It's almost impossible to turn on the T.V, and not hear something about The Last Standing. This quintet of rockstars has brought about a revolution to the music world, that had not been hit with such an impetuous fury since The Beatles. It is believed by many music buffs, that The Last Standing could be the pinnacle of alternative music for the next generation (while wickedly ticking off the older folk. heck yeah!) Their sound is almost a submodality. A smooth blend of underground 90's, Chicago Blues, and heavy metal, mixed with ambiguous, yet deep, lyrics. Nothing like the cookie-cutter, tired cliche's of lost love, and bad haircuts todays groups bring says Rolling Stone. Even seasoned music professors of classical theory, have said that their sound and ambiance have turned them to the rock; inspiring them to include their songs in class curriculum.
But what makes The Standing what it is? The press attention? The epic, world wide fan base? No, those are simply side effects from sheer fame. What makes The Standing so spectacular, is it's members: Jordan Ottman, Dulce Maldovan, Rio Barras, Darian Zanias, and Zachary Richards. Each man simply drips talent and appeal, like succulent juices that hungry (and envious) aspirations wish to lap up. Ottman is the founder, and the rhythm guitarist. Maldovan is the co-founder and siren, with vocal chords of gold. Barras is the fiery, passionate, lead guitarist Maldovan discovered in a London Bar. Zanias is the bad boy bassist, who causes drama and scandals as a hobby. Richards is the soul-filled drummer, ex member of the Gundiggers. Together, they have personally revolutionized the rock scene as we know it. Read further, to meet each of these musicians up close, and, personally.
Meet Darian Zanias
Darian Zanias was born January 2nd, 1975. Is a bass guitarist and vocalist for The Last Standing, and played in the bands Epic Revolutions and Memphis Lite.
Zanias was born in Boston Massachusetts to Rita Powell and Jhonen Zanias, Powell was a Native American studies professor at The University of Massachusetts, and Zanias SR was the son of a migrant worker that fled to Santa Monica in hopes of living out the American Dream. Zanias has one other sibling, fashioned model and actress Christina Zanias, who happens to be five years younger than him. Between the two, Zanias is said to be the only one who speaks fluent Spanish, having attached himself to the Mexican side of his genealogy more so than Christina. He commically states that " he's too lazy to take on two ethnic practices, so why not choose the worlds favorite slacker?" however Christina has claimed that he "chose to do the complete opposite of what she did." Zanias was deemed as a 'problem child' by his parents by the time he turned six, and was prescribed Ritalin for ADHD. This was the beginning of his "addiction" in his late teen years, he claims.
By the time he was fifteen, Darian had experimented with nearly a dozen recreational substances, which he has said decided to live his life for him by the time he reached the age of twenty one. It is known that he has been in and out of rehab for his longtime addiction to various substances, however he believes that his addiction has become worse due to his treatments. Zanias has been threatened to be thrown into 'certain drinkers' Anonymous by his band mates, however he has never shown signs of severe 'consuming liquid issues'.
Zanias has never been married, but has been seen with models such as Kiki LeFoe, Jessica Rodriguez, and Elane Powell; as well as A-list actresses like Opena Freeman, Lola Rice, and Emily Donahue. In mid 1999, blunt rumors about his lifestyle arose due to the addition of Rio Barras to the Last Standing, however Zanias denies any accusations of the sort. They can "barely stand to be in the same room let alone in the same bed."
Famous siblings
The Zanias siblings are said to have the worst rivalry of any family i n the entertainment industry, Darian blames his parents, while Christina blames his attitude as they were growing up. On his side, he claims that his parents played favorites…supporting 'Princess' Christina's modeling and acting career with eager zeal, and leaving him to fend for himself by the time he reached the age of eleven. However, in a recent interview with Star Magazine, Christina claimed that the only reason Darian felt alienated in the family was because he made himself that way. Their parents never favored one over the other, he just established a distance from them and they respected it. Whether or not that is true, both siblings have con firmed that the end of their rocky relationship was fueled by their parent's rather vicious divorce. Neither Darian or Christina have publicly addressed the reasons behind the split, or why it destroyed their communication--however it is known that both only speak to each other through their agents and lawyers.
