to L.A., and I followed not far behind him. I landed my first gig with the band the Plugz, the first Mexican DIY punk band in Los Angeles. The scene was vital, and we performed everywhere from Al’s Bar downtown to the Greek Theatre, performing on bills with X, the Blasters, and Los Lobos, among many others. Our band would eventually morph into the Cruzados and be signed by Clive Davis at Arista Records, who got wind of us when we performed at CBGB’s in New York. We released two albums and toured the world for four years before combusting. I am happy to say that after 30 odd years, I have revamped the Cruzados and completed three new albums and two European tours. I am currently working on my solo album, which will be released on Rum Bar Records in 2024. My jazz band, the Martini Kings, will also be releasing a new album in the new year commemorating our 40th anniversary.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a musician, you are always faced with challenges as this is not your typical 9 to 5 job. I have learned that if you’re dedicated and love what you do, then sleeping on floors, couch-surfing, or eating potatoes is all part of the deal. And if I had to do it all over, I would do it the same. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Playing bass is my livelihood and has been for the past 45 years. As a child, I learned from living above our family restaurant and listening to our Seeburg jukebox as the bass would resonate through our floorboards to my bedroom. This was my first music lesson, and I fell asleep to the low-end rumble down below. I always wanted to be in a band, and that dream came true when I headed west and found work in the early punk scene and later, by default, in the 1990s, I became a sought-after session man. I have played bass for Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Roger Daltrey, Marianne Faithfull, and Matthew Sweet, and many other artists.

What matters most to you?
As much as I love touring and recording and my career as a whole, the most important session I have ever done is raising my two children. Without love and support from my family, nothing else would have been possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tonymarsico.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tony_marsico_music?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.marsico.10
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyMarsico-13
• Other: https://tonymarsico.bandcamp.com/