Complete List Of Missing Persons Band Members

Feature Photo: Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Missing Persons formed in Los Angeles in 1980, emerging from the influential Frank Zappa musical universe when vocalist Dale Bozzio, drummer Terry Bozzio, and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo united to create one of new wave’s most distinctive acts. The band achieved immediate commercial success with their 1982 debut album “Spring Session M,” which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and earned gold certification, propelled by MTV favorites “Words” and “Destination Unknown” both reaching number 42 on the Hot 100. Their sound blended Zappa’s complex musical sensibilities with accessible new wave pop, featuring unusual time signatures and Dale Bozzio’s striking visual presentation that made them early MTV stars.

The classic lineup solidified by 1982 with the addition of bassist Patrick O’Hearn and keyboardist Chuck Wild, creating the quintet that defined their signature sound. However, the band’s commercial momentum declined with subsequent releases “Rhyme & Reason” (1984) and “Color in Your Life” (1986), leading to their original breakup in 1986, coinciding with Dale and Terry Bozzio’s divorce. Over their initial six-year run, Missing Persons released three studio albums and established themselves as pioneers of the Los Angeles new wave scene alongside Berlin and The Go-Go’s.

Since the original breakup, Missing Persons has experienced multiple reunion attempts, with Dale Bozzio maintaining rights to the band name and continuing to tour and record. Brief reunions occurred in 2001-2003, 2009, and 2011, though Terry Bozzio declined participation in later revivals. Dale Bozzio currently leads Missing Persons with hired musicians, releasing recent albums “Missing in Action” (2014), “Dreaming” (2020), and “Hollywood Lie” (2023), while Warren Cuccurullo achieved significant success as a member of Duran Duran from 1986-2001.

Founding members (1980-1986)

Dale Bozzio

Dale Bozzio served as Missing Persons’ distinctive frontwoman and primary lyricist throughout their commercial peak. Born Dale Frances Consalvi on March 2, 1955, in Medford, Massachusetts, she was a founding member from 1980-1986, participated in reunions from 2001-2003, and has led the band from 2009 to present. Before joining the band, she worked as a Playboy Bunny and was named Boston Club Bunny of the Year in 1975. She contributed vocals to Frank Zappa’s “Joe’s Garage” in 1979 and “Thing-Fish” in 1984, where she met future husband Terry Bozzio.

Dale provided lead vocals on all tracks for the Missing Persons EP in 1980 and throughout the gold-certified “Spring Session M” album in 1982. On “Rhyme & Reason” in 1984, she handled lead vocals and co-wrote several tracks with Terry Bozzio and Warren Cuccurullo. She continued as lead vocalist on “Color in Your Life” in 1986, the band’s final original-era album.

Her career highlights outside Missing Persons include releasing the solo album “Riot in English” in 1988 on Prince’s Paisley Park Records, with the single “Simon Simon” reaching number 33 on the Billboard Dance Chart. She has continued recording under the Missing Persons name with albums “New Wave Sessions” in 2007, “Missing in Action” in 2014, “Dreaming” in 2020, and “Hollywood Lie” in 2023. She maintains an active touring schedule performing the Missing Persons catalog and was married to Terry Bozzio from 1979-1986, later having two children with Richard McKenzie.

Warren Cuccurullo

Warren Cuccurullo served as Missing Persons’ lead guitarist and primary songwriter, bringing sophisticated musical arrangements influenced by his Frank Zappa background. Born Warren Bruce Cuccurullo on December 8, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, he was a founding member from 1980-1986 and participated in select reunions in 2001-2003, 2009, and 2011. His father financed the band’s initial 1980 EP recorded at Zappa’s Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studios.

Warren provided guitar and vocals while co-writing all original material for the Missing Persons EP in 1980. On “Spring Session M” in 1982, he handled guitar and vocals as the primary songwriter alongside Terry Bozzio. For “Rhyme & Reason” in 1984, he contributed guitar and vocals while inventing “The Missing Link” guitar used on the album. He provided guitar and vocals on “Color in Your Life” in 1986, the band’s final original-era release.

His major career achievement came when he joined Duran Duran from 1986-2001, becoming an official member in 1989 and co-writing their biggest hits “Ordinary World” and “Come Undone” during their commercial resurgence. Before Missing Persons, he contributed to Frank Zappa’s “Joe’s Garage.” His other career highlights include multiple solo albums such as “Machine Language,” “N’Liten Up,” “Playing in Tongues” in 2009, and “Missing Person” in 2019. He formed the experimental band Chicanery with Neil Carlill, owns the Italian restaurant Via Veneto in Santa Monica, and participated in 2001 reunion recordings “Dark and Dangerous Guy” and “Throw Money.”

Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio provided Missing Persons’ rhythmic foundation and co-wrote much of their material, including signature songs “Walking in L.A.” and “Bad Streets.” Born Terry John Bozzio on December 27, 1950, in San Francisco, California, he was a founding member from 1980-1986 and briefly participated in a 2001 reunion before declining further involvement. His complex drumming style reflected his Frank Zappa training and helped define the band’s unique sound incorporating unusual time signatures.

Terry contributed drums, keyboards, and vocals while co-writing original material for the Missing Persons EP in 1980. On “Spring Session M” in 1982, he provided drums, keyboards, and vocals as co-songwriter on most tracks. For “Rhyme & Reason” in 1984, he handled drums, electronic percussion, and vocals while serving as producer. On “Color in Your Life” in 1986, he contributed drums, electronic percussion, synthesizer, and vocals as arranger.

