The Modes

In Boston back in the 1980s lived a power-pop act called The Modes, a group that combined hard rock with melodic pop sensibilities. The band was formed by guitarist-singer-songwriter Steve Davidson after his stints in The Real Kids and Slash, both of which were popular attractions at Boston clubs, particularly at The Rathskeller in Kenmore Square. While the group enjoyed a remarkable upward climb, they wound up imploding in a tangle of business complications and artistic disagreements.

Their first single, “How’d We Ever Get So Girl Crazy?” b/w “Live Like You’re ‘Gonna Die Tomorrow,” featured Davidson and the band’s original drummer, Charlie Molinari. It received some regional airplay, sold reasonably well and, shortly after its release, bassist “Bunky” Mulkern joined. The trio become a quartet with the addition of singer-guitarist Ken Kozdra (later of New City Rockers), whose songs became integral to the band’s sound. When Molinari left, the band found a quick substitute with Phil “Dueg” Provost (brother of Thundertrain‘s bassist-guitarist).

A reinvention was on the horizon, however, and Davidson and Kozdra forged ahead mainly as a recording duo. Their songwriting skills and a self-produced video led them to be discovered at a music-industry convention, where they were invited to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record with famed producer Terry Woodford. Using their newly acquired credibility, they recruited a top-notch rhythm section to form what become the final incarnation of The Modes: bassist Andrew Mazzone, drummer Tom Major and keyboardist Wes Nagy. The band signed with a major record label, landed opening spots for many of top national acts and were assured that with the release of their forthcoming record, stardom would follow. Ultimately, however, various business missteps and a number of “creative differences” caused the band to self-destruct when they were on the brink of their national debut.