Arbutus based teen top-40 band. Members included Rick Roche (lead guitar), John Eid (keyboards), Eddie Peach (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul Gill (rhythm guitar), Buddy Emrich (bass), Chuck Giro (drums), and Nicky Lozzi (lead vocals).
Rick went on to the No Foolin’ Band… John later with Bittersweet, Contraband… Eddie later joined the band X.
There were several Rising Suns/Sons bands, assumed named after The Animals popular version of the song. Arbutus had one. Towson had one. The East Baltimore Rising Sons soon realized there was at least one other band using the name so they changed their name by spelling it differently and became The Rysing Sun.
Keyboard player John Eid provided the members names and added some insight about the group:
“There seems to be a lot of similarly named bands… Our band (Rising Sons) was comprised of players from around the Arbutus, Md area of southwest Baltimore County.”
“As far as the Arbutus Rising Sons, we were a local community type band. Played mostly community teen centers, block parties, and other local events. We may have played a gig at the local Wynnewood Swimming Pool too. So, if there was another band using the same name at that time, we would have never known about it. We played mostly pop, top-40 type music.”
“…The only thing I have from back then (is an award the band received for placing second in a talent show) but it doesn’t have the band’s name on it.”
“After the Rising Sons, I played keyboards for Bittersweet then Contraband (70-80 period). “
Thanks, John Eid 2.21.25
Guitarist Rich Roche adds:
“The Rising Sons – we were first – was a band put together by LHS students to have fun, meet girls, and being able to afford cheeseburger subs (the best) from the original “Sorrento’s” in Arbutus. People unfairly compared us to professional groups up from D.C. like the Van Dykes but we weren’t like that – just having fun with some really good songs that were currently popular on AM radio. Not professionals – just high school students. The band had good chemistry and energy mixed with talent!”
“We played Arbutus Teen Center, Maiden Choice Teen Center, Ascension CYO, Lansdowne High School dances and wherever we could set up without disturbing adults, mostly! I may have forgotten some places so there were more, I’m sure. Mrs. Mack from Arbutus Teen Center was very encouraging and promoted us whenever she could – a sweet lady! We came in second place at the regional talent contest. The first-place winner was well deserved by a gifted ballet dancer so second place was an honor.”
“John Eid gave you the band members names and we all were involved in this during 1964 – 65 before graduation. I joined the Navy, chased torpedoes in Dabob Bay, WA, engineering school in Great Lakes Ill, Patrol boat crew in Quinhon, Vietnam, refueled the 7th Fleet off of South Korea, attended shipboard repairs in Long Beach, California Naval shipyard and was honorably discharged before 1971. A friend managed to get me an audition with “The Platters” backing band, and that wonderful experience led to plenty of gigs around L.A.”
“Everyone loved “The Platters” and shows were always sold out. Even played a private party at the Burton’s – yes Richard and Elizabeth’s home which gave me a glimpse of decadent opulence only a mile from people living on the streets and eating scraps from dumpsters – a very sobering experience for me.”
“A lead guitarist, I picked up pedal steel, banjo, Hawaiian guitar and bass guitar as well, and there was plenty of studio work around town in the 80’s to keep the bills paid. A lot of acknowledgements did not show up on the albums by artists that depended on studio musicians for their success, as you know. The pay was good though.”
“In Baltimore my best band was No Foolin’. This was a great Baltimore band with its own style and sound, unlike the “copy” bands! No Fish Today, on Eutaw St invited us to play at the “Goin’ Fishin’ Festival” in PA in 1978 and that was a great opportunity – the youngsters in the band got to hang out and observe professional acts which never hurts, right? Miss those bandmates, especially Mr. Barry Sless, who currently tours with Moon Alice playing all over the place!”
“At 77, I’m still active (hah) playing in a couple of groups around Long Beach, California.
Rock for Vets, 15 years as bass player and tech, a therapy group for Veterans. Long Beach Blues Society whenever I can find a spot!
Lorenzo’s Flashback Band – just a group of old farts gettin’ outta da house. Play every Wednesday at the Long Beach V.A. hospital and neighborhood events around town – it’s fun! Doesn’t pay the bills though.”
Thanks to C. ‘Rick’ Roche 2.21.25
