WAX-R-BACK - mid '70s
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 The WAX-R-BACK group started as a "sing-a-long" at parties in the mid 70's. Charlie Arnemann (right), who learned the basics of guitar in the army, would play oldies and his wife Diane and many of their friends would take turns singing.
Jeff Dady, Charlie Howard and Joe Stephan, always seemed to group together with Charlie Arnemann and sing all the DOO-WOPS they knew.
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 By 1976, they got together to entertain at a Broad Channel Anglers (the local fishing club) party, where they sang four songs ... one of which was "Remember Then" which remains on their list to this day. From that time on they were asked to sing at parties and with rock bands that played at the many events the guys attended.
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 By the time the eighties came around the group name was born. "Wax" was what 45's were mastered from, and "Wax-R-Back" became their logo. They were often called "wacks-are-back" by many because along with their songs they also clowned around quite a bit, but DOO-WOP music was at the heart of their act and all the guys were serious about the music.
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 The "Wax" began to appear more frequently locally, and Charlie A. wrote several songs that the group worked on "Salt Water Cowboy" became as much a trademark for the group as any rock song.
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Jeff Dady (left) worked his way into the lead role by polishing his skills on many of the songs the group sang. Charlie Howard (right) and Charlie A. shared bass, back grounds and leads along with Jeff, while Joe Stephan (far right) provided the energy to the group, not only by singing, but dancing his way into the group.
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  Charlie Arnemann’s wife, Diane, joined the group in the mid-nineties after a 15 year musical career of her own. Diane sang a little with the "Wax" in the early days but teamed up with friend Doris Dady in 1979. They enjoyed a successful 10 years together until they moved on to other bands. The addition of Diane to the Wax-R-Back provided not only a female lead singer, but a harmony back-up and a rhythm guitarist. Diane took over the management of the band and together with husband Charlie A., led the band to what it is today.
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  Fran Gill (left) came to the "Wax" via a group called "Chantilly Lace" the group was an off-shoot of the Wax-R-Back. Diane, Barbara Bradford (right) and Fran got together to sing "girl songs" from the 50's and 60's and did their act on "Wax" breaks. The group quickly gained popularity and was simultaneously booked with the "Wax". After the untimely passing of Barbara, Fran was asked to stay with the "Wax". Fran provides additional back up vocals as well as some of her own leads.
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 A few years ago, Guy Long asked if he could step in on bass sometime, and has been a part of the group ever since. Guy is not only the "bottom" the group lacked, but also plays lead guitar on some of the special songs.
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"We hope to see you out there enjoying the fun with us at any of our appearances! Thanks for visiting our website!"
The WAX-R-BACK |
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