Wizard was formed in 1972 by Rosedale/Highlandtown musicians and schoolmates who merged their two groups, Kingdom and The Bristols. Wizard began playing local teen centers, CYO’s, outdoor concerts, high schools, and colleges. A 1972 appearance at the Overlea Teen Center caught the ear of Mike Moran and Marc Loundas of the newly formed Starleigh Enterprises and they quickly signed Wizard as one of the first bands represented by the talent agency.
Wizard’s band members were Bob ‘Fats’ Smith (lead vocals; ex-B.J. and the Regents, White Lightning, Kingdom), Rob Fahey (guitar; ex-Shandells, Sounds of the British Realm, The Bristols, America), Mike Scarinzi (bass; ex-B.J. and the Regents, Shandells, Impacts, White Lightning, Kingdom), Ed Bartholomey (keyboards; ex-The Bristols, America), and Tony Vega (drums; ex-Port City, Kingdom).
Wizard was one of the first local groups to diversify their talents by creating separate acts to cover more musical territory. As Wizard, the group covered Top 40 hits at local nightclubs, proms and dances dressed in sport coats or tuxedos. They regularly performed at clubs along the East Coast, like their performance in New York City, where Wizard served as backup musicians for the vocal group The Toys, with their national hit “Lover’s Concerto.”
Wizard also worked alongside Dennis Yost and the Classics IV with their hits “Spooky” and “Traces of Love” and as a supporting act for the soulful Tower of Power at the Hollywood Palace. In addition, Wizard traveled and played music in the national club circuits in Iowa, Michigan, Florida, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Wizard’s second act, an alias they created known as Jimmy Joy and the Goofer Boys, played 50’s rock and roll to slightly older audiences at various clubs. Jimmy Joy and the Goofer Boys performed in cities like Buffalo and Indianapolis. For this act, band members dressed in original 50’s attire. The Goofer Boys appeared on the Larry Angel morning TV show performing “At the Hop.” Buddy Deane was a special guest that day.
In May 1974, Wizard created yet a third act. This is where they are most remembered for their stage performances in concert settings. The band performed covers of progressive “art-rock” groups like Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, and Genesis, as well as their own original compositions, (The Journey, Seeds, Friends and Like a Rose), primarily written by guitarist Rob Fahey.
George Goebel, a well-known East Coast and Baltimore magician, was a mentor to the group for a short time. With George’s guidance, Wizard began incorporating theatrical effects into their concerts. George worked at A.T. Jones, a Baltimore theatrical costume company established in 1868.
Wizard collaborated with A.T. Jones to design original costumes for their act. One memorable show performed for an overflow crowd of over 1,100 at the Eastwind had band members magically disappear from the stage.
During this period, they were the featured band for an extended time at the Beach Club on 9th Street in Ocean City.
Eventually, progressive rock lost its luster and disco and dance came into vogue. Wizard, true to form, refused to compromise their music or identity and finally disbanded in the summer of 1976. Vega and Fahey formed Hollins Ferry and released an LP as a trio with the late Nick Longo. Later, Fahey joined The Ravyns and released his composition “Raised on the Radio,” which became a national hit. Scarinzi went on to form Satin Doll, and Pynz.
Bob Smith, and Tony Vega regularly performed as solo artists in the Fenwick Island/Ocean City area. Mike Scarinzi went on to manage his own audio and music production company. Rob Fahey performed both solo and in a trio with Rob Fahey and The Pieces in Baltimore and the surrounding area.
