Blue Island, Illinois’ own Enuff Z’Nuff was originally formed by singer Donnie Vie and bassist Chip Z’Nuff some 42 years ago. And while they enjoyed massive MTV airplay during the first self-titled record’s cycle, it was their two radio hits – “Fly High Michelle” (Billboard #47) and “New Thing” (Billboard #67) – that catapaulted the quartet into veritable headliners across the globe. Sadly, their sophomore effort ‘Strength’ (1991) didn’t sell as well and eventually led to their exit from Atco Records. The band would issue one more record – ‘Animals with Human Intelligence’ (1993) – before releasing a slew of records on much smaller indie rock labels.
Although there has been great turmoil since Vie’s exit in 2002 to go solo, he has been quite prolific releasing a handful of well-received records under his namesake. For those looking for a point of entry into his own solo work, Vie’s fabulous ‘Just Enough!’ (2003) is highly recommended. Additionally, he has toured and gained quite a cult-like following releasing his own brand of power pop. For those paying attention, Vie has also been featured on countless Enuff Z’Nuff compilations featuring studio outtakes, live offerings, and rare versions of previously recorded songs.
As luck would have it, the 60-year old singer / songwriter will be playing four West Coast shows featuring guitarist Alex Kane of Life, Sex & Death and drummer Jesse Mendez Jr. from Newsted. Cities included on the brief itinerary are The Boardwalk in Orangevale on 4/11, Baltic Kiss in Richmond on 4/12, Fulton 55 in Fresno on 4/13, and the infamous Rainbow Bar & Grill in Hollywood on 4/14.
We caught up with Donnie as he was preparing to go on the road.
Capital Chaos TV: Enuff Z’nuff had a great run on Atco Records even though only two full-length records were released. Did your record deal allow for full tour support and living expenses while on the road and in between albums?
Donnie Vie: Yeah. We had a full-blown $12 million dollar / 8-record deal with Atco / Atlantic. How that really turned out is a whole different story, but we had everything we needed for making the record, the videos, and all the other living costs. Only just recently and in the last couple of years, did we start making royalties off those songs again. I became a little wiser over the years when it comes to finances and business.
Capital Chaos TV: What were some of your most memorable tour moments?
Donnie Vie: The first headlining show at the Marquee in London sold-out and was on my birthday. That was amazing. I do believe one of our videos might have came out that day, too. It was pretty special seeing our video debut on MTV. Watching the tour bus pull up for the first time was pretty cool as well. The Arista Records deal was more special to me because I looked better (laughs). That’s when I peaked (as far as my outward looks go) and we got featured in magazine centerfold pull-outs.We got full tour support and went out with Def Leppard in arenas. They were one of the coolest bands I ever met and probably the most talented band we ever toured with. I love them.
Capital Chaos TV: Are you able to make money today from the Enuff Z’Nuff back catalog?
Donnie Vie: We got our first two records back from from Atco / Atlantic as that contract finally expired. It’s a long story of why we were so in debt so badly, but they (the label) were getting all the residuals for the longest time. We never did any other publishing deals besides the two initial ones. Neither one actually did nothing for us and they never placed any songs on TV or film of any magnitude. In the very beginning, I think a couple of songs were used in a couple shows, but that was it. I thought the catalog was too good for it not to be worked. We’re currently looking at a big publishing deal.
Capital Chaos TV: Could you and Chip ever make amends or is that conversation off the table? Would be wonderful to have you, Vikki and Chip back together for a proper tour.
Donnie Vie: I’m not going to go too far into that stuff anymore because I’ve cried and whined for so long. Whenever I see bands do that, I think that guy looks lame. If anybody knew the magnitude of what was done to me, you would understand burying the hatchet is not happening anytime soon. I’ll bury it for sure, but where I’ll bury it, I still don’t know. As far as plugging in with Chip again, it would have to be abundantly worth it. It would be like getting back together with my ex -wife. In any case, the answer would be no thank you and have a good one. As far as drummer Vikki Foxx ever playing with me again, that would never happen.
Capital Chaos TV: You’re doing four West Coast shows in April. What other tour plans for 2024?
Donnie Vie: I have three more in upper New York in the beginning of May 2024 and there’s some some support dates later with Zebra. I am also playing one of those big pot conventions at the end of the Summer. There’s a lot more stuff coming.
Donnie Vie plays The Baltic Kiss located at 135 Park Place in Richmond on Friday, April 12th. Support acts to be announced. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. All ages are welcome. For more info visit www.donnievie.com and www.baltickiss.com.
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Eddie Jorgensen
Categories: Donnie Vie, Interviews, News
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