Wilkes Booth logo in white

Band History

Founded in the Early 1990s

Lead guitarist Dave originally conceived the band Wilkes Booth on the legendary Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California, where guitar wizard Steve Vai employed him in the 1992 music video "Nineteen" by Bad4Good for MTV. This was after a failed attempt with another band called Rokzilla.

Rokzilla had been together for years with only one album released to their credit in 1991 — First Foot Forward. Possibly the last cassette tape of First Foot Forward was auctioned in 2017. Read the details and the final price here.

The fans of Rokzilla wanted to keep the momentum and excitement of that band going, so the need for the new band was fulfilled, and Wilkes Booth was formed.

Rokzilla performing live on stage

The Los Angeles Years (1992-1994)

a photoshoot of Richard 'Richie Bitch' Coates, Dave Wilkes Booth, Ruik Holmes, and Fred Neal

Richard "Richie Bitch" Coates, Dave Wilkes Booth, Ruik Holmes, Fred Neal

a photoshoot of Ruik Holmes, Dave Wilkes Booth, Richard 'Richie Bitch' Coates, and Fred Neal

Ruik Holmes, Dave Wilkes Booth, Richard "Richie Bitch" Coates, Fred Neal

Steve Montoya was only in the band for a few months, but he recorded drum tracks on their first demo "It's Not So Funny," which they used to find Richard "Richie Bitch" Coates. Richie was with the band the longest in Los Angeles. Brian Caldera was with the band only through the first 6-8 months. When he left, Dave took over vocals and recorded them on all Los Angeles material.

Steve Rom left the band in 1993 for a few months. That's when Ruik Holmes came in, but they begged Steve to come back, and he did. Steve left the band because Dave was an asshole to him. He should not have been, he apologized, and they moved on.

Additional members that came and left during their Los Angeles years were:

An interesting side note is that Tony West went on to sing for a band called Blacklist Union, and they had some big success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Another weird note is that a drummer named Dustin Trinchini played in Wilkes Booth in October through December of 1994. Dave happened to meet Mike Fittos in December of 1994, and they knew that they belonged together. They had an unbelievable friendship.

Wilkes Booth performed regularly in the famous night clubs such as Gazzarri's, The Roxy Theatre, The Whiskey, and The Troubadour — the very same clubs that spawned acts such as Motley Crue, Van Halen, Guns 'N' Roses, and Poison. They played the same style of music as these bands, but all original in an attempt to achieve the same national status.

Our Demos

Wilkes Booth released demo songs during these days which received airplay on Los Angeles' famed KNAC radio station.

It's Not So Funny (1st demo, early 1992)

History Will Repeat (2nd demo, mid 1992)

History Continued

Wilkes Booth regularly appeared in various rock music magazines such as Rock City News and Bam with international circulation.

With a renowned booking agent intact and an appreciative fan base, the pieces were in place for the band to go all the way. However, the timing was wrong.

In late 1992, the music industry changed almost overnight, whereas the glitzy "Hair Metal" was no longer being embraced by the music industry. Unwilling to change styles and compromise it's integrity, the band returned to their home city of Rochester in western upstate New York.

After the industry's transformation, the band continued on, however, performing for a good cause at many benefit events, local night clubs, bars, and festivals, in an attempt to revive the spirit of old "Hair Metal." The band believed that there was still a market for this genre of music due to their continued success.

This high-energy band now included vocalist Bobby "Rocker" Fredericks, guitarist Dave Wilkes Booth, bassist Jason Carter, and drummer Mike "Oxbig" Fittos. They played live extensively and recorded their debut album Blows U Away in 1996, which received airplay on several local college radio stations.

The album is in the "old school" pop rock vein of Poison and Motley Crue with early Van Halen and Randy Rhoads-era Ozzy Osbourne guitar styling — a 1970s and 1980s rock sound.

Their second release, entitled One Night Stand, came out in the spring of 2003. Carter was replaced by Kevin Rappenecker on bass, and the same extensive live playing ensued with this album, creating an enormous fan base and furthering the development of numerous connections. As with the first album, One Night Stand has seen its share of international sales and exposure. German magazine Music an Sich wrote a review of this album. Read it here.

