Fandango was an American pop rock band which began as a four-piece, playing in the local clubs in the Tri-state area: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut (circa 1976) before adding three more members prior to their first recording contract being signed in March 1977. It was fronted by vocalist Joe Lynn Turner (who by then had already changed his given name 'Linquito' through a suggestion by guitarist Rick Blakemore). Larry Dawson (stage name of Larry Dvoskin), one of the band's keyboardists, would later play for Uli Jon Roth. The band opened for acts like The Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie, Billy Joel, and Chicago. Phil Walden's Paragon Agency (who initially represented such artists as Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, and Sam & Dave in the early 60s) were responsible for booking Fandango. Turner has stated that the band took influences from the Eagles and southern rock. The group, after the release of their fourth album (Cadillac), disbanded shortly after their equipment was stolen at Chicago Fest. Turner's work with the band got him noticed by Barry Ambrosio (who was Ritchie Blackmore's personal assistant). He put Blackmore on the phone and asked Turner to audition for Rainbow. Discography Fandango (1977) Track listing Side One "Headliner" – (Denny LaRue, Rick Blakemore) – 3:40 "Down Down Down" – (LaRue, Blakemore) – 4:41 "Jesse And Will" – (Blakemore) – 4:49 "San Joaquin" – (LaRue, Blakemore) – 4:02 "Life Of The Party" – (music: Joe Delia / lyrics: LaRue, Joe Delia, Joe Lynn Turner) – 4:43 Side Two "Shadow Boxing" - (LaRue, Blakemore) - 3:01 "Helpless Heart" – (Carole Meyers, LaRue, Blakemore) – 4:07 "Devil Rain" – (LaRue, Blakemore) – 6:08 "Misery Road" – (LaRue, Blakemore) – 4:15 "Goin' Down For The Last Time" – (LaRue, Turner) – 4:11 Personnel Joe Lynn Turner – lead vocals, guitar Rick Blakemore – guitar, backing vocals Denny LaRue – keyboards, backing vocals Bob Danyls – bass (1, 3-5, 8, 9), backing vocals Additional Personnel David Campbell – string arrangements (3, 5, 7) Candy Kurgen – backing vocals (6) David Sanborn – saxophone (5) John Tropea – guitar (7, 10) Joe Delia – piano, clavinet, synthesizer, organ, string arrangements (10) Don Payne – bass (2, 6, 7, 10) Abe Speller – drums (all but 4) Lou Mondinelli – drums (4), tambourine (2, 7), handclaps] (7) Walter Santos – congas (2, 6) Lou Mondelli – marimba (9), congas