Silver Wings

Two guys (Russ & Mike) started playing some favorite Beatles' tunes in their spare time for fun. Then one of them (Mike) thought it would be good to bring an old friend (Bob) who had a good voice and also played bass. This worked well, but something else was needed. Bob knew of a good drummer (Kevin) and asked if Russ & Mike would like to try adding drums to the mix. Things seemed to just fall into place right off the bat.

They all had been playing music since they were kids and each really enjoyed playing the music of the Beatles which, for Russ, Mike, & Bob, were popular during their teen years. They all agreed to meet weekly to work on the early Beatles' Hits. At this point they were just playing for fun in Mike's basement and had no thought of doing this professionally as a "band" or even what to call themselves.

Some of Mike's neighbors had been hearing the music from the basement and asked if they would set up in the garage so they could hear better. Then they got an opportunity to play for Russ' son's wedding reception. They put together about 13 or 14 songs and played for a very receptive crowd who showered them with cheers and glowing compliments like, "you sounded just like the records". Having been introduced as the "Beatle Wannabees" the guys figured they'd better find a better name than to be called that again.

Bob said one day while looking at the clouds in the sky, "Something like Silver Clouds or Angels would be good." Later he refined it to "Silver Wings" which hit a chord with all the guys. It stuck! Then there was a request for the guys to play publicly at a local restaurant in Amana, Iowa and get paid for it.

The idea was very appealing to hear the applause of a live audience again. They agreed and the Silver Wings played for their first public gig at Ronneburg Restaurant and was met by an excited crowd. Afterward, people wanted to hear them again and again so the restaurant booked them for several gigs in the following months and so did another local establishment. Each time they were met with cheers and applause and lots of dancing!

What started out as just something for fun turned into getting paid to do something for fun. The guys all agreed that it was even more fun to play great music for others who also enjoyed the music and thought it would be great to be able to do this 6 or 7 times a year. The third year Silver Wings were booked for almost 4 times that many gigs. They were also starting to play some very popular local places. That made it official.

We are now "Silver Wings", a band who loves to play Beatles' music, as well as good ole Rock & Roll from the 60's, for live audiences, and we're willing to let people pay us for the privilege. (-;