With new bassist Kevin Rappenecker, Wilkes Booth added 12 new original songs to their discography and a healthy dose of razor-sharp covers with their signature Wilkes Booth sound.

Wilkes Booth was relentless in their passion for a classic hard rock sound. They ignored trends in favor of playing firey covers from such artists as Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Metallica to Motley Crue, Poison, and Van Halen to name a few. The Wilkes Booth original material was written and played in the same passionate vein as well.

Wilkes Booth covered songs by John Cougar Mellencamp, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Judas Priest, Poison, KISS, Montrose, Thin Lizzy, Van Halen, Dokken, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Rush, Steppenwolf, The Kinks, Steel Dragon, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Black Crowes, Metallica, Jackyl, W.A.S.P., April Wine, Tesla, Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister, and similar classic hard rock bands.

Wilkes Booth is truly one of the last over-the-top dirty rock and roll bands from back in the day. While the band has persevered through numerous losses, personnel changes, and unfavorable experiences, one cannot afford to take their eyes off of them for a single moment for fear of missing something outrageous. They finished their third studio album, titled Respect the Rock, and prepared to embark on a massive promotional campaign. German magazine Music an Sich wrote a review of this album. Read it here.

"Bass-ic" History

Wilkes Booth had a revolving door of guys that they rehearsed with and played shows with over the years. The band was Bob, Mike, and Dave, and they kept switching bass players until they found Kevin Rappenecker.

In 1999, Wilkes Booth recorded a song titled "Determination" for the Camp Good Days 20th anniversary album. It was Dave on guitar, Kevin Scally on bass, Anthony "Tony" Barbato on vocals, and Paul Amorise on drums. This same year, the band had one of their classic fights, so Bob and Mike started jamming in another band with Donnie Gramatico (Lou Gramm's brother) on guitar and somebody on bass.

Dave hired Tony and Paul only for the recording of "Determination." Tony was hit by a car crossing the road in 2020 and died, so this recording was used in his tribute since it was the only professional recording that he had done.

Track 5: Determination. Length: 4 minutes 3 seconds. Performed by Wilkes Booth. Lyrics by Anthony Barbato.
© 1999. Special thanks to Bob Politi. Engineered by Chris Brazener. Recorded and mixed at Dynamic Recording Studios in Rochester, New York 14616

"Grand from the Band" Meets Goal for Taylor

Wilkes Booth presented a check to Billy Taylor at Pineapple Jack's

Left to right: Billy, Kevin, Bryan, Bob, and Mike (barely visible behind Bobby)

The Wilkes Booth band made short work of its quest to help an ailing local musician. Rochester-area bassist Billy Taylor was battling stage 4 inoperable brain cancer. With the recent release of their latest album, Respect the Rock, they solicited CD purchases at $10 each in raising $1,000 for the cause. On June 29, they presented the check to Taylor at Pineapple Jack's.

Unfortunately, Dave was not able to attend due to a crazy stalking female fan that wanted to harm him.

Song Playlist

Here is a list of our songs, and cover songs, that we played at a few of our live performances. These 4 pages formed a booklet that people would choose songs from.

KISS's lead guitarist Tommy Thayer at a diner booth and holding a CD of an album by Hadlock

KISS's lead guitarist Tommy Thayer reviewed albums by Wilkes Booth and Kris Hadlock (of Hadlock). Dave briefly played as the bassist in Hadlock and recorded one song with them entitled "Dirty Christine." Watch the music video here.

Journalist and author Lonn Friend visited Wilkes Booth and Killer Instinct.

Former editor of iconic RIP Magazine, Lonn Friend, was in Rochester the week of October 28, 2014. Five years after helping to edit Hustler Magazine, Friend joined RIP Magazine in 1987. The publication was known for featuring exclusive interviews with heavy metal rock bands and was among the first to promote Metallica and Guns 'N' Roses.

