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Incredible just doesn't seem to be enough to describe the amazing performance
of Hit Squad at The Downtown in Farmingdale. The collective talents
of these famous musicians have formed a powerhouse in Hit Squad that drew
in loyal fans from all over the area despite the arrival of Tropical Storm Charlie.
The idea for Hit Squad was born last summer when Ricky Byrd and Liberty
DeVitto had a casual conversation. It turned out they were off the road
and itchin' to play out live! So they gathered up a bunch of like minded pirates.
Ricky elaborates on the concept, "We're going to be playing the stuff we
played when we first started out, before the Business became part of the Music.
No record companies, publishers, booking agents. This is about having fun, no strings
attached."
The
repertoire will consist of songs such as "I'll Go Crazy," "Little
Queenie," "Girl Can't Help It," "My Girl,"
"That's How Strong My Love Is" and "Route 66."
Byrd continues, "And maybe, just maybe, we'll throw in a few songs from
our respective checkered pasts! I'm thinkin' this is gonna be fun!!!”. Liberty
adds, "I think this is gonna be the most fun I've had playing in a long
time!"
After the show, Liberty Devitto and Hugh McDonald stuck around for
some time to meet their fans, but it was Joe Lynn Turner, Ricky Byrd,
Richie Cannata and Andy Burton who stayed for over an hour meeting
their smiling fans, posing for photos and signing autographs. People patiently lined
up, holding items to be autographed such as poster, photos, CDs and even a pick-plate
form a guitar.
Hit Squad is a recommended show for fans to catch. Find more information about Hit
Squad and its members through the Official Websites linked below.
Based on availability the revolving band consists of:
Liberty DeVitto - drums (Billy Joel)
Ricky Byrd
- guitar & vocals (Joan Jett, Roger Daltrey, Ian Hunter)
Richie Cannata - horns (Billy Joel, Beach Boys)
Andy Burton - keyboards (Ian Hunter)
Andy York - guitar (John Mellencamp, Ian Hunter)
Joe Lynn Turner
- vocals (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
Simon Kirke - drums (Bad Company, Free)
Kasim Sulton -
bass & vocals (Joan Jett, Utopia, Meat Loaf)
Hugh McDonald
- bass & vocals (Bon Jovi)
Charly Drayton - bass (X-pensive Winos, Michelle Branch)
Fernando Saunders
- bass & vocals (Lou Reed, Jeff Beck)
Christine Ohlman - vocals (Saturday Night Live Band)
Arno Hecht - horns (Stones)
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