Charlie Dominici was an American singer best known as the second vocalist for Dream Theater, having succeeded Chris Collins (when the band was known as Majesty) and then being replaced by James LaBrie.
He also led his own Dominici band, which issued three albums. He died in November 2023, at the age of 72. Here’s a rundown of his life, work, net worth, wife, and funeral arrangements.
Charlie Dominici Early Life and Career
Charlie Dominici was born on June 16, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. He was enamored with rock music and the rock & roll way of life from a young age. He was a quick-witted, witty troublemaker who rose to fame in his hometown as a guitarist and singer for various bands.
He also earned attention for his reckless behavior, such as inciting a disturbance in a hotel, causing thousands of dollars in damage, and then avoiding paying for it. As a member of Franke and the Knockouts, a pop rock band that had several singles in the early 1980s, he rose to prominence.
He provided backing vocals and played guitar on their debut record, but thought he wasn’t given enough credit. He was invited to tour with them for their second record, on which he did not appear, but was later ejected off the tour owing to his boisterous behavior.
Charlie Dominici Dream Theater
Dominici auditioned for Dream Theater, then known as Majesty, a progressive metal band looking for a new singer after parting ways with Chris Collins in 1987. His audition was initially unsuccessful because he attempted to replicate Collins’ manner, which was out of his range.
He impressed the band with his improvisation skills, performing The Killing Hand, a song he had never heard before. He accepted the job and joined the band. Dominici appeared on the band’s 1989 debut album, When Dream and Day Unite.
He was, however, older than the other members of the band, and there were personal and creative conflicts at work. His pop singing style was deemed incompatible with the advanced direction that the band’s works were going.
According to Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, “It was like having Billy Joel singing in Queensryche.” They left amicably shortly after, a good singer in the wrong band. Despite leaving the music industry to work as a finance manager in the automobile industry, Dominici maintained contact with Dream Theater throughout their career.
Portnoy hired him to sing at his wedding to Marlene Apuzzo. He also began work on an album with his brother, guitarist Kane Daily, which was never completed. He uploaded a song named Now the Time Has Come on his website in 2003, but it was removed after a few months.
Dominici reunited with his former comrades onstage in Los Angeles for the first time in 15 years on March 6, 2004, for a special performance commemorating the 15th anniversary of the band’s debut album.
Along with LaBrie and former keyboardist Derek Sherinian, he performed on two songs, To Live Forever and Metropolis. Dream and Day Reunite was later released, and the DVD version included footage from the band’s 1989 tour with Dominici.
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Charlie Dominici Net Worth
Dominici’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million at the time of his death. He made the majority of his money as a solo artist and as a member of Dream Theater and Dominici.
He also had savings and investments from his prior employment as a finance manager. He was not known for living an opulent or lavish lifestyle, preferring to live quietly and concentrate on his music.
Charlie Dominici Wife
Dominici had been married to Lisa for nearly 40 years. They met in the late 1970s, when Dominici was a member of a small New York band. In 1981, they married after falling in love.
They have two children, a son, and a daughter, both of whom are now adults with their own families. Lisa was Dominici’s supporting and loving partner, and he frequently dedicated songs to her and acknowledged her in his albums. She was also his manager, and she advised him on professional choices. They stayed together till he died.
Charlie Dominici Cause of Death andFuneral Details
Dominici died at the age of 72 on November 17, 2023. The cause of his death was not revealed, but he had been battling a long-term illness, according to reports. He passed away peacefully at home in San Diego, California, with family and friends by his side.
Former DREAM THEATER Vocalist CHARLIE DOMINICI Has Died https://t.co/MiUjlwqJq5
— Metal Injection (@metalinjection) November 17, 2023
His funeral was held on November 21, 2023, at San Diego’s St. Francis of Assisi Church. His family, friends, and fellow musicians came to pay respect to his life and legacy. He was laid to rest in San Diego’s Greenwood Memorial Park.
Dominici will be remembered as a skilled and important singer who helped shape progressive metal and inspired many fans and musicians.
He was also commended for his bravery, wit, and friendliness, as well as his love and devotion to music. He left a broad and diverse record spanning five decades and multiple genres. His loved ones and fans will miss him terribly.
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