Rich Spina has become one of Cleveland’s most enduring musical talents. He has maintained a steady profile as lead singer, songwriter, musical director, road manager, keyboard player and record producer.
Rich’s professional career began in the 1970’s fronting a band that became known as LOVE AFFAIR. Over the ensuing decade, that band evolved into a tight professional recording act that released two albums & an EP nationally and had a hit record with “Mama Sez,” a rocking pop song that Rich co-wrote.
When LOVE AFFAIR folded, the next endeavor for Rich was a solo project he dubbed RICHARD & THE HEARTBEATS. That band would not last as long as his previous project, but would give him national credibility once again with another original song entitled “Somebody Loves You” – a track that received a national pick in Billboard Magazine and regionally hit the top 10 in airplay.
From 1987 through 2004 Rich was with GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS; as musical director, road manager, keyboardist and singer. During that time he backed countless other artists such as BILLY J. KRAMER, MITCH RYDER, LOU CHRISTIE, IAN HUNTER, FABIAN and MARK LINDSAY plus many, many more. Rich has also toured as musical director, keyboardist, singer and road manager for:
· The Sensational Sixties Tour 1998- 2005 ·
· The Rock-n-Roll Army Tour 1999-2001 ·
· The 30 Years Of Rock-n-Roll Tour 1992 ·
· The Super Rock Of The 60’s Tour 1988-1991 ·
In 2000 Rich performed with the legendary acid rock band DAMNATION OF ADAM BLESSING on keyboards and vocals when the band reunited for their first concert in 28 years at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Two years later Rich's own band LOVE AFFAIR would reunite for the first time in 18 years on that same stage.
In 2002 and 2003 Rich was the bandleader and keyboard player for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame benefit concerts.
In 2006 he became the keyboardist/guitarist & tour coordinator for HERMAN’S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE. Rich also plays piano in his church praise team and is a member of the Christian/Gospel group U41.
When not on the road, Rich spends his time producing and writing songs for other artists in his studio, RBS Recording. Some of the artists that have recorded his songs are SONNY GERACI, GARY LEWIS and BILLY HUFSEY, to name a few. Additionally, Rich has produced sessions for BILLY J. KRAMER and MARK LINDSAY.
Hey Rich! Long time! Hope you are doing great! Looks like you are working hard! I still need to get together with you and get a copy of the songs we did. Maybe we can grab lunch one day... Hope to see you soon!
Rich, I finished some music and got it up on iTunes! Hope you check it out! Here is a promo video for the EP...
Have a great time at the shows this week!! Can't make it to the Mad Cactus tomorrow night, but shooting for next Thursday,as of right now. So see you then, hopefully.
Soooo, I can bug Kellie this weekend instead of you! How do you like the shirt in my new profile pic? LOL I couldn't resist. All in good fun, of course!
Hi Rich!! Hey we posted our version of "KICKS" Thought you may dig it,Please come hear it and Please let us Know what ya Think,Keep rockin my Friend! Dale of CRAB BUBBLES
Hey Rich, glad to see you're still at it! Last I time I touched base with you, you had just been playing with Herman's Hermits. And you're absolutely right about C-town weather, it turns cold and gray in Oct. and stays that way 'til Apr., lol! I've had my gig with FireHouse for six years now and I couldn't be happier, we're touring Southeast Asia next month and Europe in March(Norway is already confirmed) Keep it up, brother, we "seasoned veterans" should keep going as long as it's still fun(and profitable!)....peace, Allen
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