RICH OEFFINGER
By Mark Book

As the story goes, Rich’s parents met at The Indianapolis 500 where Rich’s Dad was an All-World mechanic for AJ Foyt’s team and his Mom was a Winner’s Circle Trophy Girl. Pretty cool huh? This could explain a lot. Let me try.

Rich is our go-to guy when we need something fixed. Like a great Indy Car veteran he carries a toolbox with him to every show. He’s saved our asses more than a few times by pulling out a pair of pliers or Duct tape right before showtime to fix a broken bass drum head or tighten a loose tuning peg on a guitar. Also, like a great Indy Car Mechanic he is methodical and consistent while practicing his craft, but still maintains an enthusiasm that makes you feel like your going 200MPH. Oh, and he’s very loud too. Kinda like he’s trying to play over team Penske’s muffler at full throttle. These are attributes that Rich apparently had past down to him by his Father.

I think His Mom has shaped his appreciation for not only great fashion but great vintage music gear as well. She used to be a folk musician back in the day and would tour nursing homes with just her and a 1956 Gibson 12 string which was the guitar that Rich learned on. When Rich was 10 She got him a set of Late 60’s Rogers Holiday Classic Drums with the much in demand Red Sparkle finish. OK. To anyone who just read over that last line in passing and didn’t feel a little tinkle of excitement then you’d better check yourself. These are some serious farging drums. I’m talking the Holy Grail of drum kits. By the way, if you ever come out to see us live these are the same drums that I’ll be playing on stage . Did I mention that Rich is a Helluva guy? Anyway, these are the same drums that Rich learned on. Yes Rich is a strong drummer. Rudiments are his gig. He was offered a Music Scholarship to the University of Louisville for percussion, and he wrote and performed his own drum score while in his High school marching band.

I’d like to wrap this up by pointing out that although Rich has all the physical tools in the world to make him a great musician, its his personality that draws people nearer to him. I know a lot of people and Rich is one that I feel fortunate to know. Everyday he comes up with more reasons for me to like him. How can I not? He is the band mechanic. He keeps the machine serviced and well maintained to Rock another day.

-- Mark Book