Riff Raff By-the-Numbers Dollars spent on an
average band bar tab120 Number of guitar players
who have played in the band5 Number of keyboard players who have played in the band 1 Number of drummers who have played in the band 2 Times we played and got
stiffed by a club owner1 Times the band has claimed profits on federal tax returns 0 Riff Raff's foundation originally began in 1987 when high school friends Mark Baxter and Deno Photinakis joined a garage band.
True to every band's history Mark and Deno left, joined, or formed various other groups throughout the late 80's. Ken Leclercq and Glen Forsbacka were doing thier own thing when they met Mark and began jamming together. By 1990 Riff Raff was formed and began playing the local club circuit.
The band is still true to the classic rock style and all about playing good music and having a good time.
Ken’s influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Spinal Tap. He has been asked to turn down many times but remains adamant about volume control going to 11. If you ask his band mates, they will tell you that Ken is the musical director of the band. That means he is the only one who can remember all of the songs after 15 years. Ken provides stability to the band and keeps everyone on the right track. He has an excellent ability to harmonize on the vocal arrangements adding to the overall sound of the band.
& Guitar
By-the-Numbers Times that Ken has been told to turn down
1,355
Times that Ken has turned down 0
Times Ken’s brought beer to practice 0
Times Ken’s offered to bring beer to practice 0
Years it’s taken Ken to build his house 3
Number of intros Ken knows on his guitar 326
Number of Ken’s intros the band plays
0
By-the-Numbers
Times Deno arrived at practice on time
3 Number of songs Deno remembers all the chords 0 Number of immediate
family members named George12 Average number of miles he drives to a gig 143 Year his house was built by Mike Brady 1976 Number of vowels in his last name
32
Lead Guitar & VocalsDeno James Dio is still lost in the 80’s metal craze -- he still thinks White Lion is going to make a come back! His influences range from Randy Rhodes to Eric Clapton. Deno has been accused of finger tapping through the solo’s of a few Motown songs, but says there is no proof. Deno’s guitar style is focused on melody with a feverish attack of the fret board. He provides un-compromised solos and possesses a real passion for playing.
Archive video of Deno's metal days 55secGlen provides the band with a full bottom end and a hefty bar tab. While his influences revolve around Jack Daniels, Budweiser and Skynyrd, he creates the solid wall of sound that drives the band. Glen manages to achieve this while playing the same bass strings for the past 5 years -- not the same brand, but the same actual bass strings. He has a style rooted in blues-rock with tasty bass lines that keep the crowd moving.
By-the-Numbers
Model year of Glen’s oldest car
1967 Number of cars Glen has owned 17 Number of songs Glen remembers the bass lines 3 Number of consecutive weekends he slept on Mark's couch 32 Number of days his first date with Tammy lasted 4 Number of pairs of Chuck Taylors he owns 1 Number of times he has worn those Chuck Taylors
3,456
By-the-Numbers
Times that Mark has left
the band and returned32 Number of drums in Mark’s
first drum set15 Number of drums in Mark’s current set 4 Number of drum sets Mark
has owned at one time4 Number of drum sets Mark’s wife made him sell 3 Number of songs Mark sings without the lyrics 2
Lead Vocals
& DrumsMark lists his influences as the Eagles, the Eagles, Don Henley, and some tambourine-playing monkey from the circus. Mark has been playing drums and singing for nearly 20 years, yet remarkably he hasn’t gotten any better. When asked about his practice habits, he says, “I don’t need to practice to suck, I can do that with very little effort.” Mark enjoys playing and gives his all to make sure the crowd has a good time. His style is laid back with a solid meter to keep the groove moving.
Archive video of Mark's metal days 33sec
© 2004 RIFF RAFF BAND
