RPM 1981 - 1983
This was quite a step up from my previous band Ruffian and really enjoyed my stint in this band. Gary and Kirk were pretty seasoned players and therefore we worked pretty much none stop for two years straight. Which included the usual clubs of Rollo's, Big Daddy's, he Florida Keys and Shenanigans to list a few. We also did a three months in the Virgin Island of St Thomas. When we got back from St Thomas Lyle quit and I was canned shortly there after. Gary & Kirk continued on with two new members under the name of the Cockneys.
Gary Carver Guitar / Lead vocals • Visit Gary here: m.facebook.com/p/Gatorfoot-Band
Kirk Richards Guitar / Lead vocals • More on Kirk here: Kirk Richards
Lyle Lloyd Lingle Bass Guitar / Lead vocals • More on Lyle here: Lyle Lloyd Lingle RIP my old Friend (1959-2022)!
Michael J McGee Drums
Gary (L) and Lyle stranded at the San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Airport, San Juan Puerto Rico.
As I recall, we did not have enough money to get our equipment to St. Thomas. Kirk stepped up and raised hell and eventually got us going to St. Thomas.
Great job Kirk!
Photo courtesy: Gary Carver
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Virgin Islands 1981
Lyle in our hotel room
MJM in the hotel room where I started to learn Guitar.
MJM & Tim
Photo courtesy: Gary Carver
Kirk & MJM at Magen's Bay
Tequila Junction Bar & Grill
We witnessed many drunken Canadian sailors, some pretty ladies, late nights of drinking and walking the streets of Charlotte Amalie and the world class beaches of St. Thomas and St. John. We even did some cliff diving. Lyle and I were invited to a Canadian frigate one night and we all drank and sang the night away as Lyle played Guitar.
What a great time this was in my playing days!
Sandi from Racine Ohio sitting in front of Tequila Junction, where we played for 3 months.
At the Tequila Junction Bar. (L-R) unknown birdie ( MJM?, Lyle?), Sharon Leff (Kirk's girlfriend), Kirk, Tim and Tequila Junction's owner's girlfriend Nancy.
Photo courtesy: Gary Carver
Gary on stage
Photo courtesy: Gary Carver
Photo courtesy: Gary Carver
The Band at Magen's Bay VI. (L-R) Tim, Kirk, Gary, Lyle & MJM
Photo courtesy Gary Carver
The Beach party we performed at and if I remember correctly several thousand attended.
Some of my favorite Notes: A few great things that stuck out to me in our three months there.
Sharon had gotten stung by a Sea Urchin at the first beach we went to when we arrived at St. Thomas and we were told that urine helped curtail the sting. So Kirk pee'd all over her leg as we tried to watch (Sharon yelled don't look!). The pee didn't help but Sharon was still a great sport anyway!
Through the locals at Tequila Junction we pretty much saw the whole Island and even made a trip to the beautiful St. Johns one day in which we had the whole beach front to ourselves! Anyways, through the same locals we made our way to Sapphire Beach (the most gorgeous beach I have ever laid eyes on (Lyle & I snorkeled the whole day away) and as I recall we (Gary, Kirk, Lyle & MJM) were just hanging out near the bar when Gary noticed a familiar face sitting at one of the beach front tables. That face was Fleetwood Mac's John McVie. We chatted for a minute and invited him to TG. He however was a no show. No surprise though if you have ever been to Sapphire.
As we were moving equipment to the WIBS 98 Rock 1st Anniversary Party concert at Mahen's Bay. Lyle & I where moving one of his (heavy) Klispch PA speaker cabinets down the very LONG flight of stairs and I lost my end and it smashed his big toe. He made sure I remember this time by giving me a large dead toe tail necklace a few months later when back in Florida!
Kirk had blown some of his Marshall Celestion speakers and because his wage way out weighed his pricey Celestions he was asked by TG to be a Barker for them. Which he gladly did. He would stand close or near TG and plug everything at TG, Drink specials, Food specials and of course RPM. Literally barking at any and all passer bys that were within ears shot of him. Quite effective as I recall! Lyle and I used to get great pleasure at seeing the great Kirk Richards basically beg for a meal as Sharon stood by his side. Kirk was a very, very good salesman and got his prized speakers!