The drama hasn't ended between them however, both have made the headlines of magazine's all across the country due to their malicious mudslinging. Fans of each seem to enjoy the gossip, and some even try to prove them as facts. Darian has the largest group of 'theory-fans', who run a site called "The Zanias Code" which deciphers every thing the musician says about his sister.
The most popular rumor, is the meaning behind The Last Standing's 'Catapult' which is a song written by Zanias and Maldovan about being violently flung out into the world , against your will, by a 'catapult.' Fans claim it is about Zanias' relationship with his sister, while others claim it has to do with the 'mystery' of Maldovan's childhood. Neither confirm, nor deny, these rumors. Due to this particular fan base, Zanias has taken it upon himself to speak with strict ambiguity about his sister when in public. One reason, to keep himself from a lawsuit brought on by Christina, and another to keep the fans entertained.
Even Christina has flooded the grapevines lately, with a very taboo rumor. In her recent film Pitchpont, it is claimed that she can be heard whispering "you made me a woman Darrin." during her character's most emotional scene, instead of " you made me a woman Aaron." Though her agent declines these "preposterous accusations" there is a credible source that says she did mutter those words, simply to take down his reputation. Some how, this only made him more appealing to his growing fan base.
Professional career
When Zanias was eleven, he attended Davenport Middle school outside of the city, where he was placed in the schools concert band by therapist recommendation to help 'channel his energy.' He started off on the drums and was quickly switched to the school's jazz band after the band director noticed how talented he was at sight reading and holding rhythm. Darian was introduced to the electric bass guitar by a fellow band member, which he states was "love at first sight."
When Zanias was fourteen (1989), he started his first band called the 'Epic Revolutions' which consisted of his High School class mates (before he dropped out) Don Tirbelt (guitar), Shawn Avery (vocals), Paul Jackson (keyboard), and Justin Reeman (drums.) Revolutions was popular amongst the underground punk rock circuits in Boston, Providence, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. In 1993, the band split up despite their popularity due to a bitter feud between Zanias and Jackson. Shortly after, Zanias' parents filed for divorce…which split up an already unstable relationship between him and his sister.
In 1996, Zanias joined up with a traveling Blues Trio called "Memphis Lite," which consisted of himself on bass and vocals, Marshall Seethes (guitar/voals) and Tyler Banks (piano/keyboard) Then in 1999, Zanias was discovered by scouts for Albion Records where he was recruited as the bassist for the rising rock stars, The Last Standing--and still remains.
In August of 2005, Zanias was approached by Diesel Jeans Company to sponsor and model their various clothing lines. He has also appeared in many of Maldovan's magazine's spreads, as many photographers have claimed that the 'contrast' of the two in physical means, is "truly appealing." "The Beauty and the Beast appeal" as Zanias humorously states.
Rumor has it (and has been confirmed) Zanias will be a judge on American Idol, and he couldn't be more thrilled. "It's not just hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly, or watching a star bloom" he said at a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, about his reaction with the offer, " Simon Cowell ain't gonna know what hit him when I take that seat!"
Discography
With Epic Revolutions
- 1990: Hysteria
- 1991: Kinetics
With Memphis Lite
- 1996: Angelo Davis
- 1997: Moonlight on the Bayous
- 1998: Tongue Switch
With The Last Standing
- 2000: The Last Standing (the first to leave)
- 2001: And The Academy says…
- 2003: Access Denied
- 2005: Hallucinotorious
(Snippets of interviews and articles about Darrin over the years!)
Zanias speaks out about life, career, love
By Heather Killman Seventeen Magazine, 2005
(summarized intro) "Darian 'Darrin' Zanias was recently voted Billboards top five bassists...award winning musician...took time to speak with us in NYC. I can see why his fans are so swooned by him...unusual personality...steller looks.
HK: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me today Darrin
DZ: Oh don't mention it.
