Christine Nyholm Interviews Carl Giammarese

Story published today in Lake County Examiner

Story by Christine Nyholm
Lake County Examiner Interview with Carl Giammarese of the Buckinghams
Posted May 26, 8:01 PM

The band The Buckinghans brings back memories of summer days and young love, especially for the Baby Boom generation. The Chicago areas band soared to the top of the pop/rock charts in the ‘60’s with songs like “Kind of a Drag,” Susan”,, and “Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song.” Recently I had the chance to interview lead singer Carl Giammarese about the band and about their upcoming concert at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

The Buckinghams will be performing at Genesee Theatre on Friday, May 29 for The Chicago Hitmakers in concert, with The Buckinghams, The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik and Ronnie Rice (formerly of the New Colony Six).Tickets for the concert are available at the Genesee Theatre.

The Buckinghams burst onto the American music scene in 1966, during the height of the British invasion, In 1967 they named “The Most Listened to band in America” by Billboard Magazine. The band releases 15 singles and 5 albums for Columbia and USA Records in the 1960’s The Buckinghams broke up in 1970, but reunited in 1980.

The current five members of The Buckinghams have been together since 1986, four times longer then the original 1960’s band. The five members of The Buckinghams today are:
Carl Giammarese – Lead Singer
Nick Fortuna – original bass player
Drummer – Tom Scheckel
Bob Abrams – lead guitar and vocals
Bruce Soboroff – keyboard and vocals

What can people expect to see at the Genesee Theatre Concert in Waukegan?

“First, they are going to hear some of the old music that they remember. We have been so blessed to be part of the memories of people. The songs may bring back memories of young love or other memories. We will also play a retrospective of some of the other bands of the 1960s’ era. It is not just about the old music though. We will also be new playing songs from our new CD, Reaching Back. Of course, Ronnie Rice and Jim Peterick will also be playing. It will be a great concert, an enjoyable evening.”

The Genesee Theatre is one of my favorite venues to play in. The old theatres have something very special. We are playing at the Genesee Theatre on Friday night and then playing at The Starlight Theatre, another great old theatre, on Saturday night.
After the concert we like to meet the fans and will be available to sign CD’s. We love to talk to people and hear what our music has meant to them over years. We will also have our CD’s available for sale at the concert.

What is life like for you now?

“I have been very fortunate in my life that I have always been able to make a living at what I love to do, making music. I never had to get a day job. Even when the band was not together, in the 1970’s, I was able to make a living writing music. “
“We play several concerts a year. This year we have about 80 scheduled, which is down a little. We travel around the country and play at festivals and different concert venues. We also play at private functions.”

“I always like to say I play music for free, but I get paid to travel. Every day of a concert takes about two days of travel. Sometime we stay in beautiful places, but sometimes they are not so great. Then, you might find me alone in my hotel room ironing my shirt before the concert”, laughs, ”It is very glamorous. “

Please Tell me about your new CD

“Our fans had been asking for some new music with the trademark Buckingham’s sound. The signature Buckinghams sound has lush horns and strings, with that distinctive sound of the 1960’s that brings back memories of younger days. Our CD, “Reaching Back,”has ten new songs, plus some of the songs that people remember, including: “Kind of a Drag;” “Don’t You Care;” Mercy, Mercy, Mercy;” “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song);” and “Susan.”

How can fans purchase “Reaching Back?”

“Fans can purchase our new CD’s at The Buckingham’s website. As I said earlier, we will also have CD’s available for sale after the concert at Genesee Theatre. “

Thank you so much. It should be a great concert!
Chicago Hitmakers and Restaurant Crawl in Waukegan May 29
Chicago Hitmakers in Concert at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

Author: Christine Nyholm
Christine Nyholm is an Examiner from Chicago. You can see Christine's articles on Christine's Home Page.

Christine Nyholm is a long time resident of Lake County who loves keeping track of the arts, entertainment and restaurant scene in this fast growing region. Hobbies include painting, drawing, singing and writing. She has several years of business experience in and around the Chicago area.

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