Who we are
Fear Of The Dark is not merely an Iron Maiden tribute band; they are a true supergroup of elite, professional musicians from the Pacific Northwest, united by a shared passion to meticulously recreate the iconic Maiden sound with unparalleled authenticity, power, and stage presence. This is a band with an extraordinary pedigree and a proven, extensive track record at the highest levels of the music industry, promising a performance that transcends tribute into a full-scale heavy metal spectacle.
At the core of Fear Of The Dark are musicians whose individual accomplishments resonate across the landscape of modern rock and metal:
Craig Montoya (Bass): The original and multi-platinum selling member of Everclear, Craig was the rhythmic backbone of one of the 90s' most influential alternative rock bands. His basslines anchored hits like "Santa Monica," contributing to over 6 million records sold and 12 Top 40 hit singles, including the platinum-certified album Sparkle and Fade. Craig's extensive touring experience with Everclear saw him perform on major stages worldwide, bringing a powerful, melodic, and instantly recognizable groove that defined an era.
Nick Courtney (Lead Vocals): A commanding frontman, Nick served as the lead vocalist for power metal legends Vicious Rumors on several of their rigorous world tours and acclaimed albums, including Celebration Decay (2020). Known for his formidable vocal range and ability to deliver soaring melodies and aggressive power, Nick brings the intensity and theatricality essential to embodying Iron Maiden's vocal prowess. His experience fronting a globally recognized metal act ensures an authentic and captivating performance.
Mick Caldwell (Rhythm/Lead Guitar): A current and vital member of the classic hard rock band Black N' Blue, Mick plays the rhythm and lead guitar, contributing his formidable riffs and solos to their upcoming album and their celebrated live shows. His involvement with Black N' Blue connects Fear Of The Dark directly to the arena rock legacy of the 80s, demonstrating a deep understanding of powerful, melodic guitar work and high-energy stagecraft that perfectly complements the Maiden sound.
Tim De Quilettes (Guitar): An incredibly versatile and dynamic guitarist, Tim was a pivotal member of the hard-hitting rock outfits The Loyal Order and Black Powder County. With The Loyal Order, Tim contributed to a band that landed three Top 40 positions on the SMR charts and shared stages with rock icons like ZZ Top, Everclear, Sebastian Bach, and Powerman 5000. His experience in bands known for their powerful riffs and engaging live presence, coupled with extensive touring, provides the technical precision and aggressive edge crucial for authentic Maiden guitar harmonies.
Shane Smith (Drums): A powerhouse behind the kit, Shane brings a rock-solid foundation and explosive energy. As the former drummer for Violent Majority and Chronological Injustice, Shane honed his chops in the crucible of hard-hitting rock and metal, developing the precision and endurance required to tackle Maiden's complex rhythms and relentless tempos. Furthermore, Shane is the professional drummer for singer-songwriter Sarah Moon, performing live shows on her acclaimed album "Cut & Run". This demonstrates his versatility.
This collective caliber of talent ensures a performance that is far beyond a mere tribute; it's an immersive, high-fidelity experience that captures the intricate musicianship, soaring vocals, twin-guitar harmonies, and epic scope of Iron Maiden's legendary catalog. Each member brings their decades of professional touring, major-label recording, and large-scale stage experience to recreate Maiden's magic with surgical precision and electrifying passion.
Fear Of The Dark has consistently captivated massive audiences at national level festivals including Harefest, and Rock The Locks, solidifying their reputation as a top-tier act. Their extensive touring history spans countless sold-out venues across Washington, Oregon, California, numerous other US states, and even Mexico, demonstrating their widespread appeal, professional production capabilities, and reliable crowd-drawing power.
When you book Fear Of The Dark - The Ultimate Tribute To Iron Maiden, you're not just securing a band; you're investing in a guaranteed crowd-pleasing, high-production, and authentically heavy metal show delivered by an ensemble of musicians who have already proven their mettle on the biggest stages. Experience the legacy live – reborn with unparalleled power, precision, and the commanding presence only true rock veterans can deliver. Up The Irons!
