Amethyst plays all types of '80s music
LAURA GOOLEY • Correspondent
• July 16, 2010
The members of the 1980s cover band Amethyst didn't just learn the
songs, they lived the decade, beginning their musical journeys in high
school when the Rubik's Cube, regular Nintendo, leg warmers and Pac-Man
were popular.
The current band started out in 2002, first as just a group of
friends who had played in bands together in the past and decided to
relive the music, playing songs they used to play in bands back then.
Now in their late 30s, something that began as just for fun has turned
into a popular cover band after its '80s concept stuck.
Three original members remain, including bassist
vocalist Mike Dok, vocalist guitarist Pete Amadeo and guitarist vocalist
Mike Zaffarese. In 2005, Dan O'Leary replaced the original keyboardist,
and Pete's brother Eric replaced the drummer two years ago.
While the band had been
fronted by a solo male lead vocalist for the first few years, in 2005,
the addition of
female vocalist Kristy Talorico opened them up to a lot
more songs, and allowed them to "add the other half of the '80s," Dok
said.
This move also helped set the band apart from other area bands with a
similar musical theme.
Another
difference Dok has noticed is that while some groups tend to stick with
hair metal, Amethyst "tries to focus on all aspects of the '80s," he
said, including dance, Top 40, college rock and straight pop.
The band plays songs by
R.E.M., Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Billy Idol, Tommy
Tutone, Journey, Pat Benatar and Madonna, to name a few.
During a typical set, the band bounces back and forth
between male and female lead vocals, and among various genres, Dok
said, "all linked by the common thread of the '80s."
The high-energy dance band, named after a minor comic
book from the '80s called "Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld," sticks with
the upbeat tunes, without any real ballads performed.
"It gets people up and dancing," Dok said.
Locally, Amethyst
performs at the Surf City Hotel, a gig gained two years ago through a
mutual connection. The band has been playing at Molly Maguire's in Clark
for five years, and a bartender there recommended them to her father,
who just happened to be the manager at the hotel.
"We love the Surf City Hotel," Dok said. This will be
Amethyst's third year performing there, with only one date lined up —
tonight.
"It's
always a great time," he said, adding that last year, a group of 10 to
15 vacationers came back to see them at one of their shows, after
hearing them first the year before.
For more information on the band, including links to
solo projects, '80s games, info on the Amethyst comic book and other
'80s related websites, visit amethyst80s.com.
