Life Before Zephyr

This is what the band looked like during the 'Brad years'...1995-1999
(click on each picture for a larger view, then close each new window after viewing)
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For Steve and Pete, it was Relentless as can be seen from the banner in the background. Check out this great vintage shot from 1985. This was taken at Echo Lanes in Cuba.

From left to right - Pete on the Vantage bass, Marv Wheeler on drums, AJ (Ace) Smith on the Gibson Flying V, and Steve on his Ibanez Les Paul Custom.

Pete was wearing shorts way back then, and Steve, in his swank leisure coat and oversized suns was one step out of Miami Vice!

(click on each picture for a larger view, then close each new window after viewing)


AJ sent these cool retro pics from 1984. See if you recognize anyone in these.

Steve - yes, thats him. What a rock star!	Pete - he's still wearing his shorts!	AJ - What a ham	Marv - imitating Bonzo	Lake Lodge 1984 the Relentless years

Steve and Pete (far right) Wellsboro, PA Prom 1984	(AJ in forground) Steve and Pete Wellsboro, PA Prom 1984	Pete in 1983 Senior picture	Steve, Billy Seamans and Pete With Eric VanDruff on Drums Doug Foster's grad party - 1984 (Eric's daughter now plays with Olean based band DreadNecks)	AJ Smith at Lake Lodge in Alfred, NY - 1985 His memorable version of 'Heart Of Gold' (Psi-D party with Mister Twister from Jamestown, NY)
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First picture is possibly the first photo of Steve jamming with friends before he got into his first band. Then we have the first band card for Relentless (thanks to Dave for being our Relentless historian) and a poster we had made in our first days at Alfred State College. (click to enlarge)
	He's Back! So after more than 20 years, AJ finds his way back to the guys from his old band Relentless. He's got a new band called Bad Inluence and we're sure they know how to rock. More of that to follow...I'm sure! But AJ also has more to be proud of than playing guitar and his own accomplishments. He has two talented kids that we may hear more of in the future. Here are two links to his kids youtube videos: His son playing guitar. Not bad for 13! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h8V8TvOvEY His daughters winning performance in her high scool talent contest. She's 15 now and may try out for next years American Idol! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTQRG5M6J5Y
	It's 'Super Dave' Ashman! Only the died hard fans of Relentless might remember this guy. Dave was a great asset to Relentless as our friend and sound man for many years. We met at Alfred State College when we started playing with AJ and Marv. We knew Dave played around with guitars and had hidden drumming abilities, but never knew he would go on to record his own CD. He also teaches photography, does commercial shoots, and fine art exhibiting. Check out what Super Dave has to offer...and maybe buy his CD! www.davidashman.com
	AND... This is Super Dave's new baby girl Lluna (pronounced you-na) Carim Ashman. Super Dave just became Super-Dad. Good job Dave!
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	Scott was playing with bands like 3D and Company, and others. He had the hair and that rock star look. The picture to the right is at the old Maple Tree Inn...now Flips...in Portville, NY.
	Jokers Wild wasn't yet together when Jamie started hitting his dads drums, but now you can see him as the driving force behind the band. Take a look at the drums in the picture at the left, and the picture above it. Shhh...don't tell dad!
Steve, Kevin and Pete at the Sports Booster Drawing - A panoramic Zephyr!
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We had a nice little mention in the Ellicottville news. Our mention is hi-lighted in yellow.	Scottie would like to thank Dennis Royce for these fine drums And especially the lovely Lori for the help on preparing them to play out on. Thank you both!
Echo lanes in Cuba was recently destroyed by a fire. This was one of the biggest rock bars in the area.	Great Skate in Portville, which later turned into a furniture store, hosted one of the biggest Battle of the Bands in the area.
Your Place, which later became My Bar then Cheers was the first place Relentless played in 1980. The Maple Tree Inn in Portville is Now Flips.	Coral Lanes on Front Street in Olean, is now a church. West is still going strong today.
You may recognize and remember some of the names of the bands in these ad's. It's been over 20 years, and many of the guys in these bands are still playing in other local bands today...like Rob from TARKUS, now with Usual Suspects or USA Rocker, which was a later version of Pleaser and is now in part Oliverio. Tommy Rogers from the JAM played for a while with Shadow Fox, as well as playing with Steve and Pete in early versions of Relentless. Of course, the Ozone Rangers and the Trolls are still banging out great music, and they were veterans way back when!

Thanks to all of our friends who played in these bands and to our friends who continue to support great local live music.

ZEPHYR - 20 years of drummers

Timmy Sader 1991-1995	Brad Tanneberger 1995-1999	Kevin Franklin 1999-2008	Scottie (and Animal) 2008 -