In 1981, the Nashville underground rock scene was beginning to take off with venues such as Phrank-n-Steins and Cantrells presenting local new wave & rock acts. Inspired by what was going on, siblings Donna & Tony Frost, (Donna-lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Tony-drums & backing vocals) along with friends Todd Andrews (bass & vocals), Johnny Lauffer (keyboards & vocals) & Chuck Allen (lead guitar), formed the band the Bunnies. The group debuted in January of 1982 at KO Jams, opening for local favorites, The Times. Lauffer and Andrews left shortly after the group’s first two gigs. Todd McAlpin replaced Andrews on bass and the Bunnies became a four piece band. This lineup lasted for a few months with the band playing a number of shows in Nashville. Chuck Allen was replaced by Jeff Van Allen (no relation) on lead guitar and Rick Federico replaced Todd McAlpin on bass. This was the lineup which lasted longest and is best remembered, performing regularly in Nashville rock clubs. The Bunnies were the very 1st rock band to perform at the Cannery (which is now the Mercy Lounge) and played back to back shows .. Fridays & Saturday nights, sharing the bill with acts such as Practical Stylists, John Hinckley & The Jrs., and the Committee for Public Safety. The group were influenced especially by The Pretenders, Blondie & X. The originals were great showcases for Jeff Allen’s hot guitar solos. Lead vocalist Donna Frost was voted by Anthem Magazine as female vocalist of the year in 1983. By late 1983, Tony Frost joined the Movement on bass guitar, Donna Frost joined the all-female Paper Dolls & Jeff Allen had moved to Chattanooga. The Bunnies played their last show in October of 1983. 25 years later, the group has decided to reunite with original members Donna & Tony Frost & Jeff Allen, along with Donna’s Paper Dolls’ bandmate Turina Davis on bass. The group will be playing reunion shows in Nashville as well as some possible road dates. Stay tuned here for more details!
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