The tale of 33 Heads truly begins in the fall of 1998. Convincing U.S.M.C. to give them the
opening spot for a show at the Sun Cafe, Ryan Reilly, Adrian Mann, Marc
Henderson, and Steve Oswald formed the Spice Boys literally overnight -- a period of about half the band's
career. Writing 30 minutes of material in an evening, the Spice Boys were comprised of Marc and Steve on vocals, Adrian on
bass, and Ryan on guitar. Borrowing Uncle Sam's amps and even their guitarist as a drummer, the Spice Boys wooed the crowd
so well that the houselights were turned up on them as the band barely began their finale! So was the end of the beginning
and the beginning of the end for this super group.
However, fortune shined on the boys that night in the form of Rafael Flores
and Bill Pekoc. The six men decided it would be in their best interest to unite as one. From this first show at the Sun
Cafe, Gravid Phallus was born.
With Bill lending melody to the vocal onslaught and Ralf rounding out the guitar attack, the Phallus
was quickly writing songs and preparing for the future. As fate would have it, Adrian's move to the drums kept John Raftree
and Dave Hoy from joining this super group. After egos collided, Bill Pekoc joined John, Dave, and Allen Gerling to form Proudest
Angel, perhaps the best metal band to ever come out of the Chicago scene.
From the ashes of GP rose 33 Heads, an occasional
hobby for remaining members Ryan, Adrian, and Ralf. Playing one talent show in 2000, it would be years before music became
life. However, that summer united 33 Heads and longtime friend Brian O'Callaghan on a musical level.
Collaborating on a few songs, the seeds for future success were planted.
Fast-forward to Summer 2002. Home for good after 2 years in DeKalb, Ryan reunited with Ralf and
Adrian, and with a little coaxing, Brian joined as a permanent and very important fixture to the line-up.
2005 saw the line-up go through a major change, as Adrian moved from behind the drums to become the
band's lead vocalist, and Craig Sparling joined as the fifth member, rounding out the line-up with
a proficiency and stage presence unmatched by any other drummer, adding another layer to the band's already intricate sound.
Contributing their broad tastes and skills into a very open-minded mix, 33 Heads has come a long
way in creating a form of music that can only be titled as some kinda rock. From heavy to melodic, punk to relaxed,
this band runs the gammit of guitar-based music. With catchy hooks, powerful lyrics, driving riffs, and an innate ability
to create melody, 33 Heads has put a twist on Rock 'N Roll.
One listen is all it takes to be pulled in. Give 'em a listen, and you, too, shall love the Head.
Such was the story of 33 Heads. In December, 2005, shortly after playing a
show in Elk Grove Village, the band broke up. Thank you everyone who rocked out with us.
Rock, Rock On!
