Group assembled in 1976 to tour with Dion DiMucci in support of his “Streetheart” album. The album was recorded using studio musicians and released in June 1976. Prior to release, Dion’s manager (and Baltimore native) Zack Glickman contacted Mark Tiernan (ex-And the Echoes, Sawbuck, Monopoly) about assembling a band. Mark put together a group featuring local veteran musicians including himself (keyboards), Rusty Steele (guitar ex-Coyote, City Star), Denny Weston (bass ex-Professionals), Lee Foy (sax ex-Upsetters, Legend, Cherry Smash), and Buzzy London (drums ex-Legend).
By September the group was rehearsed and debuted with Dion at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles. This group of accomplished musicians became known as “Dion’s greatest band” and even received an offer to back Van Morrison before touring with Dion.
The “Streetheart” album suffered disappointing sales and Warner Brothers subsequently dropped Dion from the label. The group, however, worked well with Dion and they collaborated on material for a new album. Dion and the group now known as the Main Street Gang next signed with Lifesong Records. Under the direction of producers Terry Cashman and Tommy West they recorded and released the album “Return of the Wanderer” (Lifesong 35356) in early 1978. A national tour included a show at the Maryland State Fair at Timonium Fairgrounds on June 24, 1978.
“Return of the Wanderer” LP cover – Dion featuring the Main Street Gang – Lifesong Records 1978. Pictured: Foy, Steele, Weston, Tiernan, London, DiMucci
In Fall of 1979 the group returned to the studio to work on the follow-up album “Fire in the Night.” During these sessions Dion felt a calling to pursue a gospel career and he parted ways with the band. The album was eventually released in 1990 on Ace Records.
The Main Street Gang continued to perform. They eventually became known as Rosco with Tiernan, London, Kestle, Jeff Pescetto (ex-Royal 5+1, Jeffrey) replacing Steele, and Roger Pace (ex-Chalet, Satin Doll, Special Edition, Both Worlds…) replacing Foy. Pace was with the group only a few months with Chris Eminizer (ex-Ajax, OHO, Food for Worms) taking his place. Pescetto eventually left and was replaced with Rick Olaguer (ex-Better Half). Other members Danny Dolan, Denny Weston… The group did well for a few years playing Signature’s, Pikesville Hilton, Christopher’s, Flaming Pit, and Samantha’s where they did a stint as house band… Rosco’s sound man was Denny Weston, Jr.
Rosco promotional photo – courtesy of Jim Kestle
In the ‘00s Kestle continued to devote his musical abilities to his church’s Sunday services. London played for the Messengers, Time Will Tell, and others…
Singles by Dion with the Streetheart Band:
1978 Lifesong 1765 Heart of Saturday Night / You’ve Awakened Something in Me
1978 Lifesong 1770 Midtown American Mainstreet Gang / Guitar Queen
1979 Lifesong 1785 (I Used to Be A) Brooklyn Dodger / Streetheart Theme
1980 Lifesong 45082 Fire in the Night / Street Mama
Album release by Dion with the Streetheart Band:
1978 Lifesong 35356 Return of the Wanderer
1990 Ace Fire In The Night
