The Tropics Tampa, Florida 1964-1969    In 1966 The Tropics won The International Battle of the Bands held at the famous McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The Band took first place over more than 1000 bands, which included names as Chicago and Tommy James & The Shondells. Out of that came a recording contract with Columbia Records and the single "Take the Time," produced by Teo Macero, which made it to the top of the charts and got a "92" on Dick Clark's American Bandstand!  Personnel: Buddy Pendergrass - Guitar & Keys Eric Turner - Guitar & Vocals Mel Dryer - Lead Vocals Bobby Shea - Drums Charlie Souza - Bass Guitar & Vocals Influences: The Beatles, James Brown, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Dave Clark Five, Paul Revere & The Raiders. Setlist Sample: As Time's Gone, For a Long Time, I Want More, Time, Help, We Can Work it Out, I Feel Good, Gimme Some Lovin'. Equipment: Sunn sponsored the band in the late 60's and furnished all of our equipment & Ludwid sponsored us with Ludwig drums. Rehearsal Space: Apple Rehearsal Studios, Oldsmar, Florida. Band Vehicles: 1952 Cadilac with surfers stripes, 65 Ford van, & a converted customized city bus after it broke down, several Ford trucks with camper shell and trailer for gear! Fashion Statement: Some of the most outlandish rock costumes of the sixties. (photos at http://www.charliesouza.com/gallery/images/index.html ) Best Gig: International Battle of The Bands, Chicago, Ilinois - Won First Place and were singed to Columbia Records with our first big hit "Time". Gig from Hell!: International Battle of the Bands, Chicago, Illinois - took the train from Tampa Florida and missed our conection in Jacksonville (got to Chicago just in time to play But won anyway! Last Gig: Largo Cultural Center, Largo Florida Aug 20th 2005 - "A Tribute to The Chief" Buddy Pendergrass who died of Cancer in 2003 - A Donation was made in his name to Moffitt Cancer Research. Comments: One of the most popular and best Rock/showbands in the Southeastern United States between 1965 and 1969.   Above: The Tropics AKA "The Bitchin' Red Band" Below: The Tropics pose with "The Godfather" James Brown!      Where are they now? Winter, 2005 Charlie Souza went on to play with people like Tom Petty and Gregg Allman among others, and has recently re-formed "The New Tropics". You can read more about Charlie's very active music career here: http://www.charliesouza.com/bio/index.html The New Tropics 2005! Tony Arnone, Charlie Souza, Doyle Lindsey, Cary Palmer    Information contributed by Charlie Souza charlie@charliesouza.com

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