GTR became one of the most popular regional club / concert bands. The band, managed by Greg Therres at Starleigh Entertainment, originated in Lewes, Delaware.
In ‘70s-80s they were seen at the Marble Bar, Andre’s Lounge, Peddler’s Pub, The Barn… The group played clubs throughout the entire East Coast and opened for many top acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Marshall Tucker…
Recordings by GTR include the 1983 song “Takin’ The Law” which was featured on D.C.’s WAVA FM105 Washington Rocks album. Their 1986 LP “Wanted” featured Greg Leppo (lead guitar, vocals), John Giles (guitar, vocals), Rich Desanzo (guitar), Dave Capozolli (bass ex-Impulse), Duffy Morehead (keyboards), and Bob McCormick (drums), with Denise Hruz (vocals), and the Cold Sweat Horns: Vinnie Ciesielski, J.J. Gunning, and Barry Caudill. “Julie,” a cut from the album was also included on the 1986 various artists LP “98 Rock Volume IV (Home Tapes)”. GTR also backed pianist Joey Welz on his 1987 single “Rockin’ in America.”
A 1988 line-up featured Leppo, Giles, Capozolli, Kurt Froburg (keyboards), and Drew Sewell (drums). They released a CD in ‘88 titled “Short Sets, Long Breaks, Big Money.” The group toured nationally with Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Gregg Allman Band.
During the early ‘90s Froburg was briefly replaced with Tommy Thompson, then later returned. Sewell was replaced with Carl Hupp (’90-93 ex-Slippery When Wet, Advantage), Tommy Price came aboard briefly as lead vocalist (’91), Jeff Avery joined as a second guitarist (’91-93)…
A mid-90s line-up featured Capozolli with Rich Mascari (guitar ex-41 East), Jamie Laritz (guitar), and Shawn Hughes (drums ex-Pestilent).
The GTR 2001 line-up included Capozolli (bass) with, Jim Lally (lead guitar), Roy Bush (guitar / keyboards ex-Killing Floor), Mike Gigliotti (drums ex-Killing Floor), and Clyde Johnson (percussion –Poison Whiskey).
GTR photos courtesy of Starleigh Entertainment, and Carl Hupp
Other members of GTR over the years included Jim Allison (guitar, harmonica ex-Del-Vikings, Jim Sellers Band…), Jeff Coulson (guitar, vocals ex-Orange Wedge, Fringe…), Jake Lambert (harmonica, guitar, vocals ex-Richard Taylor group), Brad Chatterton (guitar), Billy Weyforth (bass ex-River, Freestyle, Detour), Chick Cieslik (keys), Rick Tehansky (keyboards ex-Royal 5+1, Poison Whiskey), Jerry Beecher (drums –Band of a Thousand Names), John Coale (drums), Dwayne Adams (drums -Compression, Midnight Sun)…
Guitarist John Giles later moved to Nashville becoming a session guitarist and member of Leon Russell’s band, appearing on the 1995 “Crazy Love” CD.
Great Train Robbery record releases:
1981(45) Snowblind Records Down To The Southlands b/w Takin’ The Law
1986(LP) GTR 637 Wanted!
1988(CD) GTR 1002 Short Sets, Long Breaks, Big Money
1989(CD) GTR 006 Six the Hard Way
1992(CD) GTR 003 1984-1992
1993(CD) GTR 004 Texas Highway
1997(CD) GTR 007 Road Songs
2002(CD) GTR 6088 Live… And More
2002(CD) GTR Rollin Thunder Volume Two
2004(CD) GTR 6770 Rollin Thunder Volume Four
With Joey Welz:
1987 American Radio 145490 Rockin’ in America
Notes: 2002 CD “Live… And More” recorded 9/13-14, 2002 in Ocean City. “Rollin’ Thunder” series to benefit the March of Dimes.
