THE BABYS
One of the world’s most beloved classic-rock bands, The Babys, are back together after a 30-something year layover! With a string of ’70s and ’80s classic rock radio hits like “Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You,” “Back on My Feet Again,” “Head First”, “Midnight Rendezvous”, and so many more, The Babys created some of the most memorable arena anthems of their era. The shows are jam packed with material that has entire audiences on their feet – singing and dancing to every tune.
Tony Brock: Drums
Wally Stocker: Lead Guitar
John Bisaha: Singer/Bassist
Joey Sykes: Guitar
Original drummer Tony Brock and original lead guitarist Wally Stocker have reformed the band with an incredible new singer, John Bisaha, whose vocals and bass playing fits The Babys to a tee, along with guitarist Joey Sykes, a renowned singer/songwriter. In concert, The Babys feature a keyboardist and The Babettes.
This new incarnation of The Babys created an instant buzz with their first new song in 30 years, the aptly titled “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” which was released in November 2013. It has all the classic Babys elements – amazing vocals, thoughtful lyrics and a chorus that lodges itself in your brain, refusing to leave for days. In June 2014, fans were blown away with the release of their brand new album. I’ll Have Some Of That, that boasted 12 dynamic, new songs that resonate with the classic Babys sound, including the single “I See You There.” That single was released at the end of 2014 and reached #5 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales Chart, and stayed in the top-10 (reaching #5 as well) on FMQB’s AC Top-40 for 10 weeks.
Previous band members John Waite, Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips have all given their blessings to The Babys 2014. Waite continues on as a solo artist, Cain joined Journey after leaving The Babys and penned a string of hit singles including “Don’t Stop Believing,” the most downloaded song in history, and Phillips is the longtime bass player for Styx.
Below is a capsule look at each member of The Babys:
Tony Brock, drummer – Strongly considered one of the best drummers in the world, Brock plays with a rare combination of feel and timing, combined with a preference to hit the drums just about as hard as possible. Post-Babys, Brock was a long-time member of Rod Stewart’s band in addition to playing with Jeff Beck, Bernie Taupin and others. Eventually, Brock founded Silver Dreams Studios (www.silverdreamsstudios.com) near Los Angeles, where he produced platinum records for Jimmy Barnes and a string of others.
Wally Stocker, lead guitarist – A key force throughout The Babys’ original rise to stardom, Stocker first left home in London at 15 with just a couple of pounds in his pocket and a guitar strapped to his back in pursuit of his rock and roll dreams, and he has never turned back. A favorite among Babys fans for his spellbinding guitar riffs that always played the spaces as well as the notes, Stocker went on to join Rod Stewart’s band, Air Supply, and Humble Pie.
John Bisaha, vocals/bass – Blessed with a terrific voice that sounds about as close to one-of-a-kind Waite as you can get, Bisaha proved an instant hit at The Babys’ first comeback performance in July 2013. The first song was “Looking For Love,” and it took about 30 seconds for Bisaha to have the capacity crowd in the palm of his hand. Through the years Bisaha has made his mark in several bands, theater and studio work.
Joey Sykes, guitars – Born and raised in New York, currently living in L.A. Sykes also spends time writing in Nashville. He got his first real taste of the industry with the band Boystown and Coward (Elektra Records) who shortly after signing their record deal signed a publishing deal with Warner-Chappell Music. In addition to The Babys, Sykes has been writing for other artists, television and motion pictures as well as producing other artists.
For more info on The Babys – visit their website at TheBabysOfficial.com.
THE BAD EXAMPLES (Acoustic Duo )
The Bad Examples are the indie rock band formed by and continuing to be led by Ralph Covert.
KURT MICHAELS CONTINUUM (featuring Alain Quinn)
The Kurt Michaels Continuum featuring Alain Quinn is band whose resumes include live performances with many legendary acts including The Temptations, The Drifters The Platters, Bobby Vinton, Badfinger, Spencer Davis, Wolfman Jack, The Shirelles, The Syn (featuring Chris Squire and Alan White of Yes) and Denny Laine of The Moody Blues and Wings (Paul McCartney). Recent performances include opening a sold out show at Reggies for Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy. Singer songwriters Kurt Michaels and Alain Quinn provide an original and engaging landscape of new and original music that crosses into multiple genres and coming straight from the heart. The Kurt Michaels Continuum featuring Alain Quinn is: Kurt Michaels – guitar and vocals Alain Quinn – vocals Jeff Sandler – drums Bruce Gordon – bass ‘Jim Gully – keyboards & vocals Another feature of our shows includes live mixing by Jim Nudd who did the house sound at Park West for many years, making us sound so good! The Continuum family of musicians that have lent their talents to our shows along the way include: Wynn Kanten – bass &acoustic guitar; Mike Lundin – keyboard bass; Jackie Mudd – Singer Emeritus (we love you Jackie); Dean Milano – bass; Christ Andronis – bass; Len Szymanski – drums The group of musicians who appear on my latest release “Soaring Back To Earth” are: Kurt Michaels – guitar, synth, lead and background vocals Jim Gully – keyboards Len Szymanski – percussion Christ Andronis – bass Steve Vining – co-producer and engineer, background vocals, bass, percussion & keyboards Special guests on “Soaring Back To Earth” include: Billy Sherwood – drums and bass Michael Sherwood – keyboards & special string arrangement on “Didn’t Get To Say Goodbye” Tom Brislin – keyboards Special thanks goes out to: Eric Rapier who did some singing with us on the early Soaring sessions. Krista Wallhagen who did the first class artwork & layout for the cd and album cover. No man is an island, and it is because of these people, that I have been able to continue on chasing my musical dreams. Thanks again to all of you for helping to make it real!