User:ChicagoLocalLegends/Prom Band

Prom Band is an American hard rock band from Chicago, IL whom are well known to Chicago's downtown & north side club scene for their over-the-top covers of popular music from 1970s - present, such as: The Cranberries' "Zombie", Beyonce's "Crazy In Love", and Rihanna's "Umbrella". The majority of their popularity stems from high-energy live performances which employ many on-stage theatrics, such as: Heavy metal guitar solos and aggressive rapping, ridiculous non-matching outfits, and their much discussed "Tambourine Man" Ron Neurauter; whom is rumored to destroy multiple tambourines a year by bashing them against his own head, on the sound system, and even bruising/bleeding regularly during their set. They have been consistently selling out/near capacity at club-style venues in Chicago's downtown and north side regions since 2009.

Formative Years (2004 – 2005)
Prom Band formed in 2004 as a group of friends from Glenbard South High School's (Glen Ellyn, IL) Music Department with the goal of learning Huey Lewis & The News' "The Power of Love", and The Penguins' "Earth Angel" to perform at Glenbard South's High School prom. Ironically, Prom Band has never actually played at a high school prom to this day.

Being comprised of all 2003 - 2005 Glenbard South Alumni (with the exception of the recent addition of their female lead; Stephanie Helena Larkin), Prom Band continues to make a point of representing their hometown; Glen Ellyn's "down home, hard-working south side (of Roosevelt Rd.)" during their live sets, or whenever given an opportunity for media/public attention.

Early Performances
Prom Band began by making a name for themselves in Chicago's western suburbs; being hired to play backyard graduation/wedding parties and barbecues. The term "Braiger" (a Glen Ellyn neighborhood gathering which takes place at the Brady residence; a well known local family) was coined as an event which began gaining local popularity when Prom Band would perform before a group of friends with an open invitation to the town to attend the neighborhood barbecue and watch a show. Although far less common today, Glen Ellyn's Brady Family still holds these "Braigers" as a means for Prom Band to preview new material for close Glen Ellyn friends and family before taking the stage for high profile shows.

Early on, Prom Band's common goal became to craft the best possible performance for an annual Fourth of July parade float, as sponsored by BRN (Business Referral Network). This has been hugely formative to Prom Band's ongoing "American Pride" theme in later years. Since 2004, all remaining members continue to return to Glen Ellyn/Wheaton, IL every summer to perform at these parades. "Fourth of July Until We Die" has persevered as Prom Band's resounding philosophy.

All current members of Prom Band currently reside in Chicago, IL, and New York City, NY.

Active Members & Current Success (2006 – Present)
Danny Rose (Vocals/Guitar), Jeff Soderberg (Drums), and Jerry Brady (Lead Guitar/Vocals) are the only founding members currently active in Prom Band; later joined by Billy Raff (Bass/Vocals) & Ron Neurauter (Tambourine/Hype) in 2006, Chris Leamy (Vocals/Guitar) in 2007, Matt Kornatz (Keyboards/Synthesizers) in 2010, and Stephanie Larkin (Vocals) in 2011. Prom Band often deem themselves the "Loudest Cover Band in Chicago", and are currently performing to capacity audiences at Chicago venues such as House of Blues, and The Elbo Room. They are frequently joined on stage by local Chicago rock greats, such as former Spitalfield front man Mark Rose, and session-guitar player (St. Louis, MO native) Nate Baker.

Noteworthy Appearances

 * On July 4, 2009: Prom Band captured the attention of Chicago's ABC 7 News team during a suburban Fourth of July parade with their hard rock rendition of Van Morrison's "Wild Night", which aired later that night.


 * On April 9, 2010: Prom Band performed for NHL Hall of Fame recipient Bobby Hull at The Bottom Lounge (Chicago's Official Blackhawks Bar) for his appearance in support of the Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Championship run.


 * On February 18, 2011: Prom Band performed before a sold-out House of Blues, Chicago crowd (1400+ cap.) sharing the bill with The Dan Band (of motion picture appearance credibility).

Prom Band plans to release their first live DVD collection in the summer of 2011, directed and produced by media specialist Justin Sudberry (Sudberry Media Group).