THE GAS HOUSE GORILLAS: Bios
Rick Fink - vocals
With a killer voice and a dangerous stage presence, Rick Fink (after successfully fronting rock bands for years) found his true calling when he formed the Gas House Gorillas. His song writing skills and boundless high energy performances blur the lines that separate Jump Blues, Rock, and Swing, creating a mixture of American music that transcends all walks of life.
Rick has had a major label deal (Sony Records), a management deal, and several independent releases to his credit.
Crusher Carmean - upright bass
Named “Crusher” because of his penchant for turning a perfectly good instrument into kindling, Carmean is a thrill to watch. He finally had to build something that could withstand the kicking, spinning and tossing that his trademark aluminum bass endures on a nightly basis. Funny, unpredictable and infectious are all fitting descriptions of this superior showman!
Crusher has played with Jerry Lee Lewis & Sleepy LaBeef and was the founding member of The Crescent City Maulers.
Hiro Suzuki - guitar
A well known veteran of the New York Blues Scene, Hiro is an amazing musician and a riveting performer. Whether raising the roof with one of his blazing solos, or inspiring the band and audience to jump in unison like a bunch of jumping beans (we call it the “Hiro Hop”), Suzuki is always a crowd pleaser! He’s not such a bad dresser either.
Hiro has played with Sam Taylor Blues Band, Jimmy Vivino, Leslie West, Nick Gravenites, Bill Sims, Little Milton, Tod Wolfe, Shemekia Copeland, Son Seals, Elvin Bishop, Johnnie Johnson, Richie Cannata, Little Sammy Davis and Deborah Coleman.
Tim Veeder - Sax
Tim continues to surprise and astound his band mates and Gorilla fans as he takes his instrument to greater and greater heights! What I’m saying is that the boy can blow! Never one to be outdone, he’s also been known to climb on a bar or two. Take that, Crusher!
Tim has played throughout the United States and abroad in places such as Washington DC, New York City, Atlanta, GA, the Olympic Arena in Lake Placid, Mexico, Montreal and the Bahamas.
Dan Hickey - drums
Dan has been called “Animal” for years by musicians and fans alike (BEAT DRUMS! BEAT DRUMS!) and that’s not because of his table manners. He can bash his kit like a caveman while maintaining the kind of infectious groove that can fill any dance floor! If John Bonham and Gene Krupa had a lovechild, his name would be Dan Hickey!
Among others, Dan has played with Joe Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Junior Wells, They Might Be Giants, The B-52s and Joe Cocker.
YOU! - The Audience
At a Gas House Gorillas' show the crowd plays just as important a role as the musicians on stage. Whether singing along, cutting a rug, or adding their two cents to the between song banter, this kind of interaction is what makes a Gorillas' show great. Wallflowers beware, you never know when you might become the center of focus for the entire room! Don't worry, boys & girls, it's all in fun. 'Cause anything goes at a Gorillas' show!