Knucklehead Studios

Little did I know that, at age 11, sitting in front of our black & white TV on February 9, 1964 would be a life changing event.  After watching the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", I knew that music was going to be an important part of my life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My father Wendell Hardy, a World War II Veteran, did what ever he could to encourage and support my new passion. He promptly bought a Gibson SG and a Fender Super Reverb amp to inspire and get me started.  It wasn't long until I found some other mates to start a band.  

 

Ronnie Torisk, Kenny Meany, Bruce Shacher and I were the members of "The Con-Men".  My father and Robert Fruge managed the band.  Our first gig was at a bowling alley bar at the corner of Pembroke Road & Dixie Highway . . .

( was that legal? ).  You can watch a short silent video of the band performing by clicking here.

 

In 1966, I joined "The Scotlind Yarde":

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right: Bruce Schacher, Ralph Liano, Robb Murchison, David Hardy & Mark Harris

 

We later added a new member, Jimmy Sepielli on guitar and I switched off and on to keyboards so we could cover more material.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In February of 1967, the band recorded two songs that Robb Murchison and I wrote at Gulfstream Studios in Hollywood.  The same year we participated in the Jaycees "Battle of the Bands" at the Hollywood Dog Track.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can view the complete "Battle of the Bands" catalog here.

 

After "The Scotlind Yarde" disbanded, Robb Murchison, Bruce Schacher and I joined up with some members of a rival band "The Meat Dept."  My long time friend, Pat Maguire, Rick Nicely and Moe Giacobbi completed the lineup for "The Slyce Of Life".  This group took on the edgier vibe that was ever present with "The Meat Dept."

 

In my junior year while attending Chaminade High School, I was a member of a Folk Rock Band that performed for the evening service at Nativity Catholic Church.  Rick Bauer from the popular band "The Body Shoppe", Brother John Campbell, Brother John Melloh, Jimmy Sepielli and Mark Harris were the other musicians.  To my knowledge this had never been tried before, but word spread and we were playing to a full house every week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While enrolled at Broward Community College in the early 70's,  I joined with Steve Dennison, Ronnie Torisk and Paul Boutross to form "Coral Rock".  This was a straight ahead, no frills rock & roll band that had a following that loved to party!  Ironically, the groups' best guitarist, Steve, was playing bass. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right:  David Hardy, Steve Dennison, Paul Boutross & Ronnie Torisk.

This photo of "Coral Rock" was taken in front of the West End Lounge.

 

Shortly after leaving Coral Rock, I joined the hard rock band "Summerhill".  The lineup included Bill Johannesen, Matt Stanley, DavId Webster & August Zona.  More than ever before, this high energy band was playing music I truly loved. Although it was short lived, it was probably one of the most memorable musical experience I ever had.  It's not often that you are surrounded by such exceptional musicians.  

 

In the late 70's, my room mate, Bill Johannesen and I became members of "The Prosper Band" which was the second edition of Robb Murchison & Pete Lamioa's college band.  In 1981 this group  morphed into a 3 piece version with Robb, Pete and I.