Interview with Seeker Vocalist Frankie D

April 10, 2020

Interview with Seeker Vocalist Frankie D

By Mick Michaels

I have known Frankie D for at least 40 years, maybe more. There was always a kinship between the two of us. In the 80s, as a teenager, I had the opportunity to play with him in a band called Seeker. We had a great time and never thought about tomorrow..we just did our thing and Frankie was the king of doing his own thing, as any one who knew him would tell you.

Seeker eventually split up in 1992 and everyone went on to do other things. But Frankie and I always stayed in touch. during the 90's we worked on each others homes and even tried to start a business together. In the early 2000s, I worked with Frankie again on some demo songs. By this time Frankie had moved from the Philadelphia area to Arizona. I went to visit and stay with him multiple times. In 2011 Seeker had gotten back together to do a short reunion to celebrate 25 years. In 2013 and 2014 Frankie and I worked on several EPs for the band Decypher. In 2019, we reunited once more as Heaven and Hell Records re-issued Seeker's 1989 EP, "Thunder Advocate," a mere 30 years after its original release. Frankie and the band were ecstatic to say the least.

When the new year began, doing a Cosmick View interview with Frankie about the Seeker reissue was being put together. However, timing and scheduling always seemed to be an issue to getting it done.
On March 4, 2020, Frankie was tragically killed in Arizona while working. It was a shock to all of us and still is.
The interview that follows was put together from a number of conversations and texts Frankie and I had over the last several months. My last conversations with him were in the immediate days right before his untimely passing.

I debated about releasing the interview as some may feel it inappropriate or in bad taste given the circumstances. However, I felt a need to pay tribute to my long time friend and former band mate. After speaking with the members of Seeker, we were all in agreement that this interview should be published.

R.I.P. Frankie D...there is an empty spotlight where you once stood but will always stand in my eyes and in my heart.

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Frankie! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

Frankie D: Thanks for having me Mick!

CV: What's the feeling like to have material you did from 30 years ago re-released in a brand new package? Did you ever consider the possibility?
FD: It’s all awesome! I’ve been reading all the reviews and I’m very grateful that this is all happening. I’m amazed at all the things Seeker has accomplished.

CV: What was your initial reaction when you received word that Seeker's EP, "Thunder Advocate" was getting a second run with Heaven and Hell Records?
FD: “That’s so fucking awesome”…Damn, what an awesome opportunity... I texted a friend in Scotland…I was excited. My next question was “How does it sound and when does it come out?” I also asked if we were getting any royalties…Hahaha!

CV: Any reservations about the music being re-released?
FD: None at all. Why should I have any? The music was great then and it still is. I’m thankful that the dream is being kept alive.

CV: How do you feel the music holds up to today standards?
FD: It sounds awesome…I even like “Midnight Tide”…Hahaha! It came out really well…it’s much cleaner at least to me. Everyone I sent it to loves it. My sister even ordered it and she can’t stop listening to it…LOL! Some reviews have compared my vocals to early Bon Scott and the music to Manowar. I never really listened to Manowar.

CV: What do you remember from your time back in the 80s with Seeker?
FD: Not a lot…LOL! I am truly grateful for where I came from and where I am now…Seeker was and is still a big part of that. We did so many things back then. I remember singing with Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers…being in the studio for the first time…playing Jersey (laughs), just giving our all every time we played. There is a lot of good shit to talk about.

CV: Do you see Seeker getting together again to make some new music? Does the reissue spark a possibility with the band's members?
FD: Well I live in Arizona and the rest of the band is in Pennsylvania. So it would make rehearsals kind of hard (laughs). But boy I would love something like that…definitely be willing to do something if we could work out the details. It would be awesome to sing…it would be a great opportunity…even just to think about. I’m planning to come out to PA this summer.

CV: Does music still play a big role in your life as it did back then?
FD: Music has always been in me, a part of me. Even though I am not as active as I once was I still get ideas and melodies in my head all the time. My biggest regret musically was not learning how to play an instrument like guitar. I tried several times…I would always get impatient and then give up.

When times are tough I definitely find some peace in music. We have to keep going no matter what, don’t we Mick? I have to keep going but it’s not always easy. But music seems to help keep me going.

CV: Thank you again Frankie for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

Check out Seeker at:
Official: www.seekermetal.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeekerMetal

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.