Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream were among the most beloved and influential classic rock artists of the second half of the 20th century. And all share another common denominator: at some point during their careers each had at least one of THE HIT MEN playing behind them on the road or in the studio.
THE HIT MEN –a supergroup consisting of super-talented sidemen and sessions musicians– either played, sang or did both on tour or in the studio for some of the most memorable classic rock hits of the era, including “Feels Like The First Time” (Foreigner), Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey), “Live and Let Die” (Wings), “Eye In The Sky” (Alan Parsons), and “You May Be Right” (Billy Joel), using their talents to “wow” audiences internationally.
In their exciting multi-media show, THE HIT MEN perform the hits that they helped rocket to the top of the Billboard charts, AND they share fascinating never-before-told backstage stories about their adventures on the road and in recording studios with the classic rock legends they performed with. It’s like seeing 10 Rock Legends for the price of one!
Managed by Lee Shapiro, who was the former Music Director of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and who founded and led the original HIT MEN since 2010, members of this HIT MEN supergroup have exceptional performing credentials as follows:
Steve Murphy is a drummer/singer/producer/engineer and has been heavily involved in the NY music scene since the late ’80s. The artists he has performed and recorded with are some of the most famous and recognizable names in music over the last 60 years. He became passionate about music and performing at an early age. His first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to work as a vocalist in the studio with legendary producer Phil Ramone on a project for Elton John. His voice was featured on dozens of national commercials including The Army’s “Be All You Can Be” campaign. He was a member of The Alan Parsons Live Project touring over 40 countries. He has also toured with Jack Bruce (Cream), Eric Burdon and the Animals, Chuck Negron (3 Dog Night), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Steve Augeri (Journey) and more.
Tommy Williams is a guitarist/vocalist who has worked with rock and pop music’s most influential names. He was the musical director and guitarist for Debbie Gibson, the music prodigy who burst on the Billboard Pop Charts at the tender age of 16; featured on Debbie’s #1 hit “Lost in Your Eyes”, Tommy did two world tours with Debbie and directed 3 of her best-selling albums. Tommy has also performed with The Hooters, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Steely Dan, Denny Laine of Paul McCartney & Wings, Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander, and more.
Gregory Smith is a bassist and vocalist who has collaborated with so many rock legends that it’s hard to keep track. His resume reads like a “who’s who” of classic rock, including work with Billy Joel, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Alan Parsons, Blue Oyster Cult, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Turtles, Dokken, Denny Laine of Wings, Glen Frey of the Eagles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, and more. Greg appeared in the film Wayne’s World as a member of Alice Cooper’s band, performing “Feed My Frankenstein”.
Mike DiMeo is a gifted multi- keyboard expert and singer. His years as the organist for Tommy James and The Shondells opened the door to his long list of collaborations, including performances with Deep Purple, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Tyler, to name just a few.
Mark Newman. An ace stringman (guitar, mandolin, lap steel and dobro), Mark is the type of singer whose warm and expressive voice sounds like an old friend. Mark’s musical journey has taken him around the world several time, sharing the stage with notables such as soul legend Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds, Bobby Whitlock of Derek & The Dominoes, and the inimitable Sam The Sham.
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "ICE SS" by the Central Jersey punk act Sally Draper.
