Cruis-O-Matic Since 1977
Mr. Vegas
aka Edward Tanner
Mr. Vegas is a showman's showman. World famous for his Las Vegas antics and rock-god stylings. Generations of Americans have grown up to the sound of his guitar and lyrical voice. Who hasn't been moved by his ability to play with his teeth or behind the back? If we had a dime for every young fan screaming "Vegas!" and flashing the "V" sign with outstretched hands... well, we'd be rich, really rich. His sheer and awesome power is best experienced live.
Mr. Leo Sagittarius
aka Bob Cunningham
Mr. Leo Sagittarius, born under two signs (sources vary as to what the signs read) is a double threat in the Cruis-O-Matic arsenal. He is equally fabulous on guitar and keyboard along with handling most of the vocal duties in this high energy ensemble. A snappy dresser and master impressionist, Leo is the ring master of peace, love and entertainment.
Mr. Downtown, aka Dime Store
aka Greg Crawford
Mr. Downtown worked his way through private grammer school by selling roses outside of nightclubs to drunken frat boys in search of love. There, in the cold and rain, he heard the sounds of the '60's wafting through the walls and was baptised by the power of the popular tune. He broke two strings on his guitar one day and became a bass player for life. Downtown often reminds his children, Sunshine and Raisin, that he remembers when everything in the dollar store cost a dime.
Brother Bongo Goodfoot
aka Steve Bryant
Bongo is the groovemaster deluxe. His powerful command of the kit is a result of a childhood spent in the thick shoals of Brunswick, Georgia working grueling hours harvesting oysters to support his growing addiction to Stax singles. After hours, he and a young co-worker by the name of James Brown shared their dreams of a life outside the smelly world of shucking...but not jiving. If you can't dance to the beats he lays down, get it checked.
Jesse Presley (Special Guest Appearances)
aka Blaire Tanner
The love child of The King and a Waffle House waitress from Ludowici, GA, Jesse brings a brooding power to his performances that's a magical blend of James Dean and Don Knotts. His is a genius that refuses to be to be shackeled by the limitations that a band can impose. While a cofounder of the group, Jesse marches to the beat of a different drum machine, making appearances when the spirit moves him (and when his trademark powder-blue liesure suits are back from the cleaners). The results are typically astounding.
OK, here's the real story.......
CRUIS-O-MATIC WAS FORMED IN THE SUMMER OF 1977. BETWEEN 1978 AND 1989, THE BAND PLAYED OVER 2,000 SHOWS. THESE INCLUDED CONCERTS WITH THE CARS, THE SMITHEREENS, THE RAMONES, THE B-52S, THE SEX PISTOLS, CHER, THE TEMPTATIONS, EDDIE MONEY, THE NIGHTHAWKS, THE SWIMMING POOL Q’s AND OTHERS. OUR APPEAL TO A WIDE AUDIENCE IS SHOWN BY THE DIVERSITY OF BANDS WE HAVE PLAYED WITH. THAT SAID, THE TEMPTATIONS AUDIENCE ENJOYED US MORE THAN DID THE SEX PISTOLS FANS.
BETWEEN 1978 AND 1989, THE BAND AVERAGED 200 SHOWS PER YEAR. IN ADDITION TO CONCERTS, THE BAND PLAYED NIGHTCLUBS AND COLLEGE DATES IN FOURTEEN STATES, FOCUSING ON THE SOUTHEAST AND ATLANTIC COAST.
THE BAND STOPPED PERFORMING IN 1989, REGROUPED IN 1991-1992 AND AGAIN IN 2004 WITH ORIGINAL MEMBER EDWARD TANNER (1977-PRESENT) AND LONG TIME MEMBER (1980 UNTIL PRESENT) BOB CUNNINGHAM. EDWARD AND BOB WERE JOINED BY STEVE BRYANT AND GREG CRAWFORD, WITH WHOM THEY HAD PLAYED IN ANOTHER ATLANTA BAND.
THE BAND’S SHOW CONSISTS OF TWO 75-80 MINUTES WITH APPROXIMATELY 55-60 SONGS PERFORMED. THE EMPHASIS IS ON DANCE MUSIC WITH NO BREAKS BETWEEN SONGS. ONCE PEOPLE GET ON THE FLOOR WE DON’T WANT THEM STARING AT THEIR FEET OR DRIFTING BACK TO THEIR SEATS. IT IS NOT A 1960’S SHA-NA-NA TYPE SHOW.
THE MEMBERS ARE STEVE BRYANT (drums, vocals), GREG CRAWFORD (bass, vocals), BOB CUNNINGHAM (guitar, keys and vocals) AND EDWARD TANNER (guitar, vocals).