Artist Bio
Paul Zablidowsky, a.k.a. Paulie Z, was born into a hard-working Brooklyn, NY family filled with Jewish and Colombian traditions, where money was tight and music was celebrated! His father played bass guitar, and singing filled their home. Young Paulie grew up idolizing NYC rockers KISS with their larger-than-life stage show and fashion. School talent shows made it clear that singing and entertaining was his passion. With big dreams of success, Paulie picked up the mic and guitar, and with his soul mate brother David on bass, they began banging their heads and shaking their hips, playing heavy metal together in their apartment basement. The ‘Z Brothers’ were an inseparable musical force. Performing live throughout NYC, they packed clubs, and ultimately formed the power trio ZO2, giving them their first real taste of success.
In 2004, Paulie’s dream came true when ZO2 was invited to tour the United States with KISS and Poison. ZO2 released three albums and four singles, and in 2008 landed their own TV series ‘Z Rock’ which aired for two seasons on the IFC Network. The show was based on their real life story of being rock stars at night and kids’ entertainers by day driving around NYC in an old van with a “PAULIE Z” license plate.
Comedian Joan Rivers, who was a regular guest on their show, used to say that the secret of success was to “always enjoy the process Paulie.” He treasured her words of advice, and with his fearless inhibitions, continued to reach higher levels of vocal performances. He starred in theatrical rock musicals, sang the national anthem at various professional sporting events, and hosted ‘The Paulie Z Show’ podcast on iTunes. Simultaneously Paulie was focused on working with young children and NY1 Network named him ‘New Yorker of The Week’ for his contribution to music education.
In 2013 Paulie moved to Los Angeles and released his debut solo EP which showcased his songwriting abilities. Deep rooted in family, he longed for his parents, brother David, and future wife to join him. Unfortunately on July 14, 2017 his brother David, on tour in Florida, was tragically killed in a roadside accident. Paulie’s life was changed forever to remember David Z as an inspiration to live and love in the only moment we all have. That present moment is NOW!
In LA, Paulie became the host/producer of ‘Ultimate Jam Night’, a successful weekly residency at the world famous Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, where celebrity rock stars and locals come out to jam. It was there where he met band mate’s bassist Aaron Samson and guitarist Steve Zukowsky. In 2017 he was recruited to be the lead singer of the legendary glam band ‘SWEET’ and has been touring with them ever since.
Today Paulie continues to share his love of teaching in classrooms and entertaining on stage. His parents finally moved to LA and his family is now complete with his beautiful wife and baby boy Lucas.
Paulie Z takes on this present moment of NOW in the spirit of his brother David, to the highest calling. By channeling the genius of Freddie Mercury through this lovable goofy kid from Brooklyn, Paulie shares his stories, flamboyant fashion, and amazing vocal talents in BOHEMIAN QUEEN; A Theatrical Tribute To Queen.