HK: It's safe to assume you've never done an interview for a teen magazine?
DZ: I did a small photoshoot for Teen People with The Standing, but that's all. I'm sort of surprised that your demographic is into our sound.
HK: Oh we definitely follow a lot of rock bands believe it or not! We're not just all pop bands.
DZ: (laughs) Well forgive me for the assumption then.
HK: So tell us Darrin, hows life going for you?
DZ: I can't complain. I'm still above ground, and I'm doing something I love. Well, moderately. There are some things about my industry that I don't like too much.
HK: May I ask what?
DZ: More or less the whole stereotype you get when you're in a band. If you're anything but pop, you're automatically considered a sell out and a poser to the so called 'die hard' fans.
HK: You've been called a sell out?
DZ: Not to my face, but I've heard it along the grape vines from various sources. What these so called 'punks' and 'rockers' don't know, is without our sound being generated through records and live shows, there wouldn't even BE the scene. No one would hear the danged sound and decide they liked it!
HK: So pretty much, you don't believe anyone is a sell out?
DZ: Exactly. The only way I'd call an artist a sell out is when they lose their soul to the product, and not the music. Like...when a group preforms purely for money, and not for the distribution of their sound to their public. Bands that manipulate their sound just to please the mainstream is a gray area to me. They can go both ways.
HK: I've never thought of it that way!
DZ: Well hey, it's just my opinion.
(we both laugh)
HK: So where are you living when you're not on tour?
DZ: I live in Edenburgh Massachusetts, which is a slightly larger city than Boston, and about fifty miles North. Basically all five of us (from The Standing) live there, Dulce's got property in Kansas, New York, L.A, and Florida as well but, he tends to stick around the Burgh more. I I own a three floor penthouse at the top of a 76 story complex, overlooking the ocean on one side and part of the downtown on the other. Personally, I'd prefer to live where Rio is, because his view of the city is a heck of a lot nicer than mine. I visit him a lot just to get the view--well-when we're not at odds that is.
HK: Why not move there then?
DZ: I think Rio and I would kill eachother. I'm not even kidding you.
HK: Anything you do to kill time?
DZ: When I'm not on tour, or basically working for that matter, I'm probably the laziest person you'll ever meet. I don't really...move...unless I have to. I'll go out, sure, but I don't do too much. I'll take a blues joint over an upscale bar any day. I'm not a club hopper by nature, the only times I'll do that is when I'm with someone else and they're too restless to stick in one place. I really like classic, old movies...and REALLY badly made slasher flicks. The kind where the acting is stuffy and blood spews like venetian fountains for NO reason. I collect vintage basses and guitars, as well as vinyl. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, KISS, Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Hendrix, The Doobie Brothers, classics you know? I'd REALLY love to find a record player but, I think they're extinct.
HK: So you collect music pretty much! Anything else?
DZ: Comic books. Yes, I'm a comic geek. DC, Marvel, Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Aeon Flux, Sin City, you name it. I probably have it.
HK: Any extremely rare ones in that collection?
DZ: Nah, I'm trying to locate a first edition Superman, but every dealer I go to won't take my offers.
HK: What are you offering?
DZ: Probably more than I make in a year (laughs) I'm kidding. A lot.
HK: And they turn you down every time?
DZ: Well, just goes to show you that fame doesn't mean everything. I really can't get everything I want!
HK: Speaking about fame, we've been wondering, if you could leave The Last Standing for any other group, would you?
I've been asked this many times and honestly? If I could take The Standing's pay and fame and combine it with my time in Memphis Lite, I would. I love the blues, I live for it basically. Everything I play or sing has blues influence, if you couldn't tell. Rock, yeah, it's fun, but it's too constricting for me. I like the loose, improvised sound of jazz and blues far more. In fact, I'd go back with Memphis Lite if I could, but, I'm bound by Albion's contract. That and, well, those five idiots have become my family. My, very dysfunctional god-I-want-to-kill-them-90%-of-the-time family.
HK: Do you still have contacts with Memphis Lite?
