usan has been working with THE BUCKINGHAMS for many years now and has been asked questions regarding the history of the band as well as questions about the current GUYS. Here are the top twenty-two most Frequently Asked Questions See if you can think of any more to add and then email them to me. When I attend a BUCKINGHAMS concert today, who are the five guys I see on stage? Original lead guitarist CARL GIAMMARESE became the lead singer in 1982 and plays guitar. NICK FORTUNA is the original bass player who sings background vocals and some solo tunes. CARL and NICK are The Buckinghams you will recognize from 1960s album covers, TV shows, and magazines. Drummer TOM SCHECKEL joined THE BUCKINGHAMS in 1983. BOB ABRAMS plays lead guitar and sings. BRUCE SOBOROFF plays keyboards and sings. BOB and BRUCE joined in 1986. These five BUCKINGHAMS have been together over 20 years, 4 times longer than the original Buckinghams of the 1960s performed together. Did THE BUCKINGHAMS ever play and/or record by any other name? Yes they did. Before they were renamed The Buckinghams, the group was known as The Pulsations. Prior to that, Carl and Nick played guitar in their first band, The Centuries, with Carl's cousin, Jerry Elarde, on drums/lead vocals, and Curt Bachman on bass and vocals. During their early recording days, one song was released on the Alley Cat label with the group being identified as The Falling Pebbles, an impromptu decision by their first manager, Carl Bonafede. What are the other BUCKINGHAMS of the 1960s doing today? Marty Grebb (former keyboards/saxophone/vocals) is a California recording artist, producer and musician who has toured with numerous artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell, and Dave Mason. Dennis Tufano (former lead singer) lives in California where he works on film projects and has recently starred in a Bobby Darin Tribute show. John Poulos (original drummer) passed away in March, 1980. When and why did they break up? In 1970, after a string of hits and years in the music business, THE BUCKINGHAMS decided it was time to pursue their individual interests. What did Carl and Nick do from 1970 until THE BUCKINGHAMS reunited in 1980? CARL and NICK have remained in the music business consistently since 1964. In 1970 CARL and Dennis Tufano began writing songs together, performing in Chicago venues as "Dennis and Carl." In 1972, they signed with Lou Adler, who renamed the duo "Tufano & Giammarese." They recorded 3 albums for Adler's Ode Records and toured the country from 1972–1977. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, CARL worked as a professional session singer for commercial producers. For many years his voice was heard on national TV and Radio advertisements. NICK played bass with several R&B bands and formed two of his own bands that entertained audiences across the country. What was the name of EVERY person who was ever a BUCKINGHAM? Genuine members of The Buckinghams since 1965 include: CARL GIAMMARESE, NICK FORTUNA, Dennis Tufano (vocals), Marty Grebb (keyboards), John Poulos (drums), Curt Bachman (bass), Dennis Miccolis (keyboards), Larry Nester (keyboards), John Turner (keyboards), Tom Taylor (keyboards), Laurie Beebe Lewis (vocals), John Cammelot (keyboards), Barbara Unger (keyboards), John Duich (guitar), George LeGros (vocals)… and, of course, the current Buckinghams, TOM SCHECKEL (drums), BOB ABRAMS (guitar), and BRUCE SOBOROFF (keyboards). What are THE BUCKS' biggest hit songs? Their first song to hit the national music charts, "Kind of a Drag," went straight to #1. Other hits include "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Hey Baby, They're Playing Our Song," "Don't You Care," and "Susan," all of which hit the Top 20…some reaching the Top 5. Did THE BUCKS do a car commercial in the 1960's? Yes, they did. It was for Chicago car dealer, Norm Kraus, known as "Mr. Norm." The Buckinghams made a radio commercial with the memorable tag line: "Go with the Go Group!" A 2008 Chicago auto Web site notes how local car enthusiasts recall The Buckinghams' summer performances for "Mr. Norm's Sport Club" dances at 3300 West Grand Ave. Mr. Norm gave the band a van in exchange for their promotion of his dealership, and they drove all over the Midwest in that van before they became a national act. How can I purchase copies of THE BUCKINGHAMS' new music? This Web site sells 4 CDs: The Buckinghams live album, "Live and