Where it all began? The Roots of Rex?

Yes, my friends, that's yours truly on the far right at the ripe old age of 17. From left: Paul Vandish (19) , Bill Barlow (21), Jack Barlow (37) and Joe Trionfero (24). The year was 1976 and I was on the verge of graduating from Oswego High School when I joined up with this "50s, 60s and light rock" band after answering an ad in the Oswego Palladium Times. It was my first band and we landed a regular gig at the Holiday Harbor Hotel playing every Wednesday through Friday night. Saturday night's we played at the Fulton Bowl-a-rama.

Russel Tarby, aka Rush Tattered, was writing for the Palladium times then and he gave us favorable reviews although I think he was just being kind. Chuck, who I didn't know at the time, thought we were awful. Of course.

Paul and Joe went on to form Side By Side which Ken Frank speaks of favorably to this day and without a hint of irony in his voice. For those of you who weren't there, the jumpsuits were pink (!) and bought at a women's clothing store. The suits were complemented with 4-inch heeled disco shoes. The outfits and the shoes were not my choice. My friends, the money was good.

I stayed with the band until I left for SUNY @ Buffalo that August. By that time I had been able to purchase the white Les Paul and Music Man 4X10 that stayed with me through all my San Francisco days.