Michael ‘Tunes’ Antunes, Saxophonist for John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, Dies at 85

Michael “Tunes” Antunes—a saxophonist whose searing solos defined John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band’s sound since the early 1970s, including the Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 juggernaut “On the Dark Side”—passed away on August 19, just nine days after turning 85.

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Cafferty shared a clip of Antunes delivering his soul-stirring solo on “Tender Years,” a beloved live staple that climbed to No. 31 on the Hot 100 following the HBO release of the film Eddie and the Cruisers in 1985.

“Our hearts are overflowing with so many emotions,” Cafferty wrote. “We feel love, gratitude and reverence for every moment we shared, along with sorrow as we bid a gentle farewell. Traveling the world with Tunes by our side has been one of life’s greatest gifts.”

For over half a century, Antunes—affectionately known as “Tunes” to bandmates and fans alike—exuded infectious energy and heartfelt warmth on stage as Beaver Brown evolved from a scrappy East Coast bar band into Platinum-selling chart darlings.

Originally dubbed Beaver Brown, the group made its name throughout New England’s rock scene, from Narragansett’s intimate clubs to New Haven’s famed Toad’s Place and Asbury Park’s historic Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen frequently joined their raucous jam sessions.

When Eddie and the Cruisers premiered in 1983, Cafferty’s rugged rock anthems—penciled years earlier into bar-room setlists—found a new audience. “On the Dark Side” soared to No. 7 on the Hot 100 and topped Mainstream Rock radio, eventually amassing over 47 million streams; the soundtrack itself went triple Platinum in 1995.

In April, Antunes helped unveil Sound of Waves, Beaver Brown’s first collection of fresh material in 37 years, at a celebratory show at New York’s Cutting Room. Industry veteran Steve Leeds summed up the band’s triumphant return: “Rock ’n’ roll never forgets! Beaver Brown delivered a knockout performance to herald their new album.”

Born on August 10, 1940, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Peter and Mary Antunes, Tunes took pride in his Cape Verdean roots. His grandfather Joaquim Antunes arrived in New England in the 1920s as a guitarist and violinist, and his father Peter performed on upright bass, guitar and Hammond organ across the region.

Antunes’ first public appearance came at 13 with Dartmouth High School’s stage band; soon after, he, his brother David and cousin Joe Silva formed Second Generation, playing traditional Cape Verdean tunes at local gatherings.

The success of Eddie and the Cruisers opened doors to film work: Sylvester Stallone selected “Voice of America’s Songs” from the Tough All Over album as the theme for his 1986 action film Cobra.

According to Discogs, Antunes’ earliest studio credit with Beaver Brown was their self-released 1980 single “Wild Summer Nights.” He went on to feature on their soundtracks and albums including Tough All Over (1985), Roadhouse (1988) and a cover of Springsteen’s “E Street Shuffle” for the 2003 benefit compilation Light of Day: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen.

He is survived by siblings Jackie, David and Anthony; children Deborah, Michael, Juanita, Juan, Kevin, Derek, Michael, Dina and Wendle; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 28, at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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