Alright Now
Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting
THE HISTORY OF THE BANK The Bank founded by Gary Fendrick in 1979. Early incarnations of the band included Don Place (drums), Shaun Greenan (bass) and Roger German (lead guitar). I remember us playing a party and someone steeling our full tip jar. I was so bummed and pissed. I learned a valuable lesson that night. Shaun and Roger were replaced by the Hamm brothers, Kerry (bass) and Mark (lead guitar). We played a few clubs like Sgt. Peppers and Whisker's West. Indian George, Jim Megharen & Tim floated in and out of the band as lead guitarists during this period. In 1981, Bill Hayes (bass) joined as well as Mike Musa (drums) and Steve Huffman (lead guitar). The first gig was at the Lamp Post Inn (now the Blue Note). I think we got $25/night. We were so excited just to get the gig. This is the line up that played for a high school in north Phoenix. Mike got us that one and we have pics of the show too. We also entered a battle-of-the-bands contest at Budz wearing our long sleeved, black and white pinstriped shirts that had white collars with narrow white ties. At least it was a Look! Also played places like B.J.Jangles. The challenge I always faced early on was the lack of a strong common denominator to bond all the band mates. My love of Beatle music was a big key in further band member recruitment. My current partner, Scottie Hetherington (lead guitar/keyboards), who joined in 1983, along with a drummer friend, Dante Sacomani, were both huge Beatle fans. We became the house band for Dante's Inferno playing Wed. thru Sat. We also played places like W.C.Champs, Good Time Charlie's, Rogue's Gallery and Lonnegan's. In 1984, Bill was replaced on bass by another big Beatle fan, Paul Meyer. We added The Library to our circuit. 1986 saw Scottie leave for a year and Sparky Richards joining on lead guitar. Sparky would later join on bass for short while in the early 90s. 1987 saw the rhythm section of Justin' Time, Randy Smith (bass) and Rick DeSantis (drums), join Scottie and Gary until Rick broke his foot. Dante would float in and out as drummer as we needed until his familys move to Arkansas in the early 90s. 1987 Carl Smith (drums) joined us for a short time. 1988 enters a very successful period with Matt Bourque (bass) and later Nick Flaim (drums) joining Gary and Scottie. This begins The Bank's period as a house band first for The Nite Life then later for Mr. Nice & Nastys. From the late 80s to the early 90s Randy Walker (drums), Thommy Hall (drums), Chris Alcarez (bass), Andy Gonzales (bass), Elvin McAfee (drums) and Ray Riendeau (drums) would spend time in the band. A new line up with Carl Geraci (drums) joining Matt, Scottie and Gary would cover the mid 90s. We were playing places such as Shads Shifters, Barwinkles and Cactus Jacks. In 1996 Mark Kroeger (bass) joins the band when Matt leaves. Lisa Gillespie (bass) would occasionally play with us around this time. This begins our time of performing at Bullock's, The Loft & The Ole Brass Rail. 1998 would see Steve Whitaker (bass) join the band with Marks departure. Our first original album, It's About Time, was recorded during this time with the line up of Gary, Scottie, Carl & Steve. Gary meets Lisa in 2001. They fall in love and marry the following year, April 27, 2002. She also begins to sing in the band. Mark would rejoin in 2001 after Steves departure. When Carl leaves in 2001, Robert Severino (drums) joins Gary, Scottie and Mark. Our main club was Slap Shots. 2003 see the return of Paul on bass. During this time, I remember once getting call from Paul on a Thurday to come down and fill in for another guy who wasn't going to be able to make it to play at Cassey's on 43rd & Thunderbird Rd. with Robert and Kirk Hawley. Scott Reid (drums), Lisa and Nick would play in the band during this period. Scott Reid would emerge as our full time drummer. My Ole Man's has been our main club as well as traveling up north to Strawberry's The Black Bear (later renamed Mogollon Steak House). Around this time, Scottie needed a hernia surgery, so we asked Kirk Hawley to sit in one week at The Longshot Bar & Grill (formerly Lonnegan's). Take It Too The Bank is recorded in 2005. Ernie Nicasio contributes on congos and percussion. Gary writes 8 songs, co-writes one with Lisa and Scottie writes 3 songs. One cover was added featuring Lisa on vocals. With Scottie and Paul retiring from the road, 2006 gigs played outside of Phoenix (up north in Strawberry & Pine) were played by a variety of players. Otis Francis (lead guitar) & Duane Loose (bass) of Uncle Click (house band at Gavilan Peak) participated in several shows at Mogollon Steak House. Scott Reid, Chris Randahl, Dave Thompson, Ron Chovanec, a 13 year old named Colin and Tom Hallagan have all played drums at some these gigs. Kevin Hein (bass) & Bill Kruder (lead guitar) have also done some shows in Pine & Strawberry. In 2006 Gary and Lisa move to Maricopa after having a home built there. Gary commutes into Phoenix and Lisa sings less in the band. In the second week of June of 2007 we had a scheduled week off so Scottie could attend a Recording Seminar in Tucson with his cousin, Darrell. Deb at The Loft Again needed a band to fill in for a cancellation. So Paul, Scott and Gary played with Pat Moore on Friday and Harry Young on Sat. Unfortunately, Pat arrived ill and only played 1 set. We finished off Friday night as a trio (first time that's happened). Harry was the lead guitarist for the band that cancelled, Cheap Date. During this period My Ole Man's, Ole Brass Rail, The Loft Again, Stinger's, Barwinkles and later in 2007 Uncle Charlie's American Grill are our primary clubs. In October of 2007 Lisa and Gary separate. Gary moves back to Phoenix. They divorce April 2, 2008. Scott Reid leaves the band in June of 2008 and moves to Spokane, Washington with his wife, Glenna. This begins our association with drummer Jerry Gray. Paul remembers seeing Jerry playing with The Owls and feels he will really fit our style. His first show with us at Pappy's was amazing. Good friend, drummer Dave Hennessey, fills in to cover dates Jerry has booked elsewhere.