Tony Amaro, a veteran to the Chicago music scene, is a seasoned player. From the south suburbs, he was hand-picked to be Gregg Potter's drum roadie. Gregg had just joined Steve Dahl and Teenage Radiation. And in the wake of Disco Demolition, Tony became the bands road manager.
From Tony's early years, "When I was 11, I found out about Dex Card's Wild Goose. The closest venue to me was the Sherwood Club in Schereville, IN. I would go there almost every Sunday night through my high schools years. One of the first bands I saw was Brownsville Station. This was before SITBR. They had no problem, letting a kid like me on the inside of what was going on with the band. I was already a drummer because of Ringo, I play cover music because of M&R Rush, I am a rocker because of Brownsville Station."
Some of Tony's prior bands include Myth (from Indiana), d'Rangers, Bonk Nobles and the Code, all of which received critical acclaim in Chicagoland. In Bonk Nobles, as Tony recalls, he had one evening to rehearse with the band before their first gig at Excalibur's Dome room. After that show, BN frontman, Chris Bonk nicknamed Tony the "Southside Hitman". Shortly afterwards, the band recorded their self-titled CD which was produced by radio producer and Island recording artist Bill Latour
Tony has also done a considerable amount of studio work all the way from Galveston, Texas to Chicago. Tony has been compared to Phil Levitt of dada and Dave Grohl of Nirvana. He admits though, his biggest influence was John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. By working tightly with bassist Paul Brzeszkiewicz, he had established himself as part of one of the tightest rhythm sections in the Chicago area. With Paul, they started the cover-original band the Code, which later became Dogs in the Tub. With the extra time they had, they started the cover band f.o.b. (friends of bob), with Mark Hoffman up front, and lead guitarist Dean Schuldt.
And speaking of Bob...Tony has spent much quality time with his musical brother, Bob Left in the band HITBYABUS. The pair have recorded professionally as Vito and Guido, the Linguini Brothers on the CD "Come On In!" by Mike Filipek. Recently Tony played the 'burbs with American Rock Club. featuring Tom Wenzel of the Crabs and Kevin McCarthy. Tony added heat to the 2008 shows with regional southern rock favorites the Almost Brothers Band.
Here's Tony with the Almost Brothers Band at Maple Avenue Pub - October 2008
Tony makes friends fast and can pick a beat quickly. He is never at a loss for a fill. And with the change of the new year, plans for the new band are emerging...Stay tuned!
.. Visit Drummers Unite
hi Tony i finished one of my new songs: ~the rain is fallin~ i went electric guitar and not acoustic. i put my lyrics up as well. my songs about the Angels fighting the Demons! but the demons will never admit there defeat. check it for me ok and let me know what you think? ~hopefully my players working ok~ friends always Mark
Thanx a lot Tony. It was good to meet you Saturday. It's refreshing to get support from other musicians...We'll have to come see you play in the future.
I just wanted to let you know that you did a great job last night. The only problem was that I got a head-ache from looking up to see you on the risers :lol I wanted to stay longer but I had to leave quickly.
Hey Tony! Thanks for your friendship and the well-wishes!! Please pass the word about us to your fellow musicians. Got spots to fill, music to create, and no time to lose! Have a great week!
Thanx Tony. I thought I would add ya because of the nice comments you said on our band's page. It's cool to see support from other musicians. Never lose the dream...
Tony Amaro, a veteran to the Chicago music scene, is a seasoned player. From the south suburbs, he was hand-picked to be Gregg Potter's drum roadie. Gregg had just joined Steve Dahl and Teenage Radiation. And in the wake of Disco Demolition, Tony became the bands road manager.
