The Black Operator was originally created in 2009 by composer, producer and guitarist of the legendary Los Angeles Band Fishbone, Mark Phillips. The project started out as an outlet for original material with frequent collaborators Josh Freese and Mike Garson. Tour schedules being what they are, and TV music schedules being what they are, The Black Operator adapted.

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When Freese went took the job drumming for Foo Fighters, Phillips and Garson continued with drummer Omar Hakim and brought in some very special guests (Robin Zander, Evan Rachel Wood, Gaby Moreno, and Benmont Tench to name a few) to do some collabs of iconic songs, which has now turned in to an ongoing aspect of the band's work. More info on that can be found HERE.

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Never having lost sight of the original mission, The Black Operator will present: Heart Of Darkness, an album of original music. with Phillips, Josh Freese, Mike Garson and Scott Shiflett as the core of the band in 2026.

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Stay tuned, a lot is coming your way.