'Music was in his blood.' Phil Naro, renowned local rock musician, dies at 63

Phil Naro, a local musician who played with some of the biggest rock stars of the '80s and '90s, has died. His family announced his passing in a statement posted to Facebook Monday. Mr. Naro was 63.

"Phil fought a valiant battle against cancer over the last few years but left this earth last night, surrounded by his family and closest friends," the family said.

A Rochester native, Mr. Naro was perhaps best known as the lead singer of the Buffalo-based band Talas, which toured with many of the '80s top hard rock attractions, including Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot and Iron Maiden. 

Mr. Naro, whose given name was Philip J. Sampognaro, was born in Rochester on March 13, 1958. He started playing in local bands when he was just 15, landing gigs at local clubs like the Penny Arcade while he was still a student at Eastridge High School in Irondequoit.

"I think music was in his blood," said Mr. Naro's friend and high school classmate Dan Derleth.  "It was something that he aspired to. He found a place where he could go and be himself."

More:Obituary for Philip Sampognaro, "Phil Naro"

Mr. Naro moved to Toronto after graduating from high school, answering a newspaper advertisement for a band seeking a singer.  He joined that band, Chain Reaction, which released two albums.

That led to an invitation to join Talas, which toured the U.S. and Canada for three years nonstop.  Bandmate Billy Sheehan described Mr. Naro as "one of the finest human beings I have ever known … a dear friend, spectacular singer and performer, songwriter, and lead singer."

The band reunited in 2019 and was working on a new album, which is scheduled to be released later this year.

"Phil fought like a champion and brilliantly performed and completed vocals for the album, in spite of shouldering the knowledge that he was in a serious health situation," Sheehan said. "He fought a valiant battle until the end, and inspired all who knew him to stay positive and keep going against all odds."

Mr. Naro was a prolific performer and songwriter, often collaborating with other artists.  

After Talas broke up, Mr. Naro wrote and sang on a number of recording projects with KISS founding member Peter Criss and later with Canadian rock band Coney Hatch. Mr. Naro also co-wrote and recorded several tracks with guitarist and founding member of The Rascals, Gene Cornish, and co-wrote three songs for Lee Aaron's 1989 Album, "Bodyrock," which went double platinum.

"Phil was one of these guys that bands sought out," Derleth said. "He was always willing to jump in."

Derleth said that Mr. Naro's work ethic and talent were apparent, but it was his four-octave vocal range that stood out.

"He could do ballads as well as heavy metal stuff," Derleth said. "He was like a chameleon. He could change his voice and intonation to fit any style."

One of his performances even won an Emmy Award: the theme song for the animated comedy series "6teen."

In between his time with other bands and solo projects, Mr. Naro played in a number of tribute bands, performing the music of Led Zeppelin, Yes and ELO.

"Some people in the industry wondered why I chose to work in tribute projects when I already had a career as a national artist doing original material," Naro told the music website Brave Words. "The reason was simple: it kept me working six nights a week in markets like Toronto and other major cities. That was the best exercise I could give my voice. I knew years ago, if you don’t use it; you lose it."

In 2016, Mr. Naro helped form The Platinum Rock All-Stars, with former members of popular '80s bands.  It includes drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), guitarist Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Asia, Guns N Roses), bassist Tony Franklin (Whitesnake, The Firm) and keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, Asia, the Buggles)

“We have only played a handful of shows together because of everyone’s hectic schedule, but I really love working in the All-Stars," Mr. Naro said. "Collectively the members have sold something like 130 million records, and we play all the hits of the groups that they came from. On stage, we have a blast and so does the audience.”

Mr. Naro is survived by two sons, James and John; his mother, Maria; his brother, Joseph; his nephew, Eric; and his companion, Cindy Tambe. 

A celebration of Phil's life will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield. Face coverings and social distancing protocols are required. The service will be livestreamed at www.holyspirit-saintjoseph.org/online-ministries.

Donations may be made to the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation-Team Zach, P.O. Box 1922, Midlothian, VA 23113 (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/PhilNaro). People are asked to visit www.profettafuneralchapel.com to share a memory of Mr. Naro.

Sean Lahman is a watchdog reporter for the Democrat & Chronicle, part of the USA Today Network.  Contact him at slahman@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @seanlahman.