Kevin Fayte

A sincere “thank you” for taking an interest in my musical endeavors.

I guess you’d call what I’m currently doing a “hiatus.” But I’m on the verge of retiring from working full time and my plan is to re-engage in music and to do some traveling. Both ideas excite me! I know I’ve been talking about it for a while now, but there really should be some new music for your tender ears very soon. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, I’ll try to continue to get more “live” videos up on my YouTube page. I just added my version of Hal Ketchum’s “Past the Point of Rescue” to my playlist last week. Check it out when you get the chance.

In case you lost your copy of the Trio’s CD, it’s an easy download from my bandcamp page . You might also enjoy my tribute to the late, great Joe Snare, “The Other.” I’ve been considering putting the old Rocket 8 album (1985, baby!) on my bandcamp page too. Drop me a line if you’re interested. Just click on the Contact Form link in the menu bar.

Thanks again for tuning in.

Kevin

If I had to cite a specific date, I’d say my career in music started in December of 1968, shortly after watching on TV what is now referred to as Elvis Presley’s “Comeback Special”. That Christmas, Santa brought me a Sears-Roebuck guitar and I’ve been chasing after the magic ever since.

If you search my name on YouTube you’ll find videos and recordings dating all the way back to 1983. That’s when I fronted a rockabilly trio immodestly named Kevin Fayte & Rocket 8. In 1985 that trio recorded an album of 20 originals that was later licensed to England’s Nervous Records, an independent rockabilly-only label. We followed that up with a contribution to a Nervous Records compilation LP, “American Rockabilly” which was later licensed and repackaged by Japan’s Jimco Records.

About this “Fayte” thing: honestly, if I’d known I’d be stuck with a stage name for the entirety of my musical career, I’d have chosen differently. It’s not my real last name — it rhymes with “8”, it made the band name sound catchy, and after fronting the band I was in for the couple years previous to Rocket 8, my ego wanted my name out front. Ugh. 20-somethings.

Over the course of my career, I’ve gotten to know and perform with some pretty interesting people. I was in a band with the guy who would go on to invent the Klon guitar effects pedal. He was replaced by a guy who ended up in the band Garbage. We did some recording at, and were on the periphery of, the whole cool Smart Studios era in Madison, Wisconsin (my hometown). And I’ve been in bands that opened for rock legend Eric Burdon of The Animals, and surf guitar legend Dick Dale.

These videos and more can be found on my YouTube channel. Please Like and Subscribe!

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2–5 p.m.
Fond du Lac Beer Co.
21 4th St Ct, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6–8 p.m.
Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen
132 Market St, Unit 100, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 6–7 p.m.
Mississippi Mayhem
N4985 County Road M, West Salem, Wisconsin 54669
https://mississippimayhem.com/

O Solo Mio
Yes, I’m still available as a solo act — just me and my guitar. If you’d like to have me perform at your venue, event, or even in your home for a group of friends, please use the contact form or email me at kevin@kevinfayte.com. Be sure to include the date, location, and nature of the booking (club, party, reception, etc.) in your inquiry. Thank you!