HOW TO GO
Who: Gas Pump Jockeys
Where: Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, 3100 Needmore Road, Dayton
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
Cost: Free
More info: www.hollywooddaytonraceway.com
Artist info: www.gaspumpjockeys.com
Losing a pair of key players means the end of many groups. For Columbus-based cover band the Gas Pump Jockeys, performing at the newly opened Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway on Thursday, Sept. 11, it has meant a new injection of energy.
“Larry (Reece) had to retire from health issues and Kerry (Patesel) was a close buddy and felt it was best to retire too,” lead singer Pat McLoughlin said. “We were really caught off guard by the illness. That was a heart-breaker. We can still feel that a little bit. Gosh, I’d been with Larry for 30 years so it was sort of weird to not have him, but good things come from bad experiences and that’s what’s occurring here.”
The band, which also features Don White (lead guitar) and Scott Langley (drums, vocals), added former Daytonian Mike Losecamp (keyboards, vocals) and Rick Brown (bass, vocals) in February to replace the departing members.
“Getting Mike in the band has been a real neat story to start sharing with people,” McLoughlin said. “I met with Mike and talked to him and explained what we were trying to accomplish and he said yes. His band the Cyrkle in the 1960s was managed by Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ manager. We focus on Mike a lot since he’s joined the band but he’s a huge talent. He’s an incredible vocalist and topnotch keyboard player.”
McLoughlin says the addition of Brown is equally impactful on the group, which specializes in music of the ’60s and ’70s.
“Rick’s a sessions player out of L.A.,” McLoughlin continued. “He played the John Entwistle role in a Who tribute band called Substitute for four years. He’s a great guy to be with. It’s very neat to have him on stage. He’s funny, he’s glib and he just attacks his bass. He’s just a joy to be with right now. It’s been a great experience to have him in the band.
“Sometimes change is good, I guess,” McLoughlin continued. “I hate to go through it but this has really worked out. The band is really something special to hear and see now. We’re fun and energetic so it’s a very good product.”
Thursday’s concert is the Gas Pump Jockeys first Dayton appearance in two years.
“We used to come down quite a bit,” McLoughlin said. “We’re excited to be coming back to Dayton and to be playing the new Hollywood Casino. They’ve said they only want to bring in the best bands in from Ohio so we’re flattered to be on their list. If the one in Dayton is anything like the one we played at here, it’s a real first class, top-notch experience.”
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