The legend of Ace Merrill began in the spring of 1972. Guitarist Joe Harris and drummer Emery Rizzo were performing at an 8th grade semi-formal school dance. At the time, Harris and Rizzo were part of a two-piece blues/folk number called The Texas Tune-ups, known more so for their violent bank robberies than their music. Harris and Rizzo were removed from the show and briefly incarcerated for "Indecent Exposure." While serving a short sentence in Attica Correctional Facility, Harris and Rizzo met a young man named Josh Dettman, who was finishing out his time for stealing nearly a dozen Porta-Potties. Dettman quickly proclaimed himself lead singer of the group and began booking the group's tour dates. The first three tours were canceled, as the men were still in prison. Shortly after their return to society, The Texas Tune-ups changed their name to Ace Merrill to rid themselves of the negative reputation the band had developed. Ace Merrill began writing relentlessly but did not play live shows due to possible violations of their parole. Throughout the 70's and 80's Ace Merrill wrote nearly 10 songs. The band separated by 1991 for the sake of Dettman's health. He had come to weigh 343 pounds and was advised not to move until he was thin enough to breathe without a respirator. It wasn't until 2005 that Dettman would slim to 130 pounds and continue performing as a singer. While getting himself back into optimal physical condition at the local YMCA, Dettman came across a young man whom everyone referred to as "Philthy." Down on his luck and living in the maintenance closet, Philthy agreed to play bass for Ace Merrill. Now the band is complete and comprised entirely of convicted criminals.I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)Ace Merrill
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