The Insurgency

Gregs lead guitar on the alternative/pop song Hypocritical Rush is guaranteed to make you smile. It is a very catchy, danceable, alternative pop song playing on the hypocrisy of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Its a perfect radio tune beginning to get air play on college radio stations.

The path that Greg took to get there is truly a remarkable story however. A few years ago at the age of 44, Greg, inspired by the White Stripes guitarist Jack White, picked up an old guitar his wife had lying around the house. Never having played a musical instrument or singing in any serious way, Greg decided to write a song, Love of My Life, as a surprise birthday present for his wife Jennifer in October of 2004. Convinced that he could write more music and with the heat of the presidential election and the anti-gay rights initiatives in several states, the incredibly powerful I Learned Hate from the Church and State was born. This controversial song, a favorite among fans, with its passionate verses and power punk chorus, led to the project What Happened to the Stars?

This ongoing album is a continued work in process. The title track What Happened to the Stars? is a catch-all protest song. This Neil Young style anthem cries out against environmental destruction, reckless and senseless wars, bigotry and racism, liberal bashing and the assault on the sciences. This concept album is Gregs way to delivery the message that its OK to dissent when one feels their government is acting in a deceiving and secretive manner.

The truly remarkable part of this story is the fact that within two years, Greg taught himself rhythm, lead and bass guitars along with piano and harmonica. He plays every instrument on the album except the drums which is performed by his very talented 23 year old nephew Andrew Stork. Greg also produced, recorded, mixed and mastered every song on the album. He wrote all the music and lyrics except his White Stripes cover of Were Going to be Friends.

In the beginning, Greg performed solo at local coffeeshops and open mics. As his following grew, many requested to hear the songs with a full band as on the studio recorded version. So with nephew Andrew on drums, Greg began his search for a bass guitar player and a second guitarist. His search for a bass guitarist was short as his sister, Leslie Glapa-Panzica inspired by her brothers passion for activism and music, bought a bass guitar, took lessons, and practiced for hours on end to become a very accomplished musician. The trio performed their first show at a backyard Dream Cruise party in Royal Oak, Michigan. However soon after, Andrew moved to Las Vegas due to a job opportunity. Through the power of internet blogs, The Insurgency then found Jeff Saxon to replace Andrew on drums. This trio then performed several shows in 2009/2010 at the Phoenix Cafe, a local community based gathering for artists and musicians.

After one of those shows in February of 2010, a fan, guitarist Sherry Lutz, asserted her desire to perform in a political activist rock band. Within five minutes of rehearsing it was obvious that Sherry would fit right in with The Insurgency. Sherry, a life-time activist, was musically inspired by The Clash, Patti Smith, and Detroits own MC5. In 1977 she moved to New York City and joined an all female anti-war, anti-nuke rock band called Steppin Razor. Eventually the band broke up and Sherry left her musical career behind and moved to northern California. Years later, inspired by Cindy Sheehan and the anti-war movement, Sherry dusted off her Stratocaster and began to play and write songs again. She then moved back to New York City in 2006 to form a band, but to no avail, so then headed back to her hometown Detroit where she found The Insurgency. Her song November Tango, an anti-nuke song, has become a classic addition to the band.

Midway through reheasals in March of 2010, drummer Jeff decided to pursue other musical avenues and quit the band. However this was a short-lived setback for The Insurgency as Hans Barbe, director of The Phoenix Cafe, immediately took over at drums. Not only is Hans an extremely talented drummer, he is also a classically trained pianist. His background includes a degree at the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music. He is currently a piano/voice teacher at the Grosse Pointe Music Academy.

So there you have it. The Insurgency - a political activist rock band dedicated to peace and non-violence performing shows to raise funds and awareness for various charities. Rock on!