DZ: Mm-hm. They've opened for us a few times on my request. Jordan wasn't really feeling it, but, luckily everyone else was for it.
HK: Is their replacement anywhere near as good as you?
DZ: If I can remember, she's pretty danged good, but she doesn't have that it factor I have!
HK: Were there bitter feelings when you left for The Last Standing?
DZ: Nahhh not really, it's sort of expected in this industry. If something that'll help you out comes along, you'll go for it. The pay was nice with Memphis, but, even Marshall was saying 'Darrin, you've really got it going on, why are you wasting your time with us here?' I think I prevented any distaste when I told them I'd help get them established once The Standing came into the picture.
HK: How much help did you do?
DZ: They're pretty well known in the blues circuit now. They're probably the 2000's version of Morphine.
HK: So you're pretty much the 'soul' of The Last Standing? The Blues Brother?
DZ: Yep. I'm a self proclaimed blues aficionado. You name the artist, and I bet I can list off five songs they've done. I absolutely LOVE the blues.
HK: Any chance that the band will ever do a bluesy song for you?
DZ: Mmm we've done a few covers, but nothing that's ever put on our albums.
HK: Not even on bonus tracks?
DZ: Nah. But you do get five minutes of me and Rio soloing.
HK: So when are you expecting Halluconotorious to come out?
DZ: In October it should be released in The States, and bu November, world wide.
HK: This is really random but, how do you feel about that Guitar Hero game?
DZ: I am complete crap at it.
HK: No way.
DZ: No, seriously, I'm awful at it. I can play every single one of those songs on the actual thing, but apparently I can't press five flippin' buttons in time. Rio and Jordan are great at it, but, not me.
HK: So about Rio, The Zanias Code says that your sister and he are a couple. This true?
DZ: For his sake, I truly hope not.
HK: Could you tell us what really happened between you and Christina?
DZ: My mouth ain't opening in regards to my sister, sorry
HK: No problem! So, Darrin, is there anyone special out there with you?
DZ:Why you interested?
(we both laugh)
DZ: But no, I'm not really into talking about my love life.
HK: Not even a hint?
DZ: Well, I guess I can just say this, I'm single
HK: Hear that ladies? Bad boy Zanias is avaliable!
DZ: Come and get me (laughs)
HK: Well, Darrin, thanks so much again for the interview. it's really an honour to meet someone like you.
DZ: Not a problem, pleasure's all mine.
(formating in this section inspired by Lexy!)
The coat
Despite how ridiculously feminine this coat is, Darrin is always seen with it; even if it's NOT on him. The Zanias Code has established the long running rumor that claims the coat was his father's from the 70's and as a child, he took a complete fascination for it. When Jhonen and Rita divorced, the coat took an even deeper meaning to Darrin, thus he keeps it around at all times. Sort of like a security blanket in so many ways. When People, and Star Magazine asked him about the website's claim, he neither confirmed or denied it; just simply smiled and laughed. Nevertheless, this coat has been following Darrin around since his days in Memphis Lite.
Riv the Juma
Is this cute little critter a gift from a fan? Something Darrin picked up at a shelter? No one knows! Rumor has it, 'Riv' as he's called, was given to Darrin by his band mate Rio, after he discovered he couldn't take on the responsibilities of owning a Juma. That, and it's highly well known that Rio is more of a cat person than a dog. Darrin seems to adore Riv, who has only recently shown up at his side. Like his coat, where ever he goes, Riv goes. Darrin has said that "Riv is the closest he has been to loving something." It's interesting though, if The Zanias Code rumor is true, how Rio is spanish for River, and the juma's name is Riv. Coincidence?
A pair of Fendis
A nice pair of Fendi's are a great way to cover up those dialted pupils from a long night of...um...well you know. Sunglasses are like the icing on the cake for Darrin, it's almost impossible to see him without a pair over his eyes, or resting on top of his head. Some say the shades give him that mystique, others say it really fits that blues aura he exudes. Whatever the opinion, everyone agree's that Darrin Zanias just wouldn't be the same without his shades!
