Dean - Lead Vocals
If Dean was a true rock singer, he'd
say the good Lord took his hand and led him to the Dixon Bandits — in truth, it was Craigslist.
Even technology, it seems, works in mysterious ways.
And while some unknown force drove Dean to audition for the Bandits, it didn’t stop there. That inspiration continues to resonate.
"They move me," he says. "Now I just want to do justice to these
great songs and raise my game to the level of a full-on Dixon Bandit.”
From an audience’s perspective, the new guy seems to fit, and attending a
Bandit's show feels like home. The band seems to attract laid back folks, and everyone is welcome at our shows.
“Come as you are," Deano says. "And chill out or sing along. And if
you feel the wind blow and want to shimmy your soul shaker, that’s OK too.” You can bet our new singer will be there with you, doing the same.
Doug - Guitars
Doug grew up in Itasca, IL, and started playing guitar at the age of 14. Early influences were were the usual suspects – Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, along with Alex Lifeson, Gary Richrath and Toni Iommi.
In his teen years and early twenties (1980-1985), a friend of his allowed him to have an “open mic” at his house every Thursday night. Over that five year span, he played with a wide variety of musicians, but bands started up and fell apart regularly.
In 1990, he started a band with a friend of his that finally stuck. “Nuthin’ Fancy” was an exceptional Rock band in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that played regularly until 2002.After taking about 14 years off to raise a family, Doug reconnected with the remaining members of Nuthin’ Fancy. They assembled a new band, and Doug now plays exclusively with The Dixon Bandits
Bobby - Guitars / Vocals
Robert has been in the Chicago music scene for the last 3 decades .Co- founder-writer and lead guitarist of the band Zipperhead , as well as lead guitarist and co- writer in the band Highway Child . Robert also had a 10 year run in the band Rollover.
As a studio musician he has recorded with the legendary Jack Douglas (producer of Aerosmith / John Lennon) ,
Robert has opened for the following bands : Dave Mason, Wide Spread Panic , Adrien Belew & the Bears , Molly Hatchet, Wishbone
Ash, Missing Persons , Quite Riot.
When he’s not playing guitar he’s thinking about it .
Mike - Drums
Mike started playing drums around the time the Beatles broke up. He’s played in various rock bands and wedding bands and will play anything that isn’t Proud Mary or the Hokey Pokey. He’s happy to be here in Bandit-land playing Classic rock
Paul - Bass / Vocals
Paul started playing bass at the age of 10 in 1966 at the encouragement of his older brother who was already a multi-instrumentalist. In early 1972 Paul was turned on to the Allman Brothers and soon the rest of the southern rock bands that blossomed. Berry Oakley quickly became his main influence and continues to be to this day. Too many bands over the years to mention helped him hone his craft, playing mostly southern and country rock, blues and classic rock. His most recent stint in a working band was in that genre with the classic rock band Unfinished Business. Now he’s happier than a swarm of flies buzzin’ a manure field to be back in classic rock playing his music of choice, with the Dixon Bandits.
Pat -Piano/Organ
Starting at age 8, studied contemporary and jazz organ. Then I became a drummer. Ugh!
Early ‘80’s, sat down at the piano.
In the ‘90’s joined an all original band, then a classic rock band,
a country band, two blues rock bands, and now back to a classic rock band, Dixon Bandits.
Sat in a few times with The Marshall Tucker Band.
Opened up for CCR at The House of Blues.
Played the Taste of Chicago
Finally, I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and my hair used to be flaming red.