Name? Rich Spina
Birthday? November 1, 1955
Hometown? Cleveland, OH
High School? Midpark
How did you end up in your current band? Herman’s Hermits – I was the keyboardist, singer, musical director & road manager
for Gary Lewis & The Playboys for about 17 years. I quit in the end of 2004. Peter found out that I’d quit in the end of 2005, called
& asked me to come work for him. U41 – I was producing former Lipstick founder Donna Bernsdorf’s debut Christian CD at the
time and during the recording of it she decided to turn it into a band project. She asked if I’d be a part of it after the CD was
completed and I said yes. The Cleveland Boys – wanting to have some fun with some of my former band mates from Love Affair
and Gary Lewis & The Playboys led to the formation of this band.
What instruments do you play? Keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, sax & clarinet
Talk about your gear, favorite instruments, why you like or use certain things. My Kurzweil K2500 keyboard & my Fender
Telecaster guitar are the favorites of my arsenal. The Kurzweil has the best natural instrument sounds of any keyboard ever
made. I also like my Yamaha Motif ES8 keyboard…it has the best keyboard action.
When was your first gig, and were you paid for it? I was 15yrs old when I played my first paying gig. It was for the organization
“Parents Without Partners”. It was a dance for their teenage children and it was held at the old Statler Hilton Hotel downtown. I
was paid $15.00. I even still have the handwritten contract.
What is your favorite piece of music to perform and why? That changes day to day.
Favorite local artist? There are so many locals artists over the years that I think are great that it would be impossible to slim it
down to a few. I’ve always been inspired by our wonderful collection of local artists.
Favorite venue to play? In Cleveland…probably Blossom. Around the country…Hmm…too many to name.
Who would you like to perform with? I’ve never thought about it.
Artist you really like to listen to? Depends what mood I’m in. Today I was listening to my Gilbert O’Sullivan Anthology.
New artist you admire? I like that guy from Matchbox 20…I think his name is Rob Thomas.
What bands today could you see being around in 25 years? Who knows?? In 1979 I would’ve never thought that Ozzie
Osbourne would become a TV star 20 years later. So you never know.
What were your first three albums ever owned? Introducing the Beatles, The Beatles Second Album and The Beach Boys
Christmas Album
Five CDs you can’t live without?
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles (actually there are 5 I couldn’t live without)
Ten Easy Pieces by Jim Webb
Led Zeppelin II
Tapestry by Carole King
Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Most embarrassing thing in your CD collection? I’m not embarrassed by any of them…not even my Partridge Family’s
Greatest Hits CD.
What’s in your CD player right now? I’m watching the Indians game right now.
Favorite website? After The Gig of course.
Favorite movies? Too many to list. But “Trading Places” and “Saving Silverman” always makes me laugh.
Favorite television shows? Cold Case & The Wonder Years (I never saw it when it was a hit)
Book that everyone should read? The Holy Bible
It’s 1969, you’re 18 years old, and you have the opportunity to go to Woodstock. Would you go?
Absolutely!!! I wanted to then but I was just shy of 14 yrs old at the time.
What do you do in your day job? Making music is my day job…35 yrs and counting.
What do you like to do in your spare time? What spare time?? When I do get the chance, I like to golf.
Most unusual request while playing out? It’s Raining Men
Most tiresome request while playing out? Old Time Rock & Roll
Favorite beverage at a gig? Water
Name two songs you’d love to see on your “To Learn” list: What’s a “to learn” list?
Describe yourself in three words: Someone else should answer that one.
What is your advice to up-and-coming musicians? Believe in yourself, work hard, don’t give up and always have an open
mind and a humble heart.
Email address: Rich@RichSpina.com or www.myspace.com/richspina
| Welcome to Spotlight! ....the opportunity for local musicians to be placed front and center. Enjoy the show! 9/10/07 Vol. XIV |
| Bands you are currently in? “Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone”, “U41”, “The Cleveland Boys” & my piano bar |
| Other bands you have been in? “Love Affair”, “Richard & The Heartbeats”, “Gary Lewis & The Playboys”, “Spina & Sullivan”, “Spina, Sullivan & Hudak”, “The Cover Girls”, “Monkey Island”, “Damnation Of Adam Blessing (2000 reunion). I might be leaving out a few…I am kinda old. Plus, I’ve backed up many, many stars from the 60’s & 70’s. |
Why did you choose this instrument? Which one? If
you’re referring to the piano…I was a junior in high
school and was already playing guitar and clarinet
when I first heard the Carole King album “Tapestry” in
its entirety. It was at that moment that I decided I
wanted to play the piano and that it would become my
main instrument.
you’re referring to the piano…I was a junior in high
school and was already playing guitar and clarinet
when I first heard the Carole King album “Tapestry” in
its entirety. It was at that moment that I decided I
wanted to play the piano and that it would become my
main instrument.
| Age you started playing? 7 or 8 years old |
Who are your heroes? My
parents, Ronald Reagan
and anyone that has given of
themselves to make this
world better (all facets of the
military, Peace Corp,
firemen, etc)
parents, Ronald Reagan
and anyone that has given of
themselves to make this
world better (all facets of the
military, Peace Corp,
firemen, etc)
Influences? The Beatles, Led
Zeppelin, The Raspberries, The Sex
Pistols, Carole King, The Beach Boys,
The Who, Eric Carmen, Jim Webb,
Harry Chapin, Queen, Herman’s
Hermits, The Ink Spots, everything
from the Motown label, musical
theatre, Laura Nyro. Actually, there are
so many that it would take an entire
page. These were just some off the
top of my head.
Zeppelin, The Raspberries, The Sex
Pistols, Carole King, The Beach Boys,
The Who, Eric Carmen, Jim Webb,
Harry Chapin, Queen, Herman’s
Hermits, The Ink Spots, everything
from the Motown label, musical
theatre, Laura Nyro. Actually, there are
so many that it would take an entire
page. These were just some off the
top of my head.
| Do you collect anything? Not really, but I do have a collection of glass, wood & music box pianos from gifts I’ve received from fans over the years. |
| Relate a funny or outrageous story from a gig. Nothing that could be printed. |