Well"; the new studio album, "Reaching Back"; and limited copies of Carl Giammarese's solo album, "Trying Not to Fade." "Reaching Back" and "Standing Room Only" are sold nationally at stores including Best Buy, Wal- Mart, and Circuit City. We also sell CDs at all our concerts. Our newest CD, "Joy of Christmas" is available here as well as at concerts; start your holiday shopping early, and order several for all your friends who enjoy new music from The Buckinghams. When are THE BUCKINGHAMS' birthdays? CARL's birthday is August 21st. NICK's birthday is May 1st. TOM's birthday is November 19th. BOB's birthday is February 24th. BRUCE's birthday is August 31st. Were The Buckinghams named for the famous Chicago fountain? No, not for the fountain. Originally called The Pulsations, when the band won a 13-week spot on WGN TV's "All Time Hits," the producers wanted them to have a more British-sounding name because of the popularity of The Beatles. A security guard at WGN, Mr. John Opager, offered several suggestions, and the group chose The Buckinghams, which is how they were introduced to TV audiences and have been known ever since. Will THE BUCKINGHAMS play for a private function like a corporate meeting, or special event party? The Buckinghams are among first-choice artists asked to play at corporate parties, special events, galas for nonprofit charities and even the White House Inauguration. On what record labels have THE BUCKINGHAMS been featured? Spectra Sound, USA Records, Columbia, Sony, Sundazed, Alley Cat, Red Label, Nation Records, BML, and currently they are on Fuel Records. What kind of BUCKINGHAMS' merchandise is available, and how can I purchase some? CDs and photos are currently available at THE BUCKS' merchandise booth set up at all their concerts…you can take home your souvenir that night, AND most of the time CARL and NICK greet the audience after the concert, where they are happy to autograph your CDs and photos! Or, get your music and photos today by visiting this link: www.thebuckinghams.com/merchandise.html Who are the guys who play horns with THE BUCKINGHAMS? When they appear with THE BUCKS, the horn guys, referred to as "The Buckinghorns," are usually Carlo Isabelli, Chuck Morgan, and Jim Kaczmarek. Additional talented musicians whom you may hear at concerts are Steve Frost, Lou Corelli, Terry Viano, Rich Moore, Kevin Flanagan, and Kevin Cline. What are THE BUCKS' latest projects? In 2008 The Buckinghams signed with Fuel Records of Los Angeles, CA. Fuel recently released two new CDs, their Studio CD, "Reaching Back," and their LIVE CD, "Standing Room Only" (a re-release of the "Live and Well" CD. You can get them at concerts, on this Web site, or in national retail stores. THE GUYS have recently completed a Christmas CD, called the "Joy of Christmas," available now. Join our e-mail list and stay in touch with our latest personal appearances, print, radio and TV interviews, and more. Do THE BUCKINGHAMS have a fan club? Back in the 1960s, a group of loyal fans led the first Buckinghams Fan Club in Chicago, headed by Dolores Chapman. There was also a Los Angeles-based fan club, a Tokyo, Japan club led by Takako Kojima, and a fan club in Italy led by Anna Yanovsky. They had a truly international following. In 1988, fan club activities were renewed by Susan Rakis. Journalist Tom Lounges wrote the first national newsletters for the club in fall, 1988. Susan Rakis also took on the newsletter duties, and organized the first Chicago-area picnic for fans and coordinated charity events at which The Buckinghams appeared. Presently, she coordinates the meet-and-greets with The Buckinghams, handling their merchandise booth at shows and advances the group's dates in national venues. Contact her with your questions at susan@thebuckinghams.com and she'll try to include them in future e-mails via our Constant Contact newsletter. Check out the comments from across the country in the Fan Feedback section of our Web site: www.thebuckinghams.com/news.html I know that THE BUCKINGHAMS' concert schedule is on Pollstar via THE BUCKINGHAMS' Web site, but what if I want to know more information about the concert in addition to what Pollstar gives me? The Buckinghams have a MySpace page, for fans to exchange info and talk. Check out our "Are you going to the concert?" blog on the MySpace page and post your questions at www.myspace.com/thebuckinghams Pollstar updates their latest concert information