Fri 9/6 @ 8PM
Many Clevelanders — and many fans of the genre of music dubbed “power pop” by critics — point to Cleveland’s Raspberries as a prime example of a band who never got their due.
The group, which existed from 1970-1975, got a recording contract within the first year of their existence (that sort of thing happened in those days). They had a huge hit with “Go All the Way” in the summer of 1972, which sailed up to #5 on the Billboard chart. They followed it up with two mid-charters “I Wanna Be With You” and “Let’s Pretend” the following year before being riven by internal dissension by the end of 1973. Regrouping with new members, they had one more charting hit “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record),” before breaking up in the spring of 1975. Critics adored them.
Singer/keyboard player/rhythm guitarist Eric Carmen and singer/lead guitarist Wally Bryson were the two constant members throughout the band’s existence. Bryson has continued to gig around the area, feeding his lifelong passion for music.
Unfortunately, due to illness, he won’t be performing as planned at a tribute to the Raspberries, taking place at the Music Box Supper Club. But some of Wally’s friends will still be playing, including Wild Horses guitarist Steve Jochum, Beau Coup bassist Bill March, singer/songwriter/guitarist Colette Gschwind, keyboard player Dave Urick and drummer Ed Brown. They’ll be playing a set of classic Raspberries tunes and related material, perhaps some of the cover tunes they performed in their sets.
Singer/guitarist Chris Wintrip, who was in Youngstown-based prog rock band Brimstone contemporaneous with the Raspberries, opens. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show.
Cleveland, OH 44113