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The Rockets were formed in 1972 by former Mitch Ryder <http://mitchryder.de/> & The Detroit Wheels members Johnny "Bee" Bandajek <http://www.johnny-bee.com/> and Jim McCarty. Vocals and drums were handled by Bandajek, McCarty was on lead guitar, John Fraga was on bass and Marc Marcano was on keyboards. Johnny Bee was the driving force and primary songwriter for the Rockets. In 1976 they enlisted veteran singer Dave Gilbert to front the band with an unmistakeable grit in his voice and confident swagger that let everyone know the Rockets were ready for stardom.
Five studio albums produced several hits including a rocking rendition of Fleetwood Mac's <http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/> "Oh Well" <http://www1.epinions.com/review/Super_Hits_of_the_70s_Have_a_Nice_Day_Vol_25_-_Various_Artists/content_105371176580> . The first album, Love Transfusion, was released in 1977. The 1979 self-titled release featured the hits, "Oh Well" <http://www1.epinions.com/review/Super_Hits_of_the_70s_Have_a_Nice_Day_Vol_25_-_Various_Artists/content_105371176580> and "Turn Up The Radio". The third album came in 1980 with "No Ballads". "Desire" was a popular tune from this album. Next came the "Back Talk" album in '81 and then finally "Rocket Roll" in 1982. "Rollin' By The Record Machine" from this release was the last hit for the band. The final release, "Live Rockets" was recorded on New Years Eve 1982 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre <http://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/> near Detroit.
The Rockets thought they had performed for their last two shows at Pine Knob (now known as DTE Energy Music Theatre <http://www.palacenet.com/index.cfm?category=2> ) near Detroit on August 28th & 29th, 1983. The band splintered and the members all went their separate ways. Bandajek, McCarty and the rest went on to other projects. Gilbert played in a couple of short-lived local bands but his lifelong abuse of drugs and alcohol and other personal problems had taken its toll. Former rock star David Gilbert was 49 when he died of cirrhosis in 2001.
In 2009 Johnny Bee, Jim McCarty, veteran singer Jim Edwards and bassist Marvin Conrad began playing local dates around town under the name The Hell Drivers. The Hell Drivers released a live CD entitled "Live From Detroit" <http://www.amazon.com/Live-Detroit-Hell-Drivers/dp/B0037Z6UWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1284832124&sr=1-1> which was a tribute to Detroit music and included several Rockets classics.
Immediately fans began reminiscing and comparing the raucous, blistering, no-frills club dates to the early days of the Rockets. The crowds grew and local clubs could barely contain the sold out shows. The band became the hottest ticket in town and was continually being asked to play more and more Rockets songs. Fans were venturing from upstate New York, Los Angeles, Dayton, Chicago and Alpena, just hear their Rockets favorites.
In early 2010 at the Detroit Music Awards <http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/04/16/entertainment/doc4bc64dc6e9c83777151640.txt> , Johnny Bee and Jim McCarty were given a Lifetime Achievement award which was followed by a performance of Rockets songs. Fans, media, and other industry professionals all asked, "why don't you just call the band the Rockets?" Soon after the show the band changed the name, added keyboardist Danny Taylor and the Rockets were refueled.
On July 2, 2010, nearly 27 years after their last concert, 10,000 fans filled the streets of Mt. Clemens, Mi to see the debut of the newly formed Rockets.
By August the Rockets emulsified the audience at Pine Knob while opening for old tourmates The J. Geils Band. Comments made in several publications around town touted the Rockets - J. Geils Band show as the "best of the summer".
As usual, the Rockets did not disappoint! The opening band was good as well but the second opener - Citizen something? was brutal for the age group attending. Definately not appropriate.
Great concert! Was very impressed with the opening act. Wish they could've played longer. Didn't like the second band Citizen Zero. The Rockets were very good. But I still think Horse Cave Trio was the best.
I feel fortunate that I could see such legendary musicians at such an intimate venue. Jim McCarty undoubtedly one of rock and rolls finest keeps you intrigued throughout the show with amazing guitar playing. Johnny Bee is like a machine. He is so solid the meter never lacks or gets tangled. The bass player Marvin Conrad is really solid and very accomplished. Marvin stays in back but if you watch him he is ripping out amazing stuff. 6 stars would have been a better discription
One word....WOW!! The Rockets put on a high powered show that was high paced from start to finish.
This is a MUST SEE SHOW!! Jimmy McCarty and Johnny B are the very definition of rock legends. Jim Edwards does an admirable job of filling the vocal "shoes" of the late Dave Gilbert.
I have seen The Rockets while they performed as the Hell Drivers. Being able to see Jim McCarty and Johnny B in a club atmosphere was great. The band is as tight as ever, and Jim Edwards vocals are a spot on replacement for the late Dave Gilbert. This is a MUST SEE show.
When it comes to onstage energy; the Rockets are unsurpassed! The band gets and holds your attention from the very first note. The show at DTE was incredible, and the band really delivered; from the scorching tone and brilliance of Jim McCartys' Les Paul guitar, to the thunderous beat of Johnny Bees' drum kit, these guys were as vibrant and relevant as when they started all those years ago. Opening for the great "J.Geils Band" was a cool bit of Motor City Rock&Roll history in the making, and hopefully there will be a new Rockets album in the near future. With musicians like keboardist Danny Taylor in the band, the hits, as well as the new material sound awesome, and they leave you wanting more. These guys are the personification of the word "Rockstars", and they deserve it!
I seen these dudes tear it up at Pine Knob a month ago when they opened for J. Geils Band. That show was the best one of the summer (better than Kid Rock the week before). The Rockets really played great, sounded great andI can't wait to see them again.
