Name?
Mark Chalmers
Birthday?
November 5th, 1956….Yikes!
Band you are currently in?
Teaser
How did you end up in your current band?
In 1978 the band I was with, “Stymee” was disbanding. The band Teaser was an
Energy Talent band like us. We crossed paths on several occasions. They were
looking for a new drummer. I knew who they were and liked what they were doing. I
met with them at this real cool rehearsal place in Bedford. We started playing and
it came right together. It just was a good fit.
Talk about your gear, why you like or use certain things.
I play a Yamaha kit. Had a set of Fibes for over thirty years but fell in love with
this Yamaha set. The finish is beautiful. They’re a wormy red stain. My cymbals are
a mix of Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian and Stagg. Paiste really are my favorites. I love
drums, not just playing but looking at them and being surrounded by them.
When was your first gig, and were you paid for it?
My first time playing in front of a crowd was in elementary school. Myself and two
kids used to play in the lunch room while kids were having lunch. It was just for fun
but it was a great experience. Later on we did talent shows and ice cream socials,
stuff like that. I don’t think I saw a dime until I started playing clubs. Even then
the money wasn’t that important.
What is your favorite piece of music to perform and why?
I don’t have a favorite to play. I like it all.
Influences?
My first real influence was Bill Bruford from the band Yes, and John Bonham from
Led Zeppelin.
Favorite venue to play?
I like playing clubs. Years ago I had favorite clubs to play. Now it’s not where you
play it’s the people you play for. I love playing where the crowd is into what you’re
doing. Did a lot of outdoor gigs. Not real crazy about that. Never sounds good to
me. Sound is all over the place.
Who would you like to perform with?
I always wanted to play with John Mellencamp. He’s up there having a great time. I
know I would have a great time too.
Music or artist you really like to listen to?
When it comes to listening to music, I like instrumentals, jazz fusion type stuff. I
love Dave Weckl, Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke. I also like the new country stuff.
Five CD's you can’t live without?
My Dave Weckl CD’s.
Most embarrassing thing in your CD collection?
Nothing that I can think of. You do like The Osmonds don’t you??
Favorite movies?
Ghost. I love that movie. All of the Back to the Future films.
Favorite television shows?
Nip/Tuck. 24. Rescue Me. Medium.
What do you do in your day job?
I’m a computer technician. I service dental offices all over the state of Ohio,
Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I play around on the computer. Update the Teaser web page. I love swimming. It’s
great exercise. Spare time is hard to find.
Relate an outrageous story from a gig.
Many years ago Teaser was playing a gig in southern Ohio. We rented a Winnebago
to stay in. It was in the winter and very cold. The club offered us to stay in a room
that they had in the club. We decided to stay in the Winnebago and leave the road
crew stay in the club. Well we didn’t have any idea of how to get the heat on. We
all froze that night. However I woke to find Tony Lupica in my cot….. just trying to
stay warm. Nothing more than that, but we still look back at that night and laugh
about it. Later we found the road crew in their underwear because it was so hot in
the club's back room. We were “Rock Stars” in a Winnebago.
Most unusual request while playing out?
The most unusual request I ever get is someone requesting Chicago, Blood Sweat and
Tears or something in that vain. I’m thinking…do you see a horn section up here???
I don’t get it. But I love that kind of stuff too.
| Welcome to Spotlight! ......the opportunity for local musicians to be placed front and center. Enjoy the show! 11/27/06 Vol. IX |
If you went to hell, what song would be played
over and over?
Money by Pink Floyd. I once had one hell of a
night and that song was playing over and over.
Can't stand it.
What is your advice to up-and-coming
musicians?
Just love what you do. And do it with a passion.
Describe yourself in three words:
Honest, loyal and approachable.
over and over?
Money by Pink Floyd. I once had one hell of a
night and that song was playing over and over.
Can't stand it.
What is your advice to up-and-coming
musicians?
Just love what you do. And do it with a passion.
Describe yourself in three words:
Honest, loyal and approachable.
Age you started playing?
I was about ten years old.
I was about ten years old.
Photo by Brian Chalmers
Favorite local artist?
I love Neil Zaza. That dude can
play. As far as drummers, my all
time favorite is Tommy Dobeck.
I used to see him with a band
called Circus years ago, then with
MSB. Don Kruger, Jimmy Clark
and Tommy Amato were local
guys that I used to always go and
watch. Great players.
I love Neil Zaza. That dude can
play. As far as drummers, my all
time favorite is Tommy Dobeck.
I used to see him with a band
called Circus years ago, then with
MSB. Don Kruger, Jimmy Clark
and Tommy Amato were local
guys that I used to always go and
watch. Great players.
Photo by Brian Chalmers
New music or artist you like?
Montgomery Gentry. Big & Rich.
I know this isn't rock. But they
do rock it out. We play a song
from Montgomery Gentry called
“Gone.” I thought it would be a
great rock’n song to do. We get
requests to do that song by
people that say they hate country.
What band today could you
see being around in 25 years?
The Stones, of course. I just
hope I’m around to see that world
tour.
Montgomery Gentry. Big & Rich.
I know this isn't rock. But they
do rock it out. We play a song
from Montgomery Gentry called
“Gone.” I thought it would be a
great rock’n song to do. We get
requests to do that song by
people that say they hate country.
What band today could you
see being around in 25 years?
The Stones, of course. I just
hope I’m around to see that world
tour.
Photo by Brian Chalmers
Your last meal on earth?
It would have to be filet mignon (medium-
well), baked potato with butter and lots of
sour cream. Nice big cold glass of milk.
Getting hungry just thinking about it.
Do you collect anything?
I'm not a collector. Matter of fact, I try
to get rid of stuff. I hate clutter.
What’s in your CD player right now?
Well…nothing, but lots of stuff in my MP3
player. My latest favorite is the new Peter
Frampton CD “Fingerprints.” It’s an
instrumental. Love it.
It would have to be filet mignon (medium-
well), baked potato with butter and lots of
sour cream. Nice big cold glass of milk.
Getting hungry just thinking about it.
Do you collect anything?
I'm not a collector. Matter of fact, I try
to get rid of stuff. I hate clutter.
What’s in your CD player right now?
Well…nothing, but lots of stuff in my MP3
player. My latest favorite is the new Peter
Frampton CD “Fingerprints.” It’s an
instrumental. Love it.
Photo by Brian Chalmers
Photo by Brian Chalmers
Other bands you have been in?
Stymee, British Invasion, Private Eyes and The
Secret.
What instruments do you play?
Drums. I dabble with guitar. I played the
trumpet in elementary and junior high school.
Why did you choose the drums?
My idol when I was growing up was Mickey Dolenz
from The Monkees. I just had to do what he
did..so drums it was.
Stymee, British Invasion, Private Eyes and The
Secret.
What instruments do you play?
Drums. I dabble with guitar. I played the
trumpet in elementary and junior high school.
Why did you choose the drums?
My idol when I was growing up was Mickey Dolenz
from The Monkees. I just had to do what he
did..so drums it was.
Photo by Janet Macoska
Photo by Dave Jones