Exit, a progressive rock group, was formed by ex-members of bands Sussex and Arlingtons.
The original group consisted of Al Donatelli (guitar ex-As You Like It), Lonnie Butler, Gary Deigel, Ron Goodmuth, Bob Skillman (organ ex-Talismen), and Andy Armetta (drums).
By 1970 the Exit lineup featured the dual lead vocals of Mike Shrader (ex-Arlingtons) and Phil Ponzi, with Al Donatelli (guitar), Dave Yanuk (bass/flute ex-Talismen), Bob Butta (keyboards ex-Sussex, Arlingtons), and Andy Armetta (drums).
Other members included Roger Pace (sax), Louie Preston (sax). Ponzi was later replaced with Ernie Troia, then Phil Kernan. Yanuk later replaced with Michael Sciuto (ex-Ravins), Butta later replaced by John Liquifator… Armetta replaced with Barry Lauder.
Courtesy of Andy Armetta
The group appeared at many teen centers and school dances. Frequent performer at the People’s Place. Played in the Catonsville Rock Concert August 23, 1970, the People’s Place benefit on September 19, 1970 with Howdy Duty, Aaron’s Rod, Bette White, Procreation, and Rasputin. They traveled to Atlantic City in September 1970 with Rasputin to perform in the Atlantic City Pop Festival opening for Chicago. They 1970 lineup as noted above were featured on the cover of the Sunday newspaper supplement “Podium.” Exit could also be seen at the Greenwood Fall Fest, the Famous Ballroom on February 19, 1972 with Jake, and Please.
Donatelli went on to play for Madhatters, Day Star, and the ‘00s group Jigsaw. Armetta later played in Expressway. Butta was later with O’Donel Levy Band and Both Worlds. Shrader later with Pine Street Station… Sciuto (see bio) continued with a prolific career playing for top local and national artists.