XB6BK Bass
Of course, being a bassist, the bass guitar is one of Darrin's most prized possesions of all, however, this particular one is nothing ordinary to him. It's a well known fact that Darrin collects ever guitar and bass his fingers have touched, he owns seventy five vintage and newer models to date, however this particular model--with the silver flames--is actually the oldest guitar he owns. Darrin has had this one since he was twelve years old, as a gift from his father once he showed interest in playing the bass. Like his coat, it has traveled with him for years...from Epic Revolutions to Memphis Lite. Nowadays, it's not in the best of shape, and it gives off an incredibly "tinny sound" as he says, but he cherishes it as if it were his own child. He may not preform with it anymore, but it's never to far away during a show. Darrin has said in a few interviews that he considers it a "good luck charm.
Rio Barras
Darrin and Rio have a love hate relationship, that has lead to a number of scandalous rumors. Whether or not you believe their 'life style questions', they're an entertaining pair to follow. One minute, they're peacefully co-existing back stage, the other, they're literally at eachother's throats and spitting venom. Darrin has said on various accounts that he be 'bored' without Rio around, therefore justifying him as a semblance of a friend. A very abused/abusive friend.
Jordan Ottman
Like Rio, Jordan and Darrin have a rocky relationship, however Jordans is far more hate than love. To be honest, Darrin fully believes a monkey could do Jordan's job, while Jordan believes that Albion Records has fifteen other bassists that could easily replace Zanias. They're more or less pleasant to eachother in person, and when in public...but the moment they're behind their own closed doors, the truth shines bright.
Dulce Maldovan
Dulce and Darrin get along the best, because Darrin often treats Dulce like a younger brother. Whether he asks for it or not, Darrin is often seen aiding Maldovan during tough times, or leanding an ear when he wants to complain. Darrin also treats Dulce's younger brother, Etienne Dauterieve, with the same protective zeal as Maldovan, and, Segala do. In his eyes, where he went wrong with Christina, Dulce makes up for. Even though he tends to grate on Maldovan's last nerve a lot.
Darrin is an intense character, loosely and very abstractly based off Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream. His substance problems are far more played out in the RP realm, than they come across here on Neo. They can be incredibly unsettling
Darrin's rude. Enough said
Darrin is exceedingly famous, think of him at the level of any mainstream rock star out there. He is not going to approach your character randomly, unless they really catch his attention. Fame has gone to his head as unfortunate as it is. He enjoys meeting people at signings and shows, but the likelihood of him randomly running into your character and stopping to chat is very slim. Take the initiative!
He's not interested in romance. Or is he?
Darrin is mainly played as a human
Behold the Stand Alone Rocker! This pet page award goes for sites that are out of this world (and I mean it!)
- Completed pet page (semi complete get silver or bronze)
- Interesting story/character
- Adoptables of your own
- Interesting layout/art that works in ALL browsers
- A link to Darrin's page
Not too shabby eh? Just drop me a line and I'll take a look at the page in question! This is NOT lupes only, so anyone can give it a try! Go on, give it your best shot! Winners so far:
| Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| Fiearius | None | None |
Awards won
Thank you so much! If you feel Darrin and I deserve an award, please drop me a mail :)
POW. Guitar Heros. It's a shame that Darrin is utter rubbish at this game.
RULES FOR ALL:-No contest entering
- No removing my links
- I have two watermarks for a reason
- No shirts on quad lupes!
- SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU. MANNERS O_X;
- DO NOT. I repeat. DO NOT TAKE OFF NEOPETS
- Don't challenge Darrin to a game of Guitar Hero.
- No placing buckets over their heads.
- Don't let them break the guitar after a concert please, it costs money.
- No groupie mingling. That's gross
- They might get carried away playing Freebird
- If their amps go to eleven, then tell me. I'll just make ten louder. (But...eleven...)
Reeed red wine
Feelin' blue? here's the perfect dude for you.
Ugh I'm so freaking green with envy...
The streets are paved in gold! Oh wait, you're yellow. how lame.
Livin' in the shadows baby
Real men wear pink. Or so a lot of people say anyways.
