I’ve come to the decision that I would be remiss to not post the information on my last band, The Cubs, who broke up in February of 2008. The band is gone but our history remains in the form of many posts, pictures, and video clips.
The Cubs were a Classic Country & 60’s Rock/Pop trio. The three of us live in the same small town and are veterans of numerous bands since the early 70’s, but The Cubs band was our first time the three of us played together.
We were:
Rick Dennis – guitar and lead vocal
John Thurman – bass and backup vocal
Pete Vredenburgh – drums and backup vocal
The Cubs got it’s start at a jam session in a bowling alley bar where Rick worked. There was a Harley club having a Poker Run and the owner wanted a band on hand that afternoon for the bikers. I called Rick’s and my current band, Straightline, and they declined to come in and play (for free), so Rick called in his buddy John to play bass with us. We enjoyed ourselves so much, and grooved so well, that Rick & I quit Straightline and formed The Cubs with John.
We played for a year using my two L1s, one for my drums and vocal, and the other for Rick and John and their instruments/vocals. In 2006 we acquired our third system and became an All-Bose Band, we were in heaven. We couldn’t believe how nice music sounded when you are really in-the-mix.
We loved our stage sound with the L1s. Every gig sounded almost exactly the same…we were in our comfort zone. In 2007 we played a big stage at the Illinois State Fair using a big house PA, yet using our L1s for stage sound, as that was what we were accustomed to. Rick coined our set up the Band-in-a-Box, as we could just do what we always do, setting up the same every time, and let the FOH guys do what they do without having to think about monitors. It worked out great.
Rick’s Band-in-a-Box idea was an original, and a nice contribution to the forum. We have also posted on YouTube, numerous live performances with a hand held video camera as, attempting to show the L1s in various situations as to be of help to other users working with setup strategies.
In my four years with L1 systems, I have never had a gig that failed in any way.
Maybe I’m just horribly lucky, but more likely the L1 is just an amazing tool.
Our humble beginning…
Hey Pete!
Those “smudge pots” on top of the L1s look REAL! Man, you guys were always on fire when I had the opportunity to hear you.
Hi Pete,
Thanks for documenting this bit of L1® history. I really appreciated all of your posts and videos about the Cubs along the way.
It was a great to follow along and learn with you.
Hey Pete
I was sorry to hear the Cubs broke up. I’ve enjoyed every video you did with them (I’m not sure if I ever told you that). I always learn something from each video whether it’s L1 placement or samples of sound dispersement and the lessons were always entertaining.
Thanks for these Pete and keep up the good work.
Rick
I echo the setiments of the other guys in saying how much I enjoyed your videos. I didn’t know the Cubs had broken up either.
It’s been fun seeing your work both on video and first hand.
Keep it up.
Rick
…later, with three systems.
Band-in-a-box.
I thought the Cubs were a GREAT band. I had the pleasure of hearing them at the L1 Conference in St. Louis. Super tight, driving rhythms, great singing.
Ken
Thanks all…and to all a goodbye.
[edit-improved link]
hi–The Cubs were a great little band…I enjoyed the Youtube videos.
–Question:
Why’djabreakup??
Guess we will have to wait for
"The Cubs Anthology"
John
Update 2011:
quote:[originally posted by jayare] Why’djabreakup??
Goals & Personality conflicts mostly…however
The Cubs reunited in December of 2009 to play a few annual Christmas parties that we’d always done.
We had so much fun that we stayed together for all of 2010, under the name, Dick Tater & The Tots.
Same band, new name, and a few new songs.
We found new venues to play and did so on a regular basis, keeping busy all year.
Our bassist left the band in 2011 to play with another (waaay louder!) band with a large following.
We still book the occasional winery, club, or private party…places where quiet is the key.
I am currently free-lancing and share-hosting some open mics using a couple of Compacts, having fun.
The reformed (2015) Dick Tater & The Tots!
4 piece band, each player with personal L1.
Super sound.
Pete, John, Rick, and Donny.
Fantastic Pete!
I totally enjoyed re-reading the whole cool thread and story, NOW with a new chapter! Very glad to have ya back wbere you belong…
Rock ON Bro! MIKE O’