Crown Vics
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Crown Vics

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"SUBURBAN NITELIFE FEBRUARY 2007 FEATURE BAND ARTICLE"

The Crown Vics- 1950’s Rock & Roll Band

Pop the clutch and set the clock to rock, ‘cause the Crown Vics are bringing the purest form of Rock & Roll to a stage near you! Since 2003, these self-proclaimed fanatics of early Rock & Roll recreate the sound and visual of a Rock & Roll combo traveling the juke joints and dance halls of 1958. The Vics are on a quest, to educate the masses on the birth of Rock & Roll, it’s inspiration and origins.

The Crown Vics’ approach to early Rock & Roll is unique, never straying into the forbidden land of the 1960’s, “British invasion, what’s that?” They have chosen to perform only music from the 1950’s, whether it’s 1950’s boppers by Bill Haley & the Comets, Little Richard, Fats Domino or early, wild Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues numbers that influenced Rock & Roll. Throughout their repertoire the audience will recognize many popular songs, but the Crown Vics dig deeper into the vaults to perform obscure gems. What you won’t find are flowery ballads, (well maybe one for the ladies). It’s a Rock & Roll show… nobody sleeps!

The Crown Vics are a six piece band, loosely modeling themselves after Bill Haley and the Comets, even sporting the Comets signature red plaid sport jackets! “We are the most authentic “oldies” band in the Chicagoland area,” boasts drummer Mark Manzo. “People aren’t sure how to take us, but after five minutes they are hooked!” The Crown Vics aren’t hip to modern technology either; they’re still totin’ the same instruments as used back in the mid 50’s. Veteran, and oldest in the band, musician Mike “Q” Quiroz maintains the rhythmic slap-bottom end on his upright acoustic bass. “I can use it as a flotation device if needed,” he adds. Rounding out the band are two saxes that can be seen walking the bar or serenading the young ladies. Of course, no 1950’s Rock & Roll group would be complete without their teen heart throb. Fronting the Crown Vics is Nick Falco, a connoisseur and authority on 1950’s vocal Doo Wop (and great local Italian restaurants).

During 2004 and 2005, the Crown Vics were chosen to be the back-up band for the Ultimate Doo Wop shows throughout the Midwest. They provided the musical back drop for the original stars of the 1950’s. Artists like, Frankie Lymon’s Legendary Teenagers (Why Do Fools Fall In Love?), the Marcels (Blue Moon), the Magnificents (Up On The Mountain), the Eldorados (Crazy Little Mamma), the Fleetwoods (Mr. Blue, Softly To Me), the Reflections (Just Like Romeo & Juliet), the Drifters (Up on the Roof / On Broadway), Maurice Williams (Stay), Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler, the Edsels (Rama Lama Ding Dong), and the Spaniels (Goodnight Sweet Heart). “One of our greatest achievements came after one of the Doo Wop shows,” guitarist Dave Downer explains. “The lead singer of Frankie Lymon’s Legendary Teenagers paid us a huge compliment!” Timothy Wilson had told us, “We have performed with a lot of bands over the years. On a scale of 1-10, the Crown Vics are a nine!” For the Crown Vics, “That was better than getting paid!”

The Crown Vics have a steady following of Rock & Roll purists and Jitterbuggers (the popular 1950’s dance, not the insects) that attend their raucous shows. Their home-away-from-home is the Sandbar Tiki Lounge in Brookfield, Illinois where patrons eagerly reserve tables the week before a show to assure themselves a seat. The Sandbar has been the retro home of the Crown Vics for the past year. It boasts a vintage Tiki lounge motif that is perfect for a Crown Vics show. You can catch the Vics there on Saturday February 24th or get their current schedule and booking info on their website at www.thecrownvics.com
- Suburban Nitelife Magazine


"ULTIMATE DOOWOP SHOW ARTIST REVEIWS"

“We have performed with a lot of bands through out the years, on a scale of 1-10; the Crown Vics are a nine!” - Timothy Wilson, lead vocalist for Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers

“The band is dead on!” - Bobby Jeffers, Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers

“Dave, you have such a tight, solid band that performs as well as plays the music.”
- Jack Columbo, musical director for the Drifters

“Dave, your band is the greatest, thanks for playing with us at the Star Plaza.”
- Cheryl Huggins, the Fleetwoods

“You guys play it exactly like they did it in the old days!” - Johnny Keyes, the Magnificents

“You fellas are kickin’ it! The band is tight!” - Skeeter Hawkins, the Magnificents

- Crown Vics


Discography

16 SONG DEMO AVAILABLE- Includes covers and Crown Vic originals

Photos

Bio

Pop the clutch and set the clock to rock, ‘cause The Crown Vics are taking the world of 1950’s Rock ‘N’ Roll by storm. This six piece band tears up the dance floor with two wailin’ saxes, slappin’ bass, boomin’ drums, rockin’ guitar and crazy vocals.

Whether performing sockhop boppers by Bill Haley or Little Richard, or early wild, rockin’ Rhythm & Blues numbers that always shake a party, these cats know how to twist the key, rev it up and go, man, go!

You want a boss show, Daddy-O? You got it! The Crown Vics recreate the energy and style of the legendary 1950’s Rock & Roll bands to a tee, and it’s gone, real gone!

So whether you’re at a souped-up club, high school reunion, classic car show, festival or corporate party, don’t let those candy-coated oldies bands mess with your scene; the Crown Vics will fuel your event with the scandalous energy that made Rock & Roll famous. Vavoom! It’s super speedy service and wild rock n’ roll. That’ll flat out get it!

Since 2003, the Crown Vics have been bringing a very unique style of show to audiences of all ages. Performing only music from the very early days of Rock & Roll, the Crown Vics have succeeded in recreating the sound, look, and vibe of 1958.

During 2004 and 2005, the Crown Vics were part of the Ultimate Doo Wop shows through out the Midwest. The Vics were the back up band for the original stars from the 1950's who performed their hits to sold out shows. Those original stars from the 1950's and 1960's included, Frankie Lymon's Legendary Teenagers, the Eldorados, the Magnificents, the Spaniels, the Reflections, the Crystals, the Fleetwoods, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, Gene "Duke of Earl" Chandler, the Marcels, the Edsels, and Kathy Young.

The Crown Vics have also written original songs for their debut CD due out sometime in 2007.