Two of Friend's books share stories about mixing with many rock 'n' roll greats of the period — Life on Planet Rock (2006) and Sweet Demotion (2011). He's appeared in numerous television documentaries and has written liner notes for projects by Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Dio, and Alice Cooper. Friend contributed to the health and fitness book The Rockstar Remedy by Dr. Gabrielle Francis.


Kris Hadlock, Dave Wilkes Booth, Tony Gross, and Lonn Friend at a diner booth

Kris Hadlock, Dave Wilkes Booth, Tony Gross (of Head East and GFI), Lonn Friend

Below is a mockup cover of RIP Magazine for fun.

Kris Hadlock, Lonn Friend, and Dave Wilkes Booth on the cover of Rip Magazine's Rock Censorship Issue

The Farewell

Things were rolling along quite nicely until 2016 when medical issues sidelined Dave and Mike. As a result, Bobby and Kevin joined other bands, and Wilkes Booth was sidelined.

The band had started working on album number four when this went down. The musicians stayed with the band. However, singer Bob "Rocker" had thoroughly ensconced himself in numerous golfing events and assembled his own cover band so he could play the lighter songs that Wilkes Booth refused to do and had no time for the band. He stopped returning calls and would not answer text messages.

Ultimately, the band found out on Facebook that Bob was claiming that he was fired from Wilkes Booth and formed his own band to look like the hero and garnish sympathy from anyone who would listen, and the masses ate it up like sheep on a feeding frenzy. Wilkes Booth moved on with longtime friend Dee St. James taking over on vocals. Together they finished album number four, aptly titled "Bid You Farewell," in regards to Dave Wilkes Booth's declining health and ability due to neurological development, and Dee St. James abruptly leaving the band due to physiological decay. German magazine Music an Sich wrote a review of this album. Read it here.

The band figured that it had hit the end of the road. That was until singer Todd Cragle approached them and expressed interest in joining. Todd came to an audition and sang 16 songs without the assistance of a teleprompter, flooring the band, and was immediately accepted.

"Bid You Farewell" had just been released, and the band embarked on a small club tour across New York State, booked by agent Richard Radice. Radice had booked the band in lower-quality dives, stole the revenue from all performances, and was never heard from again. That was pretty much the last straw. The band had enough of the logistics of what compromises a rock band. Rappenecker, Cragle, and even Fittos started jamming with other bands while Dave stewed alone in the grand Wilkes Booth rehearsal facility.

a panoramic view of our studio

As David was constantly recording licks, bits, and pieces of fretboard shred, he soon had a song backlog that needed recording. Unfortunately, in late 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic further delayed any attempts to record.

Finally, in 2021 David brought in a bass player named Dennis Jones (DJ) from The Tombstone Hands. DJ was also a graduate of the same high school that Dave attended in Pittsford, NY. In turn, Dennis brought in Mathius, a twisted Blues Rock vocalist from Wayne County, NY. This combination of talent bonded around Mike's drumming and was forged into malleable metal by Dave's over-the-top shredding! After a few rehearsals, it was off to Big Time Studio in Interlaken, NY, to record eleven new Wilkes Booth songs.



Unfortunately, in February of 2022, Mike unexpectedly died shortly after completing the basic tracks. Dave's 28-year best friendship and professional relationship with the hardest rocking drummer in Rochester, NY, came crashing to an end. After a painful period of time, Dave, Dennis, and Mathius completed the recording. One Last Ride is dedicated to you, Brother Mike!

Live Performance Dates & Locations

Wilkes Booth rocks Pineapple Jack's on February 15


a 12-picture collage of the band members performing live at Pineapple Jack's on February 15

The Jam Room

3783 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY

(Our New York State debut show and album release party was here.)

April 9, 1996

The Bay

(This bar ruled! It was the best kept secret on the west side.)

