Steve Wilcox
Band Story
Steve Wilcox – Musical Journey
Since the age of 11, I have been banging around with music and getting paid for it. Over the years, I have put together or been a member of many bands.
In 1965, at the age of 17, I joined the United States Navy to see the world — and Vietnam. During that time, I was asked by the Captain of the U.S.S. Canberra to keep the tradition alive by being a member of the ship’s Rock & Roll band, The Kangsmen, as a guitar player and lead vocalist.
In 1971, I lived in Pomona, Upland, Chino, and Ontario, California (got there just in time for the big earthquake). I jammed with many bands up and down the coast, becoming a regular at the Palomino Club.
The house band there had me fill in for the singer, guitar player, bass player, and drummer — so they could have a little extra break time to "mess around with the ladies," if you know what I mean!
The only one I couldn't cover was the pedal-steel player, who wasn’t too happy about it.
I came back to Kansas City, Missouri in 1972 and married the greatest woman I have ever met.
I performed solo under the name Gene Stevens at Ralf Gains’ venues: Colony Steak House, The Red Door, and Nantucket's Cove.
In 1974, I was asked to become a full member of the band The Fireballs (Sugar Shack / Bottle of Wine), and had the honor of singing their hit "Sugar Shack" until they disbanded and returned to Raton, New Mexico in 1978.
For two and a half years, I worked as a recording engineer for Liberty Recording Studio in Kansas City, Missouri.
Shortly afterward, I put together a band called ZIPPER, which lasted until 1993.
From there, I joined many other bands, but none had the full staying power of Zipper.
In the late 1990s, I faced serious health challenges and went into the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri for a series of operations.
It wasn’t until 2003 that I got back out and started playing again — though I had to endure two more operations in 2008 before I was fully back on my feet.
You can officially call me the six million dollar plus man — thanks to the great care from the V.A. doctors, who keep a close eye on their investment!
Since the age of 11, I have been banging around with music and getting paid for it. Over the years, I have put together or been a member of many bands.
In 1965, at the age of 17, I joined the United States Navy to see the world — and Vietnam. During that time, I was asked by the Captain of the U.S.S. Canberra to keep the tradition alive by being a member of the ship’s Rock & Roll band, The Kangsmen, as a guitar player and lead vocalist.
In 1971, I lived in Pomona, Upland, Chino, and Ontario, California (got there just in time for the big earthquake). I jammed with many bands up and down the coast, becoming a regular at the Palomino Club.
The house band there had me fill in for the singer, guitar player, bass player, and drummer — so they could have a little extra break time to "mess around with the ladies," if you know what I mean!
The only one I couldn't cover was the pedal-steel player, who wasn’t too happy about it.
I came back to Kansas City, Missouri in 1972 and married the greatest woman I have ever met.
I performed solo under the name Gene Stevens at Ralf Gains’ venues: Colony Steak House, The Red Door, and Nantucket's Cove.
In 1974, I was asked to become a full member of the band The Fireballs (Sugar Shack / Bottle of Wine), and had the honor of singing their hit "Sugar Shack" until they disbanded and returned to Raton, New Mexico in 1978.
For two and a half years, I worked as a recording engineer for Liberty Recording Studio in Kansas City, Missouri.
Shortly afterward, I put together a band called ZIPPER, which lasted until 1993.
From there, I joined many other bands, but none had the full staying power of Zipper.
In the late 1990s, I faced serious health challenges and went into the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri for a series of operations.
It wasn’t until 2003 that I got back out and started playing again — though I had to endure two more operations in 2008 before I was fully back on my feet.
You can officially call me the six million dollar plus man — thanks to the great care from the V.A. doctors, who keep a close eye on their investment!
Band Members
Louie Cina (Lead guitar, Keyboards, Vocals (Midnight Rider, Love In The Afternoon)), Glen Lamb Bass guitar, Vocals (Life Downtown), Gene Wenger (Drums), Mark Ziva (Drums), Mark Fiore (Drums), Cheeseburger Bob (Drums), Dale Zee (Muddbone Willie - Drums)
Louie Cina (Lead guitar, Keyboards, Vocals (Midnight Rider, Love In The Afternoon)), Glen Lamb Bass guitar, Vocals (Life Downtown), Gene Wenger (Drums), Mark Ziva (Drums), Mark Fiore (Drums), Cheeseburger Bob (Drums), Dale Zee (Muddbone Willie - Drums)
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Missouri (MO)
Genre: Rock