MEET THE BAND
mark stein
KEYS / VOCALS
Mark Stein is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and driving force behind the legendary band Vanilla Fudge. Mark first founded Vanilla Fudge in 1966 at the age of 18, with members Tim Bogert, Vinny Martell, and Carmine Appice. In the short time they were together the band enjoyed giant success, including the legendary rock arrangement of You Keep Me Hanging On.
In classic rock circles, Vanilla Fudge is identified by Stein’s Hammond B-3 organ sound that helped bring the instrument into a prominent place in progressive rock. As a teen, Mark was influenced by Jimmy Smith when it came to jazz and funk, and Felix Cavaliere when it came to rock and soul.
Taking a hiatus from Vanilla Fudge in the 1970’s, Stein joined the Tommy Bolin Band, and later, Alice Cooper on his “Welcome to My Nightmare” Tour in Australia and New Zealand. Upon returning to the states Upon his return to the states, he hooked up with Dave Mason who produced Mark’s solo album on CBS Records in 1979. Mason then asked Mark to join forces with him and they toured and recorded for the better part of four years. Mark penned five tunes on Mason’s Old Crest on a New Wave album, which also had a guest vocal appearance on “Save Me” by Michael Jackson.
Stein also made guest appearances with Deep Purple, Steve Miller, Band, Carl Palmer with a tribute to Keith Emerson an even at one period in his career had sung on popular radio and TV commercials with Luther Van Dross. In 1983 Mark re-signed with Atlantic Records to do a Vanilla Fudge reunion album entitled Mystery. In 1987 the Fudge did a three-month U.S. tour and recorded an album during some of those dates “The Real Deal. The band appeared live at Atlantic 40th Anniversary show in May of 1988 at Madison Square Garden.
Vanilla Fudge reunited once again in 2005 and toured North America. The following year they recorded “Out Through the In Door” a tribute album to their old friends Led Zeppelin which garnered critical acclaim. In 2007 they were inducted by Felix Cavaliere into the Long Island Hall of Fame along with Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, and others.
The Vanilla Fudge celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2017 and are still rockin’. Dave Mason thinks of Mark as band family, having worked and recorded together. “Mark brings so much to the stage and to the music. The chemistry really works”, says Mason. And we are certain fans will feel the same.