YOU try playing nine sets and smelling good...
Poor Emo kid. ...How did this get here?
Purple and orange look amazing.
For the B list celebrities that arn't quite gold :)
Why you little rockin' fox.
Rock king
Rock queen
...I know what you're thinking, and I'm not. Don't believe those tabloids.
Baby, I'm feelin' as high as a kite in the clouds. Oh...man you ARE cloudy...woooah.
Only poseur celebrities would wear stars. REAL ones don't need to show it off ;D
I go both ways. *bad pun*
Okay, what rocker ISN'T on fire?
The Grateful Dead. Nyuck nyuck nyuck.
...it's not sweat, I'm just GLOWING.
Checkers. Otherwise known as the ska board.
If you listen to our album backwards, we're saying 'Satan become me' ;)
We're gonna rock down to ELECTRIC AVENUE...
Dirty old hippie.
We don't make the best white noise...
Striped? STRIPED?? Oh...I thought that said something else...
The first rocker ever
...I SAID NOT TO LISTEN TO THOSE TABLOIDS!
Customs
Trades: Open to quality adoptables.
Requests: Closed forever.
Please don't take one that isn't yours, if you do I'll replace the image with something else. I've done it before, I really will do it again. You MUST link back.
THESE STAY ON NEOPETS. IF THISE RULE IS BROKEN MEASURE'S WILL BE TAKEN. STOP PUTTING THESE ON STUPID FORUMS -____-;.
Mail me (hint: it's a link.) this form and title it The Last Standing Please title it appropriately because I have a few other adoptable templates! It gets confusing!
Name: Your lupes full name
Gender: Self explanitory. If you don't tell me I'm going to probably give you the wrong template o.o;
Anthro or quad?: Self explainitory
Standing or sitting?: Which quad template you'd like, the standing or sitting ones.
Ref pic: Required. If it's off site, just take out the http:// do NOT send me a thousand spaces.
URL of your adoptables: So I can take a look. This isn't hard x_o; it's for people who are trading. You confuse me when you put your reference picture here haha.
Guitar color/pattern: Self explanitory. If left blank, I'll decide
Bandana color/pattern: Self explanitory. If left blank, I'll decide. Anthro doesn't have a bandana I'm aware.
Which character of Cat's will you do?: So it makes it easier on my inbox, PLEASE choose from Darrin here, Mirage, and Ghost Seriously. Choose one. Please don't fill out this part of the form saying 'you choose' or 'Don't matter to me' !!!!! I've given you my preferences D: just choose one you like more!!
To pick up yours, copy and paste this code and replace LUPENAMEHERE with your lupes full name, including underscores and numbers, in lower case. If your lupe's picture isn't listed down below, don't worry. I remove adoptables after two days to keep theft at bay. Apparently two water marks isn't enough of a hint to stop freakin' thieves.
THESE ONES ARE MINE :D (or Kat's)
Rio Barras (BarrasBarras lolKat)
Jordan Ottman (Jhordin)
Ghostiel Brandt (Ghostiel)
Zachary Richards (Zackaryn)
Mirage Shadowlier (Shadowliier)
Constantine Segala (Segala)
Ghostiel Brandt (Ghostyle)
Mirage Shadowlier (Shadowliier)
Constantine Segala (Segala)
Zachary Richards (Zackaryn)
NightJackal
THESE ONES ARE NOT MINE :D
And for template number two...
Rock on
Darrin again!
Arihrar
Brambul
Constantine (Segala)
Ghostiel
Phantasmyr
Shikunan
Wildfire
Apnov
Arazhia
Zamachowiec
Hildaex
Salkor
Groupies
Thanks for the adopts loves! If you want to do an adoptable/drawing of Darrin, here is his reference sheet...
Thank you so much for the drawings! I appreciated each and every single one, fan art, request, or trade! (: to see the full view, drag the thumbnail to your address bar. Mouse over to see who drew it!
Mail me for a link trade. I'm dying here
50 x 50 |
81 x 33 |
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