Fastball - The Biography

Fastball is made up of three guys, Miles Zuniga, Tony Scalzo and Joey Shuffield (left to right in the picture to the right). Originally from Austin, save Tony who hails from Orange Co. CA, the trio have seperately been in and out of various Austin bands.
If 6 degrees of seperation were a true philosophy, these three practically define it. Miles had played in a slew of moderately successful bands (by local, independent standards) including Chinese Cowboys, Band from Hell, Big Car and Go Dog Go (the latter two alongside current Fastball drummer, Joey Shuffield)

After Big Car went their seperate ways, Joey ventured off to join an Orange Co. band called Beaver Nelson, whose previous drummer didn't click, and met up with bassist Tony Scalzo. Tony who'd left playing the local Austin scene joined the Beaver Nelson in 1993. (Ironically enough, Big Car's bassist, who'd played with Joey and Miles, left to join Beaver Nelson because of prospects of a record deal) With Tony currently solo and out of work, and Joey's friend from home doing the same, some brainstorming took place and by some freak coincedence, they found their way to each other. And the rest is as they say, history.

Now just because they had the drive and potential to become a really great band, the road paved to success was hardly gold at first. They'd originally planned on going under the name Magneto. But someone tipped them off there was already a well established Mexican band by the name of Magneto, so the fellas then added the USA. They'd been playing in Austin as Magneto USA (a name I rather prefer, but what are ya gonna do?) before signing on with Hollywood Records. Hollwyood Records execs didn't like that idea and decided the guys to change their name altogether. In a fleeting moment of last minute decision making, the name Fastball popped out. Thus began recording for the Lounge-A-Palooza and American Werewolf in Paris soundtracks. When the guys had more time to contemplate a band name, it proved to be too late. After previously recording under the name Fastball, it would've been unwise to change the name again. And to finally bring this long story to an end, Fastball is what they're stuck with, and aside from the various baseball cliches, no one's complaining.

expecting a new addition to the family in June of 98. Tony Scalzo

Bass, also writes and sings half of Fastball's songs.
Tony is currently married to the lovely Nanette and are (congratulations Tony) Tony has been unknowingly dubbed the group's leader, although the band's decision making appears to be a three sided effort, I think it's due to the success of "The Way", which is a song Tony wrote and sang.

Miles Zuniga

Guitar, writes and sings the other half of Fastball's songs.
Miles seems the "fun" member of the group. Being quite vocal, Miles doesn't seem to hesitate when it comes to speaking his mind. How could you not like the guy? Musically he seems extremely comfortable, he also has the perfect amount of arrogancy that comes off as endearingly confident, which would be why we think he's the most outspoken of the three.

Joey Shuffield

Drummer
The ever elusive Joey, strong and silent seems to best describe this guy. That and his almost boyish good looks has made him a favorite among girls/women. Joey is not known to talk, and some of us wonder if he even talks at all. But he's always smiling, which seems to protrude the fact that he feels comfortable letting Miles and Tony take the spotlight, which is that much more attractive about him.

The guys are just great, there aren't enough ways to describe how they make a fan feel. When these guys say the fans are what keeps them going, believe it. Seeing them live, meeting them in person, has never been a letdown. I highly recommend you see them live, if you think their albums are great, their performances will blow you away. And so will their genuine personalities.