World Class Rockers
During the
mid-1990’s, NICK ST.NICHOLAS, former member of
Steppenwolf who recorded on many of their gold and platinum
albums, began his quest to form a band that would appeal to an entire
generation. By combining the talents of some of the most prominent
musicians, singers and songwriters whose work represented some of the
most popular chart-topping hits from the greatest bands in the world,
Nick knew that he could deliver an outstanding stage performance that
would appeal to a mass audience. The end result of his efforts is the
formation of the WORLD CLASSIC ROCKERS, perhaps the ultimate
classic rock all-star band.
The headliners
include RANDY MEISNER, an original founding member of the
supergroup, the Eagles. In 1998 Randy was inducted into
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contribution to dozens
of hit songs such as "Take it to the Limit," Take it Easy," "Already
Gone," "Witchy Woman," "Desperado," and the unforgettable "Hotel
California." In January 2000, Randy’s work with the Eagles took on
even greater significance when the Recording Industry Association of
America awarded the Eagles’ "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" album as
The Album of the Century. The album was certified as having
gone platinum an incredible 26 times, making it the greatest selling
album in history.
While the Eagles
certainly can be given credit for thrusting Southern Rock into the
limelight in the early ‘70’s, Lynyrd Skynyrd would soon
make history of their own. Skynyrd rocketed to fame behind such
classic rock songs as "Sweet Home Alabama"; "Free Bird"; and "Gimme
Three Steps." It appeared the band’s fast rising star would be cut
short when their chartered plane crashed killing several members of
the band in 1977. However, Lynyrd Skynyrd regrouped ten years later.
Allen Collins who had since been paralyzed in an auto accident hand
picked RANDALL HALL to replace him. During the next seven
years, the band would perform sold out tours throughout the world
while recording three hit albums, "Southern By the Grace of God," "Lynyrd
Skynyrd ‘91" and "The Last Rebel" achieving one of the most inspiring
comebacks in rock history. To date the band has sold over 36 million
records.
No classic rock
band could be complete without the driving sounds of the Vietnam War
era, an era that not only defined a generation, but perhaps a country.
Nick called on his former bandmate, MICHAEL MONARCH, an
original founding member and lead guitarist of Steppenwolf
to provide the World Classic Rockers with the undeniable sound that
turned Steppenwolf’s mega-hits "Born to Be Wild" and "Magic Carpet
Ride" into two songs whose popularity would span three decades and
continue to be fan favorites throughout the world. After his career
with Steppenwolf, Michael continued to be a successful recording
artist, including his memorable work with Janis Joplin on her "Kozmic
Blues" album.
The ‘70’s rock
scene would also be notable for the rise of one of the most elite
drummers in music history. While AYNSLEY DUNBAR made his mark
recording on chart-topping hits with David Bowie and Frank Zappa, he
may best be known as the original drummer for Journey
with whom he recorded and co-wrote four albums including their hugely
successful album, Infinity, which featured mega-hits "Wheel In
The Sky," "Lights," "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime." As the end of
the decade neared, he joined Jefferson Starship where together
they recorded the smash hit songs, "Jane" and "Find Your Way Back."
And the ‘80’s would prove to be no less successful as he moved on to
join Whitesnake in 1985. With Aynsley on drums, they recorded
the band’s commercial breakthrough album "Whitesnake 1987" featuring
chart-toppers and MTV video favorites, "What is Love" and "Here I Go
Again."
In the early 1980’s
one band would shock the music world with their stunning series of
successful album releases. In 1983, Toto took the Grammy
Awards by storm winning 7 major awards in one night, including Album
of the Year for "Toto IV." Immediately following their success at the
Grammy’s FERGIE FREDERIKSEN joined the band as its lead singer.
Together they embarked on a sold-out worldwide stadium tour where
Fergie performed the band’s many hit songs including "Rosanna," "Hold
the Line," and "Africa," each having reached the top 5 on the
Billboard charts and where "Africa" climbed all the way to #1. Fergie
further contributed to Toto’s success by co-writing four songs on the
band’s "Isolation" album.
Back in the
sixties, Nick had become friends with another rock and roll legend,
Janis Joplin, and of course, Michael had recorded with Janis as well.
Almost 25 years later, Nick met a woman from Rapid City, SD who
already had achieved her own success with two top ten hits on the
Gospel charts. Her name is ROSILEE. What surprised Nick was
that this petite woman packed an explosive voice that brought down the
house. He immediately knew that he had to find a role for her in the
World Classic Rockers. While many before had attempted to duplicate
Janis Joplin’s raw vocal style, Rosilee offered a rendition of Janis’s
classic hits "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Piece of My Heart" that
combined incredible vocal power, range and elegance. A combination
that would pay a fitting tribute to Janis while becoming a highlight
of every World Classic Rockers performance.
No successful band
would be complete without standout back-up support. Nick recruited
widely respected musicians STEVE STEWART and DAVID COYLE
to the band. Stewart, having performed with dozens of headline
entertainers as one of the industry’s elite Hammond B3 players, brings
over two decades of recording and exciting live performance experience
to the World Classic Rockers. As a lead guitarist, Coyle studied at
the Juilliard School of Music and has worked with Broadway singers and
recorded on a number of soundtracks while developing his unique style
on the 6-string.
With all of the
pieces in place, the World Classic Rockers have set forth to bring
audiences to their feet night after night in a 100 minute stage
performance packed with hit after unforgettable hit. The proof of
their success has been evidenced by the incredible audience response.
They continue to make an unforgettable impression at corporate events,
fairs, festivals and clubs across America and throughout Europe, the
Far East and Africa. They have indeed become, the ultimate classic
rock band.
