A Band on a Mission
By Jenna Croyle
Usually when we think of M-80s we think of the 4th of July, picnics and, of course, that loud firecracker with a big bang. This week’s featured band would not only be a great fit at any 4th of July party, but also comes with an even bigger bang.
The 80’s have often been called the decade of excess, where people embraced excessive glitz and glamour. While there may be some truth in that statement, most children of the 80’s will be quick to tell you that it was actually a very good thing. Very few periods in history were as patriotic, optimistic and celebratory as the 1980’s, as proven by the indelible mark the decade left on our music and culture as well as the history of the world.
Powered by passion, and reviving that 80’s spirit, the M-80s are on a mission to bring the rock & roll of the 1980s back to life with new vigor, while entertaining their fans with big hearts and the talent to match.
Instantly taking you back to that electrifying time of punk, and rock in a new wave fashion, the M-80s play your entire favorite hit list from the 80’s recreating the feel of the period through sounds, lighting and even the outfits.
As one of Erie’s greatest cover bands, a truly excellent assortment of musicians makes up what has come to be known as Erie’s party band with Tito Bongiorno on Vocals, Denny Crotty on Guitar and Vocals, Dave Bennett on Bass and Vocals, Bill Detisch on Keyboard and Vocals, Rob Neville on Guitar and Doug Welser on Drums.
Playing tunes like “Everybody Wants You” by Billy Squire, “Heat of the Moment” by Asia, “Whip It” by Devo and “Addicted To Love” by Robert Palmer, this band forces you to get you’re dancing shoes on and rock till you drop, till the floor can’t take anymore.
Over the course of the past year or so, the M-80s have expanded not only their fan base, but their range of music as well. Not wanting to limit the set list to only the hard pounding sounds of the 80’s the band has begun to feature songs like “Fox on the Run” and “Ballroom Blitz,” both originally recorded in the 1970’s but still having that goodtime, pulse pounding musical bang the band has become all too well known for.
With explosive guitar work that shows us all the true versatility of the instrument and a creatively uncontrollable keyboard wizard along with the fist pumping, pulse pounding chops of one of Erie’s best drummers, the M-80’s certainly ups the ante for cover bands.
The powerful vocals and great beats provide a unique sound that shows the extremes of a huge musical range that this band has mastered. The M-80s have taken 80’s Rock to a different level of popularity and with their stage technique, instrumental perfection and overall crowd pleasing rhythms and riffs, every show is a blast from the past and a rebirth of the 80’s musical energy.
For more information on the M-80’s, and show dates, please visit their website or check out their Facebook page.
