Hondo’s musical journey began in 1987, when he received his first guitar at age 15. Since then, music has remained a central part of his life. Influenced by artists including Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, Dave Grohl, Hank Williams Jr., Neil Young, Joe Bonamassa, and Warren Haynes, Hondo has developed a sound that blends eclectic acoustic rock, strong vocals, and meaningful lyrics. As a musician and sound man, he values the connection music creates and brings heart, authenticity, and passion to every performance with Hurry Caine Butterflies.
“Music is a way of life.”
Fred Hartnett was born November 11, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences. His sister introduced him to 1960s rock, while his parents listened to artists such as Vicente Fernández, Freddy Fender, and Ramón Ayala. Growing up in Spain also exposed Fred to Spanish music and dance, including tap and flamenco, adding another layer to the rhythm and movement that shaped his musical style.
Fred began performing at an early age, playing his first gig at age nine with the Latin American Club band and, by age 11, performing with adults in a funk band called Black Experience. He later played with Amasia in clubs throughout Madrid. After returning to the United States in 1976, Fred expanded into rock, discovering artists such as Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, and Led Zeppelin. In 1978, he left college to tour Canada for several years with the band Eruption.
Throughout his life, Fred continued performing while building a career in the iron industry, including playing original music with his brother in Circle Three. After retiring, he performed with Central Park, the Mark Weston Band, Grey Beard, and other groups. After moving to Texas during COVID, Fred became a regular at open-mic nights at The Gringo, later joining 7 Year Drought before his musical journey ultimately led him to Hurry Caine Butterflies. Fred brings to the band a lifetime of experience shaped by Latin traditions, Spanish culture, funk, classic rock, touring, and decades of live performance.
“Music is a way of life.”
Fred Hartnett was born November 11, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences. His sister introduced him to 1960s rock, while his parents listened to artists such as Vicente Fernández, Freddy Fender, and Ramón Ayala. Growing up in Spain also exposed Fred to Spanish music and dance, including tap and flamenco, adding another layer to the rhythm and movement that shaped his musical style.
Fred began performing at an early age, playing his first gig at age nine with the Latin American Club band and, by age 11, performing with adults in a funk band called Black Experience. He later played with Amasia in clubs throughout Madrid. After returning to the United States in 1976, Fred expanded into rock, discovering artists such as Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, and Led Zeppelin. In 1978, he left college to tour Canada for several years with the band Eruption.
Throughout his life, Fred continued performing while building a career in the iron industry, including playing original music with his brother in Circle Three. After retiring, he performed with Central Park, the Mark Weston Band, Grey Beard, and other groups. After moving to Texas during COVID, Fred became a regular at open-mic nights at The Gringo, later joining 7 Year Drought before his musical journey ultimately led him to Hurry Caine Butterflies. Fred brings to the band a lifetime of experience shaped by Latin traditions, Spanish culture, funk, classic rock, touring, and decades of live performance.