Band History

July 1996: The Formation of Them Bones.

Them Bones was formed in July of 1996 by guitarist Dave Robles. While Dave was performing with a band called "Jam Syndicate" with (original and former "Them Bones") bass player Sandy Nardone, he decided to start a band that played very current material, yet still maintained a balance of hard rocking tunes. The focus of the band would be a great set list with a high standard of musicianship. For a band such as this to be successful, he knew he needed a dynamic frontman with a very strong singing voice to fit the bill.

During his search for the future frontman of Them Bones, Dave had seen singer Steve Del Campo performing with a local band named "Mr. Niceguy". Mr. Niceguy was playing a somewhat odd set of covers and for the most part, they weren't really catching on. After a bit of lobbying, Dave convinced Steve to give his new band a shot.

The original lineup included Dave Robles on guitar and vocals, Steve Del Campo on lead vocals, Sandy Nardone on bass and a 20 year old drummer known as "Gilley". They started out playing small shows locally in Danbury, CT and Putnam County, NY. A buzz started about the band as they began to build a following.

January 1997: Time to move forward.

In early 1997, the band was really getting ready to take the next step and move onto higher profile gigs. Due to musical differences, the band decided that they needed to find a new, more experienced drummer. Coincidentally at this time, Steve's close friend and former bandmate, drummer Chris Milillo had just become available due to the breakup of the locally popular band "Mr.X". When Steve initially approached Chris with the offer to join the band, Chris was reluctant to join the band because Them Bones' set was very similar to what he had just played for 2 1/2 years with Mr. X. He wanted to do something different. Again, after some lobbying and Steve's promise of fun and success, Chris decided to join. The other members instantly agreed that his addition had indeed brought the band to the next level and added the "tightness" they would need to advance.

Them Bones really started to pick up steam in late Winter of 1997 and really started to create a stir in the local scene. After one weeknight "audition" gig at Tuxedo Jct. in Danbury, the band was booked for a coveted weekend slot. For this event Dave called on Marie Gisonni, a powerful female singer/keyboardist, to add another element to the already big sound of the band. The success of the Tuxedo Jct. gig marked the arrival of Them Bones as a serious player in the cover band market.

The momentum the band built up earned them the title of Budweiser's Band of the Month for April in the "More Sugar" entertainment newspaper. The roll continued through the summer of '97 as Them Bones continued to please audiences and build a strong and loyal following. The subsequent inclusion of the band in the monthly rotation at Tuxedo Jct. was a great boost for the already high morale of Them Bones.

Fall/Winter 1997/98: More Change for Them Bones

During the fall, bassist Sandy Nardone began playing with a very promising original act from Dutchess County, NY. This project began to take off and Sandy informed the band that he would need to leave in order to commit to this other project. As it turned out, he was able to stay with the band (using substitutes on occasion) through the holidays. When Sandy gave the band his official notice in January of 1998, Chris recruited bass player Nick Misch with whom he had played in a few past situations.

September 1999

After the band's longest stretch without a member change, guitarist and founder Dave Robles decided that to further his business pursuits, he must reluctantly leave Them Bones. Before his departure, he recommended Mike Andrews to the band. After meeting with Mike, the band decided that he was a good fit both musically and personally. In Sept 1999, Mike made his Them Bones debut.

November 1999

After the band's shortest stretch before a lineup change, bass player Nick Misch decided to move on to pursue other styles of music and his dream of someday playing on Broadway. At this time, Chris saw an opportunity to reunite with former bandmate and rhythm section partner, John DeCrescente. John brings years of experience and a fresh new attitude to Them Bones. Coupled with the recent addition of Mike Andrews, the new blood in Them Bones has created a very positive vibe and a resurgence of enthusiasm in the band. We look forward to a great year 2000 with tons of new songs and new places to play.

And that's how the band has arrived at it's current line up!

For bookings please call (914) 804-2783

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