The original four each brought their own brand of musical fire to the stage. Matt Thick provided the blues/rock and melodic edge to the group. Jason Combs provided the solid back bone. Dave Howart provided the groove. Alan Pagels provided the chops & sexual perversion of the group. This lineup was very creative and known for its energetic performance until Alan had to leave the group for personal reasons in October of 2000.
Jeff Moore came in to play with SolidLeftHook in October 2000. Having played and been friends with Dave & Alan in previous bands, Jeff was a natural fit to join the group. He had a talent and drive that put a swift kick in the ass of the group for awhile. Everyone had fun until a fun New Year's eve show in 2000/2001 in which Jason & Matt made a resolution to not play with Jeff and Dave again.
Being the only original member, Dave tried to restart the group in March of 2001 with Jeff. New members included Lucas Gunn and Dale Benway. Lucas was on loan from the band InsideLookingOut and was a part of Slh until June of 2001. Lucas made the sound of the band more active a put a kick into the ass of our stage show. Benway brought a solid, veteran presence to SLH for a minute until departing in June of 2001 as well.
At the end of June 2001, Jeff, Dave, Matt and Jason gave it another try as SolidLeftHook. July 2001 saw one last performance with both Alan and Jeff on stage. After a couple of gigs, the band went on hiatus in September of 2001 to pursue other interests cause they were all tired of each other.
In April of 2002, SolidLeftHook reunited in its original form featuring Jason Combs, Matt Thick & Dave Howart. The band enjoyed another run as a 3 piece and was as tight as ever and explosive on stage. The three were enjoying some of there best times as a group. Playing gigs all summer, the band was making its presence felt when it played its last gig on August 24, a benefit at the Great Fenton Inn. After this point in the puzzle, Matt has moved on to pursuing other interests. No doubt he may come back into the slh fold, Jason & Dave, being the only original members, decide to forge ahead for the time being with a new lineup.
Enter into the picture, Frank Bartnicke. Frank is a phenomenal guitar player who, ironically enough, answered an ad that Matt & Dave had placed when the band was first forming. Dave steps out from behind the drums and welcomes Greg Sheppard of the band DownFall & Saint Paulie Street. The reformed lineup plays its first gig at the Whaley's Benefit as it did in 2000.
MATT THICK-GUITAR, VOCALS
Matt anchors the sound of SolidLefthook with his melodic singing and blues influenced guitar playing. Matt has grown a lot as a musician since the inception of SolidLeftHook and has become a very talented songwriter. He has written the more melodic, recognizeable tunes of SLH and is the trademark to the sound. Matt pursues other musical projects outside of SLH and enjoys spending time with his wife ,Jacinda,and their son, James.
JASON COMBS-BASS, VOCALS
Jason is the backbone of SolidLeftHook. Without his original style of bass playing, the band would not be anywhere near what it is. With his infectious grooves on the bass and very carefree, lets do it attitude, SLH is always fun cause Jason says so. Jason hails from the great state of New York and has played in bands from around the area, including Duhnamus and Freewill. Jason enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Mo.
DAVE HOWART-DRUMS, VOCALS
Dave pounds the skins for the group & tries to put the vocal edge into things. Dave prides himself on being a quality performer and songwriter and is proud to carry on the tradition that Alan & himself set forth..on being quality musicians & human beings with their egos fully grounded on what is best for the band. Dave has co-written over 100 songs & written over 30 of his own. Dave is a musical whore who jams with everyone & has spent time with the San Diego based band Shady Haze, as well as Nemesis, Point Blank, IzeGuilty, BurnNRage, 151 and Kameleon.
ALAN PAGELS-GUITAR, VOCALS
Alan was a key member of the group and a major force on directing the sound. His influence can still be felt on the group to this day since he was Dave's creative musical partner for a long period of time. The collaborated on projects for over 9 years together. Alan put a measure of fun into the group with his songwriting talent and sexually perverted humor.
JEFF MOORE-GUITAR, VOCALS
Jeff came into the band and put a kick in its ass for a time. He was an excellent performer who made his presence felt in the group in the time he was in it. He pumped up the band & helped us put some much needed energy into our stage show.
DALE BENWAY-BASS, VOCALS
Dale played in the band for a short time. A veteran of many groups & having played with Dave & Alan in various other projects, Dale ably handled himself in the group for a minute!
LUCAS GUNN-GUITAR, VOCALS
Lucas also played with the group for a short time. While in the group, Lucas honed his skill as a showman and made lots of strides as a performer.
GREG SHEPPARD-DRUMS, VOCALS
Greg is the logical choice to be the drummer for this band having had an association with the group since its second gig. As a member of the band Saint Paulie Street, he and his band mates were very instrumental in getting slh shows and getting out there.
FRANK BARTNICKE-GUITARS
Frank is an excellent guitar player who carries on a great tradition as a guitarist in this group. He has lots of experience playing in many bands and is also a musical teacher with a degree from GIT.
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