By 1977 guitarist Jimmy Neeson had grown disenchanted with the Top-40 / disco scene with his band Appaloosa. Likewise with Sage drummer Bill Stahly. The two had previously played together as teenagers in a band called the Boat. Both were eager to play the type of southern and country rock music that they liked.
Finding other like-minded and talented musicians in guitarist John Linthicum (G.C.& El Rays, Jeremiah, Lower East Side, Animal Crackers), and bassist Tom ‘Tucker’ Maxwell (Chaumonts, Brass Lamp, Paper Cup) they quit their popular established groups and formed Bandit. The following year they added guitarist Vince DiGiosafati (ex-Lower East Side), and keyboardist George Walters (ex-Koffee Beans). The group played covers of hits and album cuts by artists such as the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Little Feat…
Bandit played many clubs along the Route 40 West corridor including Howard Place, Georges (6408), Patapsco Inn, Millstream, and as house band at Spittel’s Salty Dog Saloon on Rolling Road. Also seen at Toni’s Dream in Reisterstown, Andres Lounge, Peddler’s Pub, No Fish Today, the Barge in Baltimore along with Climbadonkey, the Famous Ballroom double bill with Freewater, the Cross Street Tavern’s annual Beer Relay Race and Block Party on July 4, 1978…
Vince and George eventually left the band. Walters was replaced with keyboardist Mike Kelly (ex-Milk & Honey, Cherry Smash, Glass House).
Danny Lough (ex-Sage) also played keyboards and guitar for Bandit. Danny went on to play guitar for many bands including Kaos, Mary Lou & the Untouchables in the ‘90s, The 45’s,” and Blue Steele in the ‘00s.
Linthicum, Neeson, and Tucker went on to form the band Pinch. Neeson later played in Mars, and Freed at Last before moving to Florida. In 1982 John and Tucker reunited with Bill and Vince forming the band Night Shift. Tucker later appeared briefly as a member of the Paradise Pickers. Kelly played for the Sentries. John and Vince also played with the Charmed Times Reunion Band in the ‘90s.
Joe Vaccarino worked as a roadie for Bandit and was proud to have been associated with such a group of fine musicians.
