NORWICH – The more things change, the more they seem the same. At least that’s the case for guitarist Jimmy Frech, drummer Ron Thompson and bassist Gary LaVancher of The Velcros.

Also known locally as Spider Murphy throughout the late 1980s, The Velcros’ claim to fame came in 1984, when the band landed a 53-date tour opening for legendary rock ensemble Van Halen. In 1988, the individual Velcros went their separate ways and have only performed a handful of times since then.

All of that is about to change, according to Frech.

For over two decades, Frech and his former bandmates had no clue as to the whereabouts of The Velcros’ debut original recordings. Twenty-five years later, the tapes have been found, re-mixed and re-mastered.

“It’s pretty cool that we were able to find the original master takes and we’re really excited about the CD release party,” stated Frech, a Myrtle Beach resident and Norwich native. “It’s always great to come back where it all started and whenever you pick up your guitar in your hometown, it brings you back to a simpler time.”

At that time, Frech said all he thought about was playing and performing music, a sentiment shared by Thompson and LaVancher.