Blu Reapus Redford, Michigan 1973-1976   Originally we began as Don Varner, Jim Lewis and myself (Dan Crabtree) and found a bass player from Detroit, Rick Miller, who was 13 years our senior, but agreed to join as we were pretty decent for our ages (without sounding egotistical). Next Varner met Al Armstrong at one of our many warehouse/factory jobs and he could really sing well and played guitar pretty good so we were on our way! We promptly learned the entire "Live "Bullet lp (Seger), along with the entire "Frampton Comes Alive" record and also J. Giels' "Full House" and assorted Allman Bros. and Skynrd tunes as southern rock was just getting big up in Detroit, and that was our set list. Drummer Jim Lewis left to move to Florida and Don Varner went to California so Russ Shephard and Ron Thaxton replaced them ond drums and rythym guitar respectively. When Russ went to college, drummer Dave Petrusch replaced him and that is how the group was until it's demise in late 1976.   Personnel: Al Armstrong - Lead Vocals and Guitar Dan Crabtree - Lead Guitar and Vocals Jim Lewis - Drums Russ Shehard - Drums (replaced Lewis) Dave Petrusch - Drums (replaced Shehard) Rick Miller - Bass Guitar Don Varner - Rythym Guitar Ron Thaxton - Rythym Guitar (replaced Varner) Influences: Allman Bros, Skynyrd, Kansas, Frampton, Humble Pie Setlist Sample: I Don't Need No Doctor, Tuesdays Gone, Saturday Nite Special Equipment: Gibson Les Paul,and SG and Epiphone acoustic/electric, Fender P-bass, Premeir drums/Zildjian cymbals, Marshall,Fender, Peavey and Standell amps. Rehearsal Space: Rick Miller's basement Band Vehicles: Don Varner's van Fashion Statement: Leisure suits at times...they were cool back then. We usually dressed fairly decent. Best Gig: Redford theatre in 1976 - big stage and big P.A. Gig from Hell!: Some high school dance in South Lyon MI around 1974. Every time we would start a song the main circuit breaker would trip. Then our drummer Russ Shephard's hi hat assembly broke. Then, once we got the power situation straightened out, the entire crowd rushed the stage during the encore, which was "Freebird". Al Armstrong, during the last solo jumped off the 3 foot high stage into the crowd breaking his guitar cord. No matter though, because rhythm guitarist Ron Thaxton saw a chance to get in some lead riffs, even though Al kept on playing in the early version of the now infamous mosh pit. We made all of about 90 bucks for all this, and when we packed up what was left of our gear the police were waiting in the lot. They noticed cracked front and rear glass on Al Armstrong's 1973 Plymouth Sattelite and wrote us a ticket for about 90 bucks! Last Gig: Redford theatre 1976 Comments: At the time I think we were not aware that we were above average for a young band, but looking back I think we were a well rehearsed and detail consious group that got along pretty well for as young and full of pee and vinegar as we were. Maybe that is why we still get along today.      Where are they now? Summer, 2004 I went on to play with drummer Jim Lewis for a long time after he returned from Florida and we remain best friends to this day. He is an excellent singer and drummer. Guitarist Don Varner is also close friends with us and has played in a few groups over the years with us and keeps in touch almost daily with me. Drummer Russ Shephard has many college degrees and has served in the armed forces and plays on and off in the Detroit area and keeps in touch with everyone on a semi-regular basis. He is an excellent drumer. Al Armstrong went on to play in the clubs in Detroit until he moved out west in 1985 and comes back once in awhile to jam with us wherever we are playing. He is a talented vocalist and great guitar player who is also a gifted songwriter. Ron Thaxton is someone we don't see much of at all. He was a great student of the guitar and no doubt is an accomplished musician by now if he stayed with it. Rick Miller most likely still lives in the Detroit area but we don't hear from him. He was a good bassist when he joined us but he advanced in a hurry and was awesome at the end. He was a genuine nice guy and put up with us as did his wife. We would all love to hear from them.    Information contributed by Dan Crabtree CSUPERNOVA4@AOL.COM

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