(now called Braddock Bay Tavern and Grill)

372 Manitou Road, Hilton, NY

January 5, 2005

January 22, 2005

August 6, 2005

Norton's Pub

(permanently closed)

1730 North Goodman Street, Rochester, NY

July 26, 2003

April 10, 2004

June 5, 2004

July 31, 2004

October 9, 2004

December 11, 2004

December 31, 2004

Steel Music Hall

(might be closed)

1509 Scottsville Road, Rochester, NY

August 16, 2003

The House of Guitars

645 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY

December 13, 2003 (canceled show)

Rock 'N' Roll Heaven logo

Rock 'N' Roll Heaven

2339 Union Road, Buffalo, NY

July 14, 2007 (Bob's birthday)

May 9, 2009 (with with Metalworks)

Panorama Night Club Sports Bar and Grill logo

Panorama Night Club & Sports Bar

730 Elmgrove Road, Gates, NY

December 9, 2006

March 16, 2007

Halloween 2007

May 30, 2009

July 30, 2009

September 10, 2009

September 19, 2009

November 7, 2009

November 19, 2009

Pineapple Jack's logo

Pineapple Jack's

485 Spencerport Road, Gates, NY

March 15, 2008

March 6, 2009

April 18, 2009

June 13, 2009

January 9, 2010 (special guest Black Creek opened the show)

February 15, 2010

August 1, 2010

October 17, 2010

December 5, 2010

Spenders logo

Spenders

(permanently closed)

1600 Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY

July 19, 2003

2003 November 28, 2003

November 29, 2003

May 7, 2005 (CGD benefit)

August 18, 2007

October 13, 2007

January 25, 2008 (Kevin's last show)

April 26, 2008 (RHB All-Star Jam)

Stooges logo

Stooges

(now Pub 511)

(permanently closed)

511 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit, NY

December 31, 2005

September 9, 2006

December 31, 2006

January 26, 2007

April 21, 2007

February 22, 2008

Pub 511 logo

Pub 511

(formerly Stooges)

(permanently closed)

511 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit, NY

March 6, 2007 (with Bluesfire)

April 24, 2007 (with Evil Twinn)

December 9, 2006

March 16, 2007

October 31, 2007

February 21, 2009

April 11, 2009

May 30, 2009

September 12, 2009

September 19, 2009

Shamrock Inn logo

Shamrock Inn

4940 East Lake Road, Honeoye, NY

May 19, 2005

May 21, 2005 (Spring Fever Party)

November 19, 2005

November 11, 2006

Slammers Bar and Grill logo

Slammers Bar & Grill

(permanently closed)

4650 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY

March 12, 2005

July 8, 2005

the Stumblin' Inn logo

The Stumblin' Inn

(permanently closed)

1 South Main Street, Elba, NY

June 11, 2005

the Penny Arcade logo

The Penny Arcade

4785 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY

April 7, 2007

Jukebox Bar & Grill logo

Jukebox Bar & Grill

1738 William Street, Buffalo, NY

July 28, 2007

The Montage Music Hall logo

The Montage Music Hall

55 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY

February 16, 2007

October 18, 2008

West Side Sports Bar and Grill logo

West Side Sports Bar and Grill

112 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

April 17, 2010

Rane Party Bar logo

Räne Party Bar

(permanently closed)

3036 Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY

March 20, 2010

Deweys Pub logo

Deweys Pub

(permanently closed)

1380 Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY

August 21, 2010

Cottage Hotel of Mendon logo

Cottage Hotel of Mendon

1390 Pittsford Mendon Road, Mendon, NY

February 5, 2011

Nola's BBQ logo

Nola's BBQ

(permanently closed)

4775 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY

February 26, 2011

Mastrella's Bar logo

Mastrella's Bar

(permanently closed)

4300 Culver Road, Rochester, NY

April 16, 2011

Quaker Steak and Lube logo

Quaker Steak & Lube

(permanently closed)

2205 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY

August 25, 2013

a poster of Wilkes Booth at Blu on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Blu Bar and Grill

(permanently closed)

250 Pixley Road, Rochester, NY

July 1, 2015

Carmine's Cruise Night on Monday, July 13

Carmine's Family Restaurant

(permanently closed)

671 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY

July 13, 2016

animated 'Happy New Year' banner