mcphisto

Dale Crosby | Guitar, Vocals

Jerry Carberry | Guitar, Vocals

Jeff Langenberg | Bass, Vocals

Zach Nickels | Drums

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mcphisto got started in the early 80s. While the band eventually broke up in 1987, with their personal and musical bond, they decided to put mcphisto back together in 2008. Hoopla sat down with Jerry Carberry recently to talk about the band.

Describe the music you play.

We like to consider our musical style as Retro Rock. We play a wide variety of rock songs, focusing on the 80s & 90s. Our current set list includes songs from AC/DC, Billy Idol, Journey, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Cars and Nickleback, as well as a variety of other recognizable tunes and crowd favorites from the 70s through the present.

You’re all from the Cedar Rapids area. What other bands have you played with?

Prior to mcphisto, we all had played in a variety of rock, country-rock and wedding bands. We focused our attention on mcphisto for the better part of the 80s. After that we all migrated to various other bands such as: It’s All That, Philm @ 11, Tan Yer Hide, The Difference and Eastern Front. Along the way we’ve each had the opportunity to play with some great musicians, many of whom are still playing in local bands today.

Describe the energy that the audience will see on stage.

mcphisto rocks hard. We draw a lot of our energy from having great dance crowds. The four of us have many, many years of experience playing in bands. We know what works, and, very importantly, we know where our strengths lie. Great harmonies, a killer groove. We don’t use onstage amplification. All instruments, including drums, are electronically routed through the front house mixer. Our mission is actually pretty simple: play great music and have the best overall show and sound for our fans so they can come out and have a great time.

And what’s with the name? What does it mean?

The name mcphisto is not intended to mean anything. There is a slight reference to things of an Irish nature. It was a, hopefully, easy to remember name. No other meaning.