The Invaders

The Invaders is a rock band that performs classic music of the “British Invasion” and the artists who inspired them. Hits from the 60’s make up the majority of the band’s repertoire. Not to be out shadowed, tunes from the late-50’s also creep into the set list. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Elvis, The Who, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, The Searchers and The Monkees are just a few of the artists covered by the band. Members Jim Brown (vocals, lead guitar and keys), Mark Gruenenfelder (vocals, bass), John Orth (vocals, rhythm and lead guitar), and John Remy (drums, vocals) have all played in local and area bands for many years prior to forming in the winter of 2005. The band uses period gear wherever possible: it helps nail that 60’s “Pop Combo” sound! With incredibly strong lead vocals, amazing harmonies, exceptional guitar work, and a driving rhythm section, The Invaders will have you out dancing and having a great time, while “Bringing back songs of the 60’s Beat Invasion.”

Here is more info on the members:

John Orth: Rhythm & Lead Guitar and Lead Vocals

John started playing guitar at the age of 13, and from the beginning was a dedicated devotee to early Rock 'n' Roll and the British Invasion. While his peers were enjoying the musical styling of Milli Vanilli, Poison, and Bobby Brown, John was more interested in Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and The Beatles. He began performing semi-professionally at 16 as a vocalist and guitarist, cutting his teeth playing classic rock at the bars and festivals in the Fox Valley of Northeastern Wisconsin. In 1993, John was accepted to the University of Wisconsin School of Music as a classical guitar major and moved to Madison, WI. During the late 1990's, he could be seen performing classic rock in honky tonks in and around Houston, Texas. Since 2000, John has again called Madison home. In The Invaders, John has found the ideal group in which to devote his energy to performing his favorite music with equally dedicated and talented musicians and vocalists.

Jim Brown: Lead Guitar & Keys and Lead Vocals

Jim was born in Kenosha and in 1964, he got his first guitar - which his mother angrily threw into the coal furnace one day as she thought “the money” was in accordion music! His uncle in Frankfurt bought him a half-size guitar from the Framus factory when he found out. As an “original” Beatle fan, Jim started honing his craft in 1965 and landed his first pro gig in 1967 (unfortunately playing accordion in a polka band!). Soon after that, he kept the guitar (which he still has) - and lost the accordion. After high school, Jim ran a music store for a spell, then joined the Army and became a guitarist for US Army Band of New England. He was also a guitarist for Spiney Norman - a touring heavy metal band for the recruiting command. In the 80’s, Jim played with R&B and Rockabilly bands in the New England area. In the 90’s, Jim came home, quit playing and went back to school for a veterinary degree. That was quite a switch, but Jim missed the guitar and while in school, played with the Oak Park Band and later, Johnny and the Rockers. After graduation, Jim went back to New England for two more years, and then moved back again to continue his music and his animal service. Jim met John O. in the spring of 2004, and hooked up with Mark G. and John R. in the fall of 2005, and off we go....

Jim spends his free time recording and volunteering at the Dane County Humane Society - (Spay and neuter your pet!).

Mark Gruenenfelder: Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals

Born and raised in southwestern Wisconsin and remaining a cheesehead for life, Mark has over 30 years of band experience playing everything from rock-n-roll, country, old time polka and blues. He started at an early age singing along with The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, Elvis and The Ventures (well actually, they’re who got Mark into guitar) on his 45-rpm records. In 3rd grade, Mark made guitars out of cardboard, 1”x 2”s, and string for himself and two other friends, and a drum kit made from cans for ‘Ringo’. They played and sang along with a Beatles’ record for ‘Show & Tell.’ His first band was in 8th grade: Freedom Road. In the mid-70’s, Mark helped form the band Slyder (60’s and 70’s rock) and in the 80’s, a band called Remuda (rock & country). Mark has, and continues to play country music with his brothers, and was an integral part of the Eric Nofsinger Band. His bands have been opening acts for such artists as Luther Allison, The Bellamy Bros., Little Texas, and David Lee Murphy. Mark has also played at the Dane Co. Fair, WI State Fair and many other major festivals. Along with his bass playing, Mark has his share of lead vocals and harmonizes. The Invaders has brought a rejuvenation of the 60’s style music back into his blood.

John Remy: Drums and Vocals

As a Beatle fan since age six, John has become a student of the 60’s bands, especially the “British Invasion.” John has been playing in ban