The BBC is a group of talented Buffalo, New York area musicians dedicated to capturing the original sound of The Beatles, British Invasion and 60’s music. A common bond shared by each member is that they have spent their lives as keen musical enthusiasts meticulously studying these recordings allowing them to provide the most accurate musical presentation possible. They don't try to create an illusion, by mimicking or acting like any particular band of the 60’s. Their focus is on the music. The band members painstakingly breakdown every musical nuance, to faithfully reproduce the original sound. And it’s all done live!
The BBC attacks each song with fire and enthusiasm. While having fun playing together, they create an infectious energy. This band has a warm, sociable stage presence, and delivers great music that sparks raw emotions in people of all ages.
The BBC band is a powerhouse of local talent that features John Connelly, Russ Thomas, Gary Astridge, and, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductees Frank Grizanti and Ned Wood.
The BBC – "A Beatles & 60's music experience."
The BBC band: Bio
HISTORY OF THE BBC
Back in 2002, Gary Astridge was searching for something to do as a hobby. After some soul searching it was a no brainer to combine his two passions of The Beatles and drumming. Not having any connections in the local music scene, Gary stumbled onto www.wnymusic.com and placed an Internet ad looking for musicians interested in getting together for a Beatle jam. The ad was well received and one jam lead to another and through word of mouth other local musicians began to get involved.
Through the following year, Beatle jams were taking place once every two weeks at a remote location on Grand Island and as word continued to spread, the caliber of some of the players attending began to reach a professional level. When John Connelly first sang with Russ Thomas, magic filled the room. A core group developed and the music was so good that a decision was made to form a band (The BBC) with the intent of playing out a few times a year. Through time and circumstance, the band saw changes in personnel. The addition of Ned Wood and Frank Grizanti (members of the band Weekend and inductees in Buffalo’s Music Hall of Fame) has created a local super group with great musical chemistry. “The icing on the cake is that we truly care about each other.” commented Russ Thomas. “Our friendship and the love for the music we play, generates an energy on stage and in the audience.” said Ned Wood.
RUSS THOMAS - Vocals, Guitar
RUSS THOMAS – joined BBC in 2002. His Lennon-like voice and driving rhythm guitar make him a valuable asset for a Beatles tribute and The BBC band! His range and ability to change his voice allows him to easily venture into other musical territory of British Invasion tunes. Russ is also the founding member of BeatleMagic, a band performing sets of Beatle music in full costume. Russ works for DuPont in Research and Development.
JOHN CONNELLY - Vocals, Bass, Harmonica
JOHN CONNELLY – is a well-known, popular WNY musician, having founded the band SWITCH in the 1970’s. John added BBC to his busy schedule in 2003, singing Paul McCartney’s lyric solos and playing Bass. His passion for music is derived, in part, from his love of the Beatles! John is the owner of a promotional company in Lancaster, New York, employing approximately 20 people.
NED WOOD - Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion
NED WOOD – is an original member of the local 70’s recording artists WEEKEND, a Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee and a proven songwriter. He is an accomplished Keyboard/Organist/Vocalist/ Guitarist/ and Trumpet player. In addition to WEEKEND, Ned has performed in some of Western New York’s most popular Bands, including Shiner and 33 West. Ned is presently performing with The BBC Band, Weekend, Beatle Magic and Telepathic Driver.
GARY ASTRIDGE - Vocals, Drums, Percussion
GARY ASTRIDGE – is the band’s percussive backbone and founding member of The BBC. His musical journey started after seeing The Beatles first US performance in 1964. Gary has worked with Tom Calandra (Stan & the Ravens), writing & recording songs. In addition to The BBC, he has performed locally with Big Wheelie, The Be Bops, and Beatle Magic. Gary is a collector of vintage drum kits like the ones used by Ringo Starr during his career with the Beatles. Visit www.RingosBeatleKits.com for more information.
FRANK GRIZANTI - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
FRANK GRIZANTI – is the newest member of BBC, having joined in 2007. He is a 2007 inductee to the Buffalo Musicians’ Hall of Fame, and recipient of the 2004 NCMMA Lifetime Achievement award for Guitar. He is also an accomplished bassist, keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter and a welcome addition to the BBC band. Frank hails from Niagara Falls, where he has been a popular guitarist having played with Oz, Slam, Zola, NRG, and the USA Band. In 1998, Frank joined Weekend The Frank Grizanti Band. He is also a member of The Falls Street Rockers, The USA Band, and Anatara. Frank can be heard on many WNY recording projects for such great talents as Ken Kaufman and John Valby, to name a few. Frank is a full time musician.