The Reagan Years were the pioneer of the 80’s Tribute concept in the Mid-Atlantic region. Formed by drummer Andy ‘Sy’ Seyler and based in Frederick. At the time the band originated, the only known similar acts were The Love Shack (Las Vegas), and The Breakfast Club (Florida).
The Reagan Years ads December 1996, April 1997
By 2009 the group consisted of Michael Leigh (lead vocals ex-Mona Lisa, IROC/Surreal, Stiff Richard), Glenn Riley (guitar ex-Dr Bryliant, Under Oath, GIT Graduate, Day Jams instructor), Jody Lewis (bass ex-Enforce, BiggerBetterFasterMore, Crushing Day), Karen Ellison (keyboards ex-Aislynn, David Morreale Busload of Faith), and Sy Seyler (drums ex-Return to Zero, SHOCK LaRue, Aislynn).
Former members were Chris Caminiti (guitar, vocals 1996-98), Jeremy Dawson (guitar, vocals 1998-99), Lenny Everett (bass 1996-97, 2002-07), Carl Haas (bass ex-Bad Penny 1997-01).
Debuting at T. Appleschmidts (Catonsville) in 1996, they went on to play The Zu, Sonoma’s (Columbia), Old Town Tavern (Frederick), O’Briens (Annapolis), Fagers Island (OC), Coyote Hardware Bar (Harrisburg), Harborplace concert series…
Later to perform Rams Head Live! (Baltimore), Power Plant Live! (Baltimore), Padonia Station (Cockeysville), Nottinghams (Columbia), The Barn, Champion Billiards Sports Cafe (Frederick), The Jetty (Grasonville), Cancun Cantina (Hanover), Bamboo Bernies (Pasadena), Cancun Cantina West (Hagerstown), Stingers (Boonsboro), La Palapa (Ellicott City), Eclipse (Hagerstown), Rusty Rudder (Dewey Beach), Ned Devines (Herndon, VA), Clarendon Grille (Arlington, VA), Seacrets (Ocean City), Harry Grove Stadium (Frederick)…
Festivals included Frederick in The Street (Deck Party), Various Wine festivals (Wine in The Woods, Tarara, Boordy, Reston), Westminster Month of Sunday’s Concert Series, Bowie Independence Day, Frederick Independence Day, Beer Bourbon and Bar B Q, Middletown Heritage Festival, Fells Point St Patty’s Day Festival, MD Brewers Festival, MD Seafood Festival, various private and corporate functions.
The Reagan Years opened for national artists: Bow Wow Wow, Mickey Thomas of Starship, Psychedelic Furs, and Violent Femmes.
