Blast To The Past Band
- Chicago, IL
- Oldies Music
- 17 Verified Bookings
Tom G. said “Great band would hire them in a heartbeat”
Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they’ll appear here.
The Flashback 45 Band brings a driving power sound to early Rock & Roll music while remaining true to the original. Their music presents the sound and style of the 50's, 60's and 70's that creates the perfect "get up and dance" mood and atmosphere. The five band members have exceptional skill and talent; honed by performing in and around the Chicagoland area for many years. If you need a band that can really bring the "Oldies" to life, the contact Flashback 45.
Be the first to review Flashback 45 Band
Price Range: $400-2000
Artist Summary
Genres: Rock / Oldies
Artist Bio
The Flashback 45 Band will take you back to high school, sock hops and the malt shop on a Saturday night. All members are experienced, seasoned vets with unbounded talent and infectious enthusiasm. They grew up with Rock & Roll; they love it,live it, play it and put it all together in Flashback 45.( www.flashback45band(link hidden))
More About Flashback 45
Donny Gross-Bass Guitar/Vocals
Donny grew up in the Chicagoland area and has lived in Lockport Illinois for the last 30 years. It can be said that Donny started the Flashback 45 Band and has been a driving force since inception. Donny has been playing bass guitar for over 30 years and has served in the capacity of both leader and member in a variety of bands. When asked to reflect on his career and current project he says, "I've played with some really great musicians, whether it be country or rock&roll. I have a great time on stage, especially with Flashback 45. That is what it is all about ,having a good time, playing oldies, music the baby boomers grew up on. I'm proud of what I have accomplished and I am proud of this band.
Drew O'Connor-Drums/Vocals
Drew started playing drums at age 9. He played in school bands and received a music scholarship to Leo High School. Drew studied music at the University of Illinois/Chicago (Jazz-Dr. Richard Wang), DePaul University (Drum set-Norbert Szemanski), and Chicago Conservatory College (Vibarphone and Drum set-Dr. Louis LaPorta). Drew received a B.A. in Music Ed from Northeastern Illinois University (Timpani and Percussion-Dr.Ed gangware). Drew is the consummate musician and plays many styles of music: Classical, Rock, Jazz, Blues and Country Rock. He gives each performance everything he's got and is a talented, driven and focused professional.
Keith Miller-Vocal
In 1977, Keith met Donny Gross at a small club in Melrose Park called the "Road House". Donny was a member of a band called " Boogie Creek" and played there on a regular basis.
By chance,a mutual friend asked Donny if Keith could possibly come on stage and sing a song. Donny said ok, it would help fill up the night because the band played until 4:00am. Keith got up and sang about four "Elvis" songs. The crowd liked it and so did the band. Keith became a regular and then a member of the band.
The band name later changed to the "TCB Band" and continued sucessfully for the next three plus year adding another powerhouse, in the Chicagoland musicians arena, Rich Nelson ( front man and leader of the very popular " White Saddle Band"). Due to a career move Keith left the band in early 1981. Shortly after that the "TCB Band" dissolved. The other band members regrouped and continued to play on.
Keith Donny and Keith reconnected in 2009 and were able to bring Drew and Bob on board to form the "Flashback 45 Band. Matt joined the group a few years later.
Bob Johnson - Guitar/ Keyboard/Vocals
Bob has been playing Sixties music since it was considered contemporary - Top 40. Originally the drummer & lead vocalist in a number of bands, Bob switched to guitar in the early1970s and has never looked back. In addition to playing guitar, keyboard & drums, Bob worked as a recording engineer at several major Chicago recording studios in the late 70%u2019s learning from some of the best studio musicians in the Chicago area.
In 1978, Bob was the Engineer on the first %u201CStudio Jams%u201D broadcasting live concerts from Mantra Recording Studio in Chicago over WKQX radio. These concerts gave Bob the opportunity to work with major international acts such as Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Foreigner, & the Atlanta Rhythm Section. In addition to these sessions he worked on recordings with Little Milton, Roy Ayers, Ken Chaney, & Jesus Wayne. Much of Bob%u2019s musical style was learned from these great players and numerous fine producers and arrangers. Playing with Flashback 45 gives me the opportunity to play the music I love with a great group of guys: Keith, Donny, Ken & Drew.
Donny Gross | Bass Guitar and Vocal |
Drew O'Connor | Drummer - Vocal |
Bob Johnson | Guitar-Keyboard-Vocal |
Keith Miller | Vocal |
Matt Szejda | Lead Guitar - Vocals |
Tom G. said “Great band would hire them in a heartbeat”
Jack M. said “Easy to work with. Played to the crowd well.”
Pat R. said “Jane is not only a great lead singer but she is also extremely easy and fun to work with during the party prep. You will feel from the start that this…”
Barbara N. said “This was an evening that many people will never forget! These gals were magnificent and very entertaining. They held captive elderly people in wheelchairs…”