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.
“I’ve just been freaking out and it’s been just great,” said Thompson of the band’s second reunion in less than a year. “Everything has just fallen into place so fast and it’s just like the old days. For me, it’s been a really positive experience.”
This time around, The Velcros will be joined by west coast slide guitar virtuoso Jeff Mosby, a “monster L.A. session man in the style of Sonny Landreth,” according to Frech, who added Mosby “fit right in like the missing link.”
Frech said the addition made sense as The Velcros, originally a four piece band, missed the guitar interplay and added vocal harmonies a fourth musician brings to the table.
“Releasing the CD and adding Jeff has been really cool, he’s just amazing,” added Thompson. “I’d have to say it’s a nice change for me to go back and play with these guys.”
Due to last year’s successful reunion, Frech reported a tentative plan for The Velcros to return to the studio for another full-length album, followed by a full-length tour, and couldn’t speculate on where things might go from there.
“It’s a good time and that’s why we do it. I still like these knuckleheads that I started playing with way back in 1983,” said Frech. “Except for a couple of pounds and a few wrinkles, we’re all pretty much the same as we were in our twenties. Nothing’s changed except we all got a little older.”
The three original members of the band, with special guest, will perform their unique brand of rockin’ R&B from 8 to 11 p.m. on Thursday at The Blarney Stone Pub, 26 South Broad St. The band will also perform from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday at Suzy’s in Auburn and 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at Colgate University’s The Barge. There is no cover for Thursday’s show and CD’s will be available for purchase. For more information call 336-2630.