every 24 hours, and you can access that by clicking on the Concerts link here on our Web site, and selecting "Tour Schedule." What are some little-known facts about each of the current BUCKS? Carl is very involved in the day-to-day business of The Buckinghams. He has written 3 new songs for The Bucks' new Christmas album, while producing the CD in his recording studio, and planning out new dates for next year's touring schedule. He is often interviewed on Radio and TV, so look for e-mail blasts to tell you when you can tune in. Nick received a very special gift from Hofner guitars in 1966. He was the second person in the United States to receive a Hofner bass, the same bass used by Paul McCartney when he was with The Beatles. The first person to receive the first Hofner bass sent to the USA was Dean Paul Martin, Jr. (Dino, of Dino, Desi, and Billy). Tom is a professional Web page designer whose clever designs are featured on the CD art for Buckinghams' albums, including "Live and Well." On his design for "Reaching Back," check out and see where the CD actually looks like an old 45 record spindle. His most recent artwork graces the cover of "Joy of Christmas," our newest CD. Tom is one of many featured artists in a beautiful photo book about drummers, "Sticks and Skins," due out in early 2009. Bob loves coffee so much that he is greeted by name at every java stop in Chicagoland, whether it be Dunkin Donuts, Border's Stores' Seattle's Best, or any one of the 444 Chicago Starbucks stores, where Bob is welcomed by name and coffee drink selection. Bob is the expert when it comes to sound production; he is the band member responsible for getting everything up and running properly on stage. Check out Bob's personal MySpace page at www.myspace.com/bobabrams Bruce is a history buff and our unofficial travel guide when The Buckinghams tour the country. He got into music when a professional trumpet player came to his school and played the "William Tell Overture." After giving trumpet lessons a shot, Bruce switched to keyboards and began writing music. Was Carl Giammarese ever on a guest weatherman on Good Morning America? Yes, on February 29, 2000, Carl traded places with Tony Perkins on ABC's national broadcast, giving the nation's weather, while Tony flew to Chicago to sing at a special Buckinghams' early morning concert. Before Carl flew to the set to be interviewed by Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson in New York, he gave Tony Perkins, GMA weatherman (1999–2005), a few lessons on how to sing "Kind of a Drag." The morning of the broadcast, at 5:30 am, Nick Fortuna worked Tony through rehearsal and sound check at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois for a live, if not extremely early morning concert, for area fans. Visit Carl's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/carlgiammarese and check out the video clip. The weather had a new kind of 'rock 'n roll twist that morning, as delivered by Carl. And, Tony Perkins' singing talents as he performed with The Buckinghams showed why his great voice….should stick to giving the weather. While Carl and Tony decided to "keep their day jobs," national audiences enjoyed seeing new sides to these two personalities. What can I do to bring THE BUCKINGHAMS to my town? There's a lot you can do to make that happen! Call your local Chamber of Commerce and see who books the talent for local concerts, festivals, and shows. Refer them to this Web site to see the video clips and watch how great a show The Buckinghams would bring to your event www.thebuckinghams.com/video.html Call your local radio station and when you request The Buckinghams songs, encourage them to invite THE BUCKS to a show or festival in your area. Most events plan their entertainment a year in advance, so start early. Talk to your place of employment and suggest THE BUCKINGHAMS as entertainment for your next gathering, meeting or celebration. You can book them through their exclusive agency Paradise Artists at 805-646-8433. How can I stay in touch with THE BUCKINGHAMS? To reach Carl, Nick, Tom, Bob, and Bruce: Send a message to an individual or the group. Go to www.thebuckinghams.com/email.html and let us hear from you. Sign up for our newsletter. Look for the "Join our e-mail list" invitation box throughout our Web site to stay in touch for the latest news. Check out our blogs and latest photos on: www.myspace.com/thebuckinghams