In May of 1972, Mark Fowler and Tommy Bradley return from Viet Nam. Mark visits Long Island and meets Tommy's brother Bobby , who at that time was playing drums with Larry Luby on guitar, Pete Leinhos also on guitar and George Klooshmyer on bass. It was at this point a new band would take shape called The Basement Band, made up of Mark, Bobby, Larry (now playing bass) and Pete, soon to be joined by Russ Churdo on keyboards. The Basement Band giged for about a year playing covers. This all led up to a Battle of the Bands, which they would win, with first prize being recording time in NYC with then famous producers Bill and Steve Jerome. Just prior to this the lineup would change once again with Pete out and Rick Silecchio now the bands lead guitarist. One day while rehearsing, Russ discovers in a notebook Mark used to jot down ideas, what was to become the unanimous choice and new name for the band, Stanton Anderson. November 1974 would find The Stanton Anderson Band recording with Bill and Steve Jerome, and playing New Years Eve at Chaucer's Ale House, which at that time was being managed by the soon to become SAB manager, Jimmy Vazzana. 1975 would see the exit of Russ. Ricky would now bring to the band John Kraft on keyboards and Tommy Banks on rhythm guitar. This lineup would remain the same until 1978 and Tommy's departure. He was replaced by Mike Nugent, who would only last for a few months and then myself, Joe Pisciotta. This was a Stanton Anderson Band now playing mostly originals. This is how it all began....
