Nov
10
(click on photo to purchase tickets)
Sep
27
“The Gems” Return To Rock Seattle At “88 Keys”
(Left to Right) Larry Loney, Duane Gusse, Ron "Buzz" Overman, Paul Wheeler, Jim Reid
Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, The Gems were one of the best Northwest rock bands in the early 60′s. After nearly 50 years, they are now reunited and playing music again! The current band members are Larry Loney, Duane Gusse, Ron “Buzz” Overman, Paul Wheeler and Jim Reid. They have scheduled a single performance in Seattle at 88 Keys in historic Pioneer Square on Sunday, October 9th from 5 to 9pm. For online ticket purchases, please visit: www.RockTheBlues.com.
In the summer of 1960, The Gems started taking music serious and gave 100% to making a success of this band in the music world. They played local dances in Walla Walla and Eastern Washington area from 1960 to early 1962 and by the summer of 1962 they were booking with popular singers and musicians during their Northwest tours. Including; The Ventures, Jan and Dean, Johnny Burnette, Dorsey Burnette, Donnie Brooks, Johnny Tillitson, Bobby Bare and Jerry Lee Lewis.
When they first started learning to play music and make appearances, they were doing the Ventures music. Ironically, they ended up touring with them for several months. The Gems (Jim, Larry, Paul and Ron) (Duane had not joined “The Gems” yet) was the Ventures opening band for each gig. When The Ventures came on to do their two 30 minute performances Ron (Bass) and Larry (Drums) stayed on stage and performed with them making up their standard rhythm, lead, bass guitar and drums instrumentation. Overman tells of numerous fans voicing discontent when they saw only two of the real Ventures on stage, but quickly forgetting about it once Nokie Edward’s dazzling guitar work began.
The photo below was taken in 1963 when The Gems performed in Canada along with Johnny Burnett, Dorsey Burnett and Donnie Brooks.
(Left to Right) Larry Loney, Duane Gusse, Ron "Buzz" Overman, Paul Wheeler, Jim Reid
In 1964, The Gems moved to Portland, Ore. and played at the Nagle’s Big Apple until 1965, when the band broke up. Ron Overman went on to fame with Don and the Goodtimes, writing and singing their hit song, “I Could Be So Good To You”. Don and the Goodtimes was formed after Don Gallucci’s exit from the Kingsmen in early 1964. They more than held their own with the many great bands on the 1960s Northwest scene.
Sep
14
Jun
02
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