Damion and the Classics

In the summer of 1979, I was turning 24 and still living at home. I desperately wanted to get out on my own and also start my education at FCC. Not knowing how I was going to accomplish this, out of the blue, Mike Stup called me and asked me to audition for his band. His previous drummer up and left and Mike needed someone today. When I joined the band, Michele Mauro (vocals) and Chris Edwards (guitar) were in the lineup. Within a few months of my joining they moved on.
Once hired, I moved out my parents' home and into an apartment on 2nd St. With a roommate, I was able to earn enough to make ends meet. Try doing that today. I worked with DAC until May of 1982 (about 34 months).
Most jobs, I rode with Mike in the van. He would pick me up and drop me off at my apartment. On our way home, he used to get a kick out me saying: "Another day, another hundred dollars." He said he was going to make that the heading of my chapter in a book he planned to write called "Baby" about his experiences in the band. I'm assuming he didn't get around to it. Too bad. I'm sure that would have been a good read.
Fortunately, I made a recording of one of our performances which came out pretty good. It was from the Frederick Sherton's Halloween party in October of 1981. Recently, I copied those old tapes to my DAW. It's great having two CDs of our songs from back in the day to enjoy and share with others.

Damion and the Classics
When I left the group, I gave Mike the drum
head I had custom made by Richard Callan.

Band Members in 1980

Photos by Kerry Callan

Mike Stup

Mike

Mike was a very talented pianist, vocalist, arranger, and band leader. I can honestly say, he never waisted a minute of my time. Our rehearsals were always well-prepared. It amazed me what we were able to accomplish in a short period of time.

After a 20 year run, Mike retired the band on New Year's Eve, 1983. I went to visit him some time later and asked him what life was like post Damion and the Classics. He looked at me and as sincerely as he could said: "Brian, it's like it never happened." That's the kind of guy Mike was -- don't look back -- always moving forward. Sadly, Mike passed away on Nov. 10, 2008. Frederick lost a great talent. May he rest in peace.

Deborah Green (Becker)

Debbie

Debbie has a voice that can fill the Weinberg Center -- without a microphone. I first heard her sing when playing drums for the Fredericktowne Players' production of Lil' Abner. She was the understudy for Daisy Mae. The woman cast for Daisy Mae had lost her voice and Debbie filled in for the dress rehearsal. We in the orchestra pit had no idea Debbie was on stage until she opened her mouth to sing. We all did a double-take and were like: "Who is that?" I can't tell you what a privilege it was to hear her sing night after night. Sometimes, I wanted to stop playing and just listen.

Bruce Fransen

Bruce

Bruce is a uniquely talented musician -- alto, tenor and soprano sax, flute, clarinet, guitar, bass, keyboards, and quite a vocalist. He was equally talented at truck packing. We'd bring everything outside. He'd climb in and start yelling out what he wanted next. "Larry Jones!" These days, he plays jazz but I've not been to hear him since, well, you know.

John Freytag

John

John was an incredible bass player. His feel was just tremendous -- so smooth. When I first joined DAC, he directed me (for the stops) and kept me on track until I became familiar with the repertoire. He could say more with three words than most people can say in three sentences. Sadly, John is also no longer with us,.

Clay Smith

Clay

Clay's funky rhythm work and fast-fingered leads made him a joy to work with.
He never forgave me for turning down Bonnie. "Brian, Brian, Brian."

Brian Baumgardner

Brian

DAC was a blast and to this day still have dreams about playing in the band. What I wouldn't give to set up at the Brunswick Fire Hall and live that experience one more time.

Before DAC, Bruce, John and I played in a disco band called Voyage.
Songs For Other Women