Introduction
Joey DeMaio is a world-renowned bassist who has rocked the world with his incredible talent. Born on March 6, 1954, in Auburn, New York, DeMaio started his music career as a bassist for the band called Dictators, which he left to create his band named Manowar. They have released 13 studio albums, three live albums, and seven compilations in their 41 years of career.
However, Joey DeMaio’s journey to success was not easy. He faced a lot of hardships and struggles during his initial years in the music industry. But his dedication, persistence, and love for the music helped him to overcome all these challenges. Today, he is one of the most reputed musicians in the world and has a net worth of $10 million.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the life of Joey DeMaio and explore the different aspects of his music career.
Early Life and Struggles
Joey DeMaio was born in a small town in New York, where he spent most of his childhood. He started playing the bass guitar at the age of 11 and was soon fascinated by the world of music. After completing his high school, he moved to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a musician.
During his initial days in the city, he faced a lot of struggles and hardships. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet and sometimes slept on the floor of his friends’ apartments. He also faced rejections from many music bands, which made him almost give up on his dreams.
Despite all these difficulties, his passion for music kept him going. He eventually landed a job as a bassist for the band called Dictators, which marked the beginning of his successful music career.
Manowar Journey
After a few years with Dictators, Joey DeMaio left the band and formed his band named Manowar in 1980. From the beginning, he had a clear vision of what he wanted his music to be – loud, heavy, and epic. The band released their first album named “Battle Hymns” in 1982, which was a huge success.
With each album, Manowar grew in popularity and became one of the most influential heavy metal bands in the world. Their music was characterized by fast-paced and heavy riffing, loud drums, and DeMaio’s legendary bass solos.
Apart from his music skills, DeMaio also played a significant role in the band’s image and stage presence. He envisioned Manowar as a band of warriors who embodied the spirit of heavy metal. Their live shows were like an epic battle, featuring swords, fire, and other theatrical elements that set them apart from other bands.
Manowar’s Impact on Heavy Metal
Manowar’s music and image had a significant impact on the heavy metal genre. Their style was a departure from the conventional heavy metal bands of the time, who focused on themes like occultism and horror. DeMaio’s lyrics were often focused on themes of battle, valor, and honor, which resonated with the fans.
Manowar was also one of the first bands to incorporate symphonic elements into their music. DeMaio’s bass solos often featured classical music themes, giving Manowar’s music a grand and epic feel.
Their influence can be seen in the younger generations of heavy metal bands who have cited Manowar as one of their inspirations.
Joey DeMaio’s Bass Playing Style
Joey DeMaio’s bass playing style is distinctive and sets him apart from other bassists. He often uses a unique bass playing technique called “galloping,” where he plays two notes in quick succession, followed by a longer note. This technique gives his bass lines a fast and powerful feel, which suits Manowar’s style of music.
DeMaio’s bass solos are also an essential part of Manowar’s music. His solos are often long and feature intricate melodies and classical music themes. He has stated that he draws inspiration from classical composers like Beethoven and Wagner.
Joey DeMaio’s Love for History
Apart from music, Joey DeMaio is also passionate about history. He is a self-confessed history buff and has helped to incorporate historical themes into Manowar’s music. Many of his lyrics are based on historical events and legends, such as the battle of Waterloo and the Vikings.
DeMaio has also organized historical-themed shows, such as the “Warriors of the World United” event in 2002, which was a celebration of warriors from different cultures and periods in history.
Joey DeMaio’s Business Ventures
Joey DeMaio is not only a talented musician but also a successful businessman. He has founded his record label named Magic Circle Music. The label has released albums for many heavy metal bands and artists, such as HolyHell, Jack Starr, and Rhapsody of Fire.
DeMaio has also launched his line of energy drinks named “Kings of Metal.” The drinks are marketed towards the heavy metal fans and come in different flavors like “Blood of the Kings” and “Die with Honor.”
Charitable Contributions
Apart from his music and business ventures, Joey DeMaio is also known for his charitable contributions. He has donated a significant amount of money to different organizations, such as UNICEF and the Manowar Charity Trust, which aims to help children in need.
DeMaio has also been actively involved in organizing charity events and donating the proceeds to different causes. His efforts have helped to make a positive impact on many people’s lives.
Joey DeMaio’s Legacy
Joey DeMaio’s contributions to the heavy metal genre, music industry, and society as a whole make him a legendary figure. He is revered by many musicians and fans worldwide and has left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre.
His innovative bass playing style, epic lyrical themes, theatrical live performances, and love for history are some of the things that make him a unique and essential figure in the world of music.
Conclusion
Joey DeMaio is a talented musician, successful businessman, and philanthropist who has left a remarkable legacy in the heavy metal genre. His music, image, and innovative bass playing techniques have inspired many musicians and fans worldwide.
Through his music, Joey DeMaio has created a unique and epic world of warriors and battles that will continue to be loved by generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is Joey DeMaio’s net worth?
Joey DeMaio’s net worth is $10 million.
2. What is Joey DeMaio’s record label named?
Joey DeMaio’s record label is named Magic Circle Music.
3. What is Joey DeMaio’s line of energy drinks called?
Joey DeMaio’s line of energy drinks is called “Kings of Metal.”
4. Which organizations has Joey DeMaio donated to?
Joey DeMaio has donated to organizations like UNICEF and the Manowar Charity Trust.
5. What made Manowar unique from other heavy metal bands?
Manowar’s music and image were different from other heavy metal bands as they focused on themes of battle, valor, and honor instead of occultism and horror. Their live shows featured swords, fire, and other theatrical elements that set them apart from other bands.