Veteran Singer Enjoying a 35 Year Career in Ever Changing Music Industry
By: Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer
For the better part of 35 years vocalist Nathan Utz has been able to use his God given ability to stay busy in the ever-changing music industry. The north Virginia native was barely out of high school when he moved to Myrtle Beach in 1986, relocating to Atlanta soon thereafter where his career would begin to take shape.
Answering an ad in a trade paper he met several other musical artists including longtime friend and guitarist Steve Taylor, all who were eager to cash in on the current hair metal band craze. After paying their dues for three years in and around Atlanta Blonz released their self-titled debut album in 1990. Despite receiving critical acclaim among the industry and cracking the Top 40 with ‘Last Call (For Alcohol), Blonz fizzled out as fast as they took off.
According to Utz it was all about timing. “If our album had been released a couple of years earlier, we’d be having a different conversation. But unfortunately for Blonz we came in at the tail end of the whole hair, glam band era. We were the caboose at the end of the hair band train.”
Opening gigs for Poison and Dokken introduced the band to a generation of fans, but with the musical landscape changing The Blonz had very little support. “Even though our debut album was well received our label said they couldn’t offer us much help with any follow up release.” Their album was produced by Steve Walsh and Phil Ehart of the band Kansas.
So, what changed? “The music industry is very much an industry and record labels thrive on making money. I think they saw what was on the horizon. The whole Seattle sound was beginning to emerge, and they became reluctant. The music industry is constantly changing. The 1980’s was the decade of hair bands like Bon Jovi, Cinderella, and Poison. All great bands. But the 1990’s gave us Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The Blonz hit just a little too late.”
Even though Blonz were lumped into the 80’s hair band generation they had a little harder edge, often described as a cross between Bon Jovi and Tesla. “Probably because we all brought something different into the group and we all had appreciation for different artists.”
Utz’ own musical appreciation runs the gamut. “Growing up I heard country and adult contemporary. I really got into singers like James Taylor. It was my older brother who introduced me to Kiss and Van Halen. I like to think I’m pretty diverse now.”
Although Blonz didn’t grasp the brass ring Utz was able to form relationships and kept busy in the entertainment field throughout the years, often splitting his time between Atlanta and Myrtle Beach. “Steve (Taylor) and I have worked on several projects together. Of course, Blonz, Chain Gang, and Mr. Natural.” I encourage fans to check out Mr. Natural‘s ‘Addicted to Shame’ video online. It’s downright awesome.
The past decade has presented three very separate and unique opportunities for Utz. Around 2015 he was asked to join Pandora’s Box a cover group billed as the Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Band. Although he carries a resemblance to Steven Tyler and can strut the stage like the Aerosmith front man, Utz was initially hesitant.
“I had to be talked into it. I had no intentions of joining the group even though they formed with some heavy hitters. Pulling off and icon like Steven Tyler can be overwhelming.” Utz who admits to being a natural showman reconsidered. “I warmed up to it, mainly because of all who were involved.” Perhaps some of his past experience proved beneficial. “I actually did dinner theatre at the Dolly Parton Theatre in Myrtle Beach and that helped bring about my larger-than-life personality.”
Utz adds after committing to Pandora’s Box he went full throttle. “To perform as Tyler, I decided to completely submerge myself. I want to give the audience the best show possible. Sometimes when I sing ‘Angel’ I’ll move into the crowd and sing the song to one particular woman, hopefully giving her a memory to take from the show. I just want everyone to have fun.”
Three years into establishing Pandora’s Box Utz got an offer he couldn’t turn down. Famed guitarist George Lynch (formerly of Dokken) was seeking another lead singer in his ever-revolving door of vocalists in Lynch Mob.
Again, mutual relationships paved the way for Utz. “Will Hunt from Evanescence and Slaughter's Jeff Blando turned me on to George. We used to play the circuit together back in the day. Will had seen me in Pandora's Box and loved the band. So anyway, he got a tip from Blando about George looking for a new singer to front Lynch Mob. He told him ‘I got the perfect guy’. Will sends him some videos of Pandora’s Box along with some songs I sang, and before long George is calling me up. It all happened fast.”
The gig in Lynch Mob lasted over a year before the pandemic slowed things down with Utz finding ground with his new band Resist & Bite which touts an impressive lineup including ex-Tesla axe-slinger Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Powell, guitarist Steve Stokes, and drummer David Parks. Utz was thrilled just to take part in Lynch Mob. “Let’s face it, the lead singer takes a back seat in any version of Lynch Mob. Fans are coming out to see the legendary guitar player.” In 2021, Resist & Bite released a debut album ‘The Myth I'm Livin’ garnering critical acclaim following the Monsters of Rock Cruise in February of 2022.
Although there are shades of their former glory in Resist & Bite, Utz adds they are contemporary. “Tommy and I have that whole 1980’s curse. But Resist & Bite is not a dated. There’s still a huge audience for heavier hard rock bands that lean towards metal. You’re not going to find us on Top 40 radio, but we’ve developed a huge fan base in a short period of time.” Utz says they even throw in songs from their former bands. “We’re a tight unit and we’re having fun. You might get a Blonz or Tesla song in the mix.”
Today Utz still switches back and forth between Pandora’s Box and Resist & Bite. “I love it. I love doing both. One weekend I’ll be out singing with Resist & Bite, maybe opening for another bigger artist, and the next weekend I’m up on stage performing as Steven Tyler.” A proclaiming Christian, Utz realizes where his talent and success come from. “Life is good. God has blessed me beyond measure.”
Nathan Utz will bring the Aerosmith experience to the Holy City as Pandora’s Box: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Band plays the Charleston Music Hall on Friday September 16th. “I’ve played in Charleston many times. I love that city. I have a nephew who lives there.”
What can concert goers expect? Their website with the tagline ‘Dudes Look Like’ is perhaps a pre-cursor to the experience. “All the guys in the band do their best to resemble the original Aerosmith members at certain times over their long history. Steve will sometimes where a wig or a hat to step into Joe Perry’s role.”
Of his portrayal Utz admits, “I’m somewhere in the middle since I’ll be 53 soon. I put on the whole yard sale flashiness that is Steven Tyler. He’s known for his exotic look, and I do my best to pull it off. Pandora’s Box is a powerful band onstage, and we want everyone who comes out to see us leaving with nothing less than an awesome experience.”
Pandora’s Box play the historic Charleston Music Hall 8pm Friday September 16th. For more on Pandora’s Box visit their website at https://pandorasboxtribute.com/about/
