Winter Moods, a cornerstone of Maltese rock, was formed in the mid-1980s and has since become one of the island's most revered bands. Over the past three decades, the group has produced five acclaimed albums and achieved record-breaking attendance at two monumental concerts, solidifying their place as a household name in Maltese music.
Winter Moods emerged from humble beginnings, born out of jam sessions in a garage in Senglea during the cold, grey days of the mid-1980s. The band was founded by bassist Joseph Rizzo, guitarist Steve Caruana Smith and singer was Jesmond Attard, who was later replaced by a young Ivan Grech. The melancholic atmosphere of their early practice sessions inspired the name "Winter Moods," reflecting the mood they sought to convey through their music.
Mark Doneo, the singer of Dream Valley, was asked to lead the band's emerging lineup after original vocalist Ivan Grech emigrated to Australia in 1987. This opportunity thrust Doneo into the spotlight, establishing him as one of the country's top rock singers. Unfortunately, the band faced a setback when they were invited to perform at an International Rock Festival organized by RAI TV but missed the opportunity due to a misunderstanding. This incident became a turning point for Doneo, who felt disillusioned and chose to leave the band in 1989 to pursue a solo career as a singer-songwriter. He went on to perform at various festivals and venues across the island, including Il-Festival tal-Kanzunetta Maltija and Il-Kanzunetta Maltija għall-Ewropa. Later, when Ivan returned to Malta, he resumed his role as the band's frontman.
In their early years, Winter Moods were driven by a relentless passion for music, practicing tirelessly to carve out a space in Malta's vibrant yet competitive music scene. Their original compositions quickly gained a following, setting them apart from other local bands that came and went.
The band's momentum began to build in the 1990s with the addition of keyboardist Etienne Robinich. Their first single, "Sarah," became an instant hit and remains one of their most beloved tracks. This success was followed by the release of their self-titled debut album, Winter Moods, in 1996. The album captured the band’s early influences and laid the groundwork for their future success.
In 1997, guitarist Melvin Caruana joined the band, completing the lineup that would define Winter Moods’ sound. The turn of the millennium saw the release of their second album, Morning Ale (2000), which included hits like "Jamaica," "Ride," and "Everyday Song." The latter was later awarded the Best Song of All Time by the Bay Music Awards in 2005, a testament to its lasting impact on Maltese music.
Winter Moods continued their ascent with the release of Butterfly House in 2003, featuring the hit single "Come To You." The album quickly topped local charts, reinforcing the band’s growing influence. Their fourth album, Ordinary Men (2006), marked a new peak in their career. Featuring the iconic track "Marigold," this album became their best-selling work and is often regarded as their magnum opus.
However, the band faced changes during this period as guitarist Steve Caruana Smith and drummer James Vella departed. In 2009, Karl Fenech joined as the new drummer, completing the lineup that would take Winter Moods into their next chapter. The following year, they celebrated their 25th anniversary with the release of their fifth album, Argento (2010). To mark the occasion, Winter Moods held a monumental concert at The Granaries in Floriana on July 30, 2010, drawing over 10,000 fans—the largest crowd ever recorded for a Maltese band at a paying concert. This event broke their previous record set in 2008 when they performed in front of 7,500 people at the Valletta Waterfront.
Winter Moods’ reputation extended beyond Malta, leading to performances at various international music festivals. In June 2000, they played at the Belfort Rock Festival in France, and in September 2002, they participated in the National Youth Rock Festival in Cyprus. By July 2003, they were invited to perform at the Hard Rock Café in Rome. Their success continued in 2004 when they won a competition on the German radio station WDR2, earning them a spot at the Ring Fest in Cologne, Germany.
Throughout their career, Winter Moods shared the stage with global music icons, including Bryan Adams, Elton John, Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp), Bob Geldof, and Deep Purple. A particularly memorable collaboration occurred when they performed alongside the SAS Band, featuring Queen’s Spike Edney, Paul Young, and Chris Thompson. Ivan Grech even had the opportunity to sing "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" with the band, a highlight in their storied career.
Winter Moods also made their mark on the Isle of MTV Malta Special, performing alongside international stars like Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias, and Akon. In 2007, they supported the CiaO’Scia concert in Malta, featuring Italian legends Claudio Baglioni, Gianni Morandi, and Riccardo Cocciante. Baglioni even joined Winter Moods on stage to sing their hit "Marigold," creating a historic moment in Maltese music.
Over the years, Winter Moods have garnered numerous awards, including six Best Band titles at the Malta Music Awards (1997, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010). Their iconic song "Marigold" won the Best Song award in 2007, and they received the same honor in 2010 for "My Neverland." Ivan Grech, the band's frontman, was recognized as Best Songwriter in 2007 and 2010.
In 2008, Winter Moods received the prestigious Legends Award, marking the first time this honor was bestowed. The Bay Music Awards also recognized the band's significant contribution to Maltese music, awarding them the Icon Award in 2004. In 2005, they won Best Single of the Year for "Closer" and Best Single of All Time for "Everyday Song." Their dominance at the Bay Music Awards continued in 2007, when they took home awards for Best Band, Best Song ("Marigold"), and the Viewers' Choice.
The legacy of Winter Moods was marked by a significant loss on October 9, 2012, with the passing of Steve Caruana Smith, one of the band’s founding members. Caruana Smith, who was instrumental in shaping the band's sound and success, passed away at the age of 51. His contributions to Winter Moods spanned two decades, during which he played on four albums—Winter Moods (1995), Morning Ale (2000), Butterfly House (2003), and Ordinary Men (2006)—as well as two EPs, Fool For An Angel (1998) and Closer (2005). He also performed with the band at major international venues, including in France, Germany, and Italy.
In a heartfelt tribute, Winter Moods said, "Steve was a brother to us; he was one of a kind. He was an important part of Winter Moods' history, an icon to many, and loved by everyone who knew him. We will miss him, his music, and his humor. He may be far away, but he will forever remain close to us"
Winter Moods' influence on Maltese music is profound and enduring. Their blend of heartfelt lyrics, melodic compositions, and compelling performances has resonated with audiences for decades. The band’s journey from a cold garage in Senglea to performing on international stages is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the strong connection they have with their fans
In recent years, lead singer Ivan Grech has explored a solo career, releasing the single "Somebody Like You" in 2019, followed by "(Let’s Get) High On Love" in 2023. Despite these individual pursuits, the legacy of Winter Moods as a band remains unshakeable, their music continuing to inspire both new artists and long-time listeners in Malta and beyond.
Bibliography
Winter Moods. (n.d.). Winter Moods: Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.wintermoods.net/.
Times of Malta. (2012, October 10). Popular Bands Winter Moods Announced the Passing of Its Former Guitarist Steve Caruana Smith. Retrieved from Times of Malta.
Bay Music Awards. (2005). Award for Best Single of All Time. Retrieved from Bay Music Awards Archive.
Comments