Meet the Band
The Stragglers started in elementary school, between spit balls and cootie jokes when Chuck and Billy started dreaming of being rock stars. Billy had emerging guitar chops. Chuck had the E string down. But they valiantly persevered, bringing each other along musically. Somehow, they evolved to be performing with the legendary Lou Pallo, the professor Emeritus, and Master of American guitar. Along the way they picked up Tom playing bongos and then he begat, Randy and his 5-string bass. The most important element of any band is that magical communication that comes through the music. Making a composition sound as if played by a single hand yet featuring all the artistry of each player. That’s what the Stragglers do.
Chuck
VOCALS • GUITAR • BANJO • MEAN COWBELL
Chuck is truly an international man of mystery. Like that time when ◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼ (redacted) or unbelievably, ◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼ (redacted). So when you see Chuck at a gig don’t ask, “Whatcha been up to?” because if he tells you he’ll have to... Well, you know. Other than that, Chuck is an avid outdoorsman, lathe operator (he really has a lathe), and all-around best friend to have on your side.
Bill
VOCALS • LEAD GUITAR
Billy makes his own guitars – `nuff said. He’s a crafty craftsman who crafts beautiful songs, like, Tow Truck Man, a soon to be a Stragglers video release. And he crafts wonderful guitar parts and voicing for all of our songs. Billy is the heir apparent to Johnny Cash – apparently if you hear his renditions of Folsom Prison and Ring of Fire. He was voted, best guitar player I have ever played with, ever - 2022, by Tom.
Randy
BASS • VOCALS • CAKE MASTER
Randy Chase on Bass is the best thing any band can say about themselves. Randy came to us by accident when Chuck (the outdoorsman) placed a classified ad looking for a bass fisherman. Randy (who doesn’t fish for anything other than the right driving bassline in a song) answered. Laying down the bottom of the grove and getting Tom in the pocket are two of Randy’s favorite pastimes along with long walks on the beach and reading the Sunday Times in his jammies.
Tom
DRUMS • VOCAL UTTERANCES
All his life people have told him to “Beat It.” So.... Tom is that annoying guy always banging on a table, tapping a pencil on a desk, or finger drumming on a steering wheel. When they put him behind the drums it became somewhat less annoying. Tom is happy to play in the Stragglers because they don’t complain...much. Yes, that is velvet covering his drums.