Before Missing Persons, Terry was a member of Frank Zappa’s band from 1975-1978 and the progressive rock supergroup U.K. from 1978-1980 with John Wetton, Eddie Jobson, and Allan Holdsworth. His post-band career highlights include Grammy-winning work with Jeff Beck on the “Guitar Shop” album and an extensive solo career as drum clinician and instructor with multiple instructional videos. He has released solo albums “Drawing the Circle” and “Chamberworks” and was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1997. He is known for innovative large drum setups and technical prowess. Terry was married to Dale Bozzio from 1979-1986 and has declined participation in post-2001 reunions.

Patrick O’Hearn (Bass, Synthesizers)

Full Name: Patrick John O’Hearn
Born: September 6, 1954, Los Angeles, California
Tenure: 1981-1986
Duration: 5 years (joined after initial formation)

O’Hearn joined Missing Persons in 1981, completing their classic lineup and evolving from bassist to synthesizer player as the band’s sound became more electronic. His musical background included formal jazz training at Cornish College of the Arts.

Album Contributions:

Spring Session M (1982): Bass, electric bass, synthesizer, vocals
Rhyme & Reason (1984): Bass, synthesizer, vocals; transitioned more toward keyboards
Color in Your Life (1986): Bass, synthesizer, vocals on final original-era album

Other Career Highlights:

Frank Zappa band member before Missing Persons
Member of Group 87 with Mark Isham and Peter Maunu, blending jazz and new age
Contributed to Andy Taylor’s “Thunder” (1987) album
Acclaimed new-age/ambient solo career with 13+ albums including “Ancient Dreams” and “Between Two Worlds”
Film score composer for “White Sands” and “Silent Tongue”
Education: Studied with renowned bassist Gary Peacock

Chuck Wild (Keyboards, Synthesizers)

Full Name: Chuck Wild
Born: September 22, 1946, Kansas City, Missouri
Tenure: 1981-1985 (departed after “Rhyme & Reason”)
Duration: 4 years

Wild joined as keyboardist and synthesizer programmer, initially also playing electronic bass during the band’s first two years. His departure after “Rhyme & Reason” marked the beginning of the classic lineup’s dissolution.

Album Contributions:

Missing Persons EP (1980): Session keyboards
Spring Session M (1982): Keyboards, helped establish the band’s electronic sound
Rhyme & Reason (1984): Keyboards, synthesizer programming; final album with band

Extensive Session Career:

Worked with Michael Jackson (“HIStory”), Paula Abdul (“Forever Your Girl”), The Pointer Sisters, Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire)
Emmy-nominated composer for film and television
Solo career under “Liquid Mind” moniker, releasing 19 relaxation/meditation albums
Military service: 4 years U.S. Navy

Reunion and later members

2001-2003 Reunion Era

Ron Poster (Keyboards): Jazz pianist and organist, notably performed for Boston Bruins home hockey games. Contributed to “Lost Tracks” (2002) reunion material.

Wes Wehmiller (Bass): Warren Cuccurullo’s bassist who also served as touring bassist for Duran Duran (1997-2001). Participated in 2001-2003 “Missing Persons featuring Dale Bozzio and Warren Cuccurullo” formation.

Joe Travers (Drums): Replaced Terry Bozzio for 2002-2003 reunion after Bozzio’s brief 2001 participation. Previously toured with Duran Duran (1999-2001) and worked in Cuccurullo’s solo projects.

2009 Brief Reunion

Scheila Gonzalez (Keyboards) and Doug Lunn (Bass) participated in a short-lived reunion that included Dale Bozzio, Warren Cuccurullo, and Joe Travers returning on drums.

2011 30th Anniversary Tour

Prescott Niles (Bass): Member of The Knack, participated in 30th anniversary tour and continues with current Dale Bozzio-led lineup through 2023.

Fred Bensi (Keyboards): Continues from 2011 through current lineup, contributing to “Hollywood Lie” (2023).

Patrick Bolen (Guitar) and Andy Sanesi (Drums): Additional musicians for the 30th anniversary tour.

Current lineup (2023-present)

Dale Bozzio continues as lead vocalist, maintaining control of the Missing Persons name and legacy.

Karl D’Amico (Guitar): Current lead guitarist who co-wrote the title track for “Hollywood Lie” (2023).

Prescott Niles (Bass): Returning member from 2011, providing continuity from The Knack’s power-pop background.

Fred Bensi (Keyboards): Returning member from 2011, handling synthesizer duties on recent recordings.

Adam Hamilton: Primary producer and collaborator on recent albums “Dreaming” (2020) and “Hollywood Lie” (2023), contributing additional instruments and songwriting.

Album contributions timeline

Missing Persons EP (1980): Original trio plus session musicians including Chuck Wild, recorded at Frank Zappa’s studios and financed by Cuccurullo’s father. Sold 7,000 copies initially; Capitol reissue sold 250,000 units.

Spring Session M (1982): Full classic lineup’s masterpiece, featuring all five core members. Certified gold, peaked at #17 Billboard 200, with four charting singles including “Words” and “Destination Unknown” (both #42 Hot 100).

Rhyme & Reason (1984): Same classic lineup with Chuck Wild’s final contributions. Commercial disappointment despite successful touring; Wild departed afterward.

Color in Your Life (1986): Four-piece configuration without Wild, produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic. Featured minor hit “I Can’t Think About Dancin'” (#34 Dance Charts) but marked the end of the original era.

Missing in Action (2014): Dale Bozzio with session musicians, first new material in 28 years, produced by Billy Sherwood.

Dreaming (2020): Dale Bozzio with Adam Hamilton production, mostly cover versions with three originals.

Hollywood Lie (2023): Current lineup’s all-original album after 37 years, featuring Steve Stevens as guest guitarist.