Lee Ving

Lee Ving

Lee Ving, born Lee James Jude Capallero on April 10, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American musician and actor. He is primarily recognized as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the influential Los Angeles-based punk rock band Fear. Ving's musical journey began in the late 1960s when he joined the Sweet Stavin Chain Blues Band in Philadelphia. During his time with the band, he performed alongside notable musicians like Michael Brecker and Eugene Busnar, sharing stages with legends such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Cream.

Early Musical Endeavors

Following his tenure with Sweet Stavin Chain, Ving relocated to New York City, where he formed the band Daybreak. In the mid-1970s, he moved to Los Angeles, a pivotal shift that led to the formation of Fear in 1977.

Fear and National Notoriety

Fear achieved widespread recognition following their controversial appearance on the Halloween 1981 episode of Saturday Night Live. The band was booked on the show at the insistence of guest host Donald Pleasence, who had been persuaded by former cast member John Belushi. During their performance, hardcore fans in the audience engaged in slam dancing and stage diving, causing damage to the set. The band's performance was cut short when SNL producer Dick Ebersol halted the live broadcast and replaced it with a taped rehearsal after a brief blackout.

Other Musical Projects

Beyond Fear, Ving has lent his vocals to other musical projects. He sang for the band MD.45, which also featured Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Jimmy DeGrasso of Suicidal Tendencies. A 2004 re-release of MD.45's work featured Dave Mustaine's vocals instead of Ving's. Ving also explored the outlaw country genre, performing with the band Range War. Prior to his involvement with Fear, Ving was a member of a six-piece blues group named Easy Love.

Acting Career

Lee Ving has also established a notable acting career. He starred as "Missoula" in Penelope Spheeris's 1987 film Dudes. Ving's connection to Penelope Spheeris extends to her 1980 documentary on punk rock, The Decline of Western Civilization, where he was featured as part of Fear. His filmography includes roles such as the strip club owner in Flashdance (1983), Mr. Boddy in Clue (1985), and a part in Streets of Fire (1984), among other film and television appearances. In 1983, he humorously portrayed an exaggerated punk singer in the comedy Get Crazy. Ving also appeared as "Jake Maguire" in an episode of the sitcom Who's the Boss and as a criminal in a police lineup in an episode of the short-lived Three's Company spin-off, Three's a Crowd.