I saw a photo of Steve Wethy and the blue front persuaders (probably from early 80s) and it took me way back. I remember following this band all around Ann Arbor (including a high school auditorium) and to the Soup Kitchen Saloon in Detroit. They were a great band, very unique, and I don't think there will ever be another one like them. I saw this photo on a blog about Charlie Tysklind, who passed away.
I'm just wondering what happened to the other members of the band, if they are around, performing in any way. It was a great time and they were one of the best blues bands around. I remember they did a great rendition of Minnie the Moocher, the Flintstones theme, Call the Police, Whiskey on the Shelf and so many other songs I can't remember the names of.
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I found a link and emailed -t hey answered back. Steve is still playing but in California, san francisco? they have no plans to come back to Ann Arbor, but they have albums for purchase. i can't find any rendidtions as good as theirs!! I follwed them in teh 80's also. They are now Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums
ReplyDeletePamela, are you saying they have Blue Front Persuaders albums for purchase? How could I get one?
DeletePamela, are you saying they have Blue Front Persuaders albums for purchase? How could I get one?
DeleteThey were great! I had a baby grand piano and sometimes after a gig at Joe's Star Lounge, the blue front persuaders would come over and play--Stevie on the piano. It was a great time in those days. I should mention we were friends and we all had mutual friends and that's how that all came to be. I had NO IDEA they had an album out!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Anita! I'm Todd Perkins, and I played bass with The Persuaders starting in '79, and into the early 80s. I think I was with them for 4 or 5 years...it's been a while! Charlie Tysklind and I were housemates as well as band members, and we were very close, I miss him. I don't think The Persuaders ever did any albums, although I have a few recordings we did for radio shows. As far as I know, Steve Wethy (Now Steve Lucky) and I are the only original members still playing professionally, although there were quite a few people in the band after I left, and I'm sure some of them are still active. Steve is in the Bay Area, playing with his wife (Stage name Carmen Gettit, a great singer and guitarist!) in The Rhumba Bums, A great and fun band, and Steve & Carmen have been doing duo shows online during the pandemic over on Facebook. I think some of those shows may also be on YouTube, and they're well worth seeking out! Myself, I've been active all this time, playing in various bands (Notably touring through Europe for the last 20 years with guitarist Michael Katon), and recording my own material as well as playing on other folks stuff. Actually, my 6th album just got released yesterday! If you want to check out my various adventures, my website is www.reptilehouserecords.com and includes most of my recent projects. But I do miss the old days at Joe's Star Lounge, or The Soup Kitchen! Those were exciting times.
ReplyDeleteTodd,
DeleteGood to see your name in print.. I have such fond memories of seeing you guys all over A2.. I think you lived next door to my brother Bruce on Creal Crescent.
I've always enjoyed your playing over the years - and also checked out Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums - closest thing I've found to the Persuaders. You guys will forever be my favorite fun bar band!
Scott McGlone
I'm just now seeing all these replies since I posted way back in 2009. Thanks for the info and memories. I now follow Steve and Carmen on FB and have even listened to a few of their livestream gigs. They are awesome, but I agree, the old days of the original BFP in A2 and Detroit were exciting and I miss those, like I miss my youth lol. I will check out the links.
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