The Satellites evolved as an offshoot of the retro-’60s rock band Retrospect (formerly known as the Overlea Brothers). The self-described “boomer music” band performed classic soul and pop hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s along with a sprinkling of contemporary music.
The original lineup featured Retrospect members Frank Myers (guitar, vocals ex-Shane, Blue Meanies…), Fred Zang (bass, vocals ex-Decoy, Spitfire…), John Sigmon (keyboards, guitar, vocals), and Mike Lewis (drums, vocals), with the addition of Scott Parker (trumpet, harmonica, vocals), and Jay Cleaver (sax).
Courtesy of Fred Zang
Zang left during much of 1996 and was replaced with Mike Chapman before returning later in the year. Cleaver left in 1997 and was replaced with Reed Martin (sax, flute, vocals ex-Gigs, Stranger, Gazze, Horizon…). Sigmon left in 1999 and the group began using sequenced keyboard parts. This version of the Satellites opened for Eric Burdon & the New Animals, and War at Oregon Ridge. Replacement players included drummer Joe Reavis (–Moosical Migraine, Fireworks…)…
The Satellites performed at night clubs, carnivals, bull roasts, private parties…
From its inception in 1990 through 2003 the group doubled as Stevie & the Satellites, concurrently playing as a parody band for Steve Rouse, the morning show host on WQSR radio 105.7FM.
In addition to Myers, Zang, Sigmon, Lewis, Parker, Cleaver, Martin, and Rouse (lead vocals), Stevie & the Satellites also included Maynard G. (rhythm guitar, vocals), Annie Beccio (vocals, fiddle), Steve Dreppard (drums), Earlene Grammar (vocals), Brian Sanders (trumpet).
The group performed on live radio and parody recordings that were sold at venues where the WQSR morning show made appearances. They released at least eleven albums (cassettes/CD’s). Proceeds to benefit the WQSR Children’s Fund.
Courtesy of Fred Zang.
The Satellites sang the National Anthem before a crowd of 38,000 for the 1st night game of the year at Oriole Park at Camden Yards between the Orioles and the KC Royals on April 1, 1998. The group opened shows for many international acts including the Beach Boys, Davy Jones (Monkees), Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Martha & the Vandellas, Little Anthony & the Imperials), Drifters, Grass Roots, Guess Who, Herman’s Hermits, Outsiders, Association, Mark Lindsay, Coasters, B.J. Thomas, Brian Hyland, Tokens, Little Eva, Ronnie Dove, Crystals, Fleetwoods, Skyliners, Vogues, Ronnie Spector, (2 of) 3 Dog Night (Danny Hutton and Cory Wells) at the Towson Festival, and finally opened for America, and 3rd of 3 Dog (Chuck Negron) at Bowie Stadium. Altogether the group played Oregon Ridge on four occasions, including three WQSR sponsored oldies concerts.
After Stevie & the Satellites dissolved, Myers, Zang, Lewis, Parker, and Martin continued performing as the Satellites.
Satellites photos courtesy of Fred Zang
Below: Fred Below right: Frank, Reed, Scott, Mike, Fred (crouching) – photos courtesy of Fred
Zang left the band in 2003 to join the acoustic rock trio Time Will Tell, while also playing briefly as a member of Flying Z. After the Satellites split in 2007 Martin organized a re-formed Gigs.
