Pandemonium, Chicago's premier classic rock 5-piece rock band based out of the city's western suburbs, has its roots of origin all the way back to the late 70's when North Riverside friends Jeff Laczynski and Ron Silay teamed together under the guise of Fortress, playing covers of their favorite bands, notably UFO, Ted Nugent, and The Who. Recruiting keyboardist Scott Leonard, Fortress emerged as one of the many suburban rock acts who were playing in high school talent shows, parties, "battle of the bands" contests, etc until they were old enough to get into the local bar circuit. Fortress' motto was "Energized Rock", and it showed. Influenced by the high energy rock shows produced by the likes of Kiss, Nugent, and the Scorpions, they played every show like it was their last, a concept that is a very much a part of Pandemonium today. In the mid 80's, however, the Fortress had crumbled.
Ron joined forces with Fortress vocalist Mic Cervenka to create Hangover, an all original hard rock band. Jeff went on to form WhyteRock with Scott and vocalist Ray Hagen, a band combining hard rock covers with original material. Both bands were successful in their day, doing shows all over Chicago through the late 80's , including numerous gigs at the now legendary Thirsty Whale. After a number of years, both bands splintered off into various acts.
In the early 90's, Ray left WhyteRock to join Menagerie, an all original outfit with regional success, including an appearance at Foundations Forum in Los Angeles. Scott formed RMS with WhyteRock drummer Mike Browz and Hangover/Fortress vocalist Cervenka, as well as participating in the 60's Motown cover band The Little Kings of Soul. Jeff (now known as Jay LaSalle) and Ron reconciled and put together The Spotlight Kidz, an 80's cover band, picking up Ray after Menagerie disbanded.
After Spotlite Kidz split up, Jay created Rapid Fire, enlisting vocalist Cervenka, drummer Browz, and former Raised By Wolves bass player Roy Sommerfeld, found utilizing the infamous Illinois Entertainer classifieds. Scott had since left RMS to join the 60's group, The Fabulous Chevelles, but played a few shows with Rapid Fire after their other guitarist quit. Browz and Cervenka left to form Full Access. Jay and Roy began their quest for the ideal band by auditioning lead guitar players. After an extensive search, they decided on Barry Bartulis. Next, Jay recruited old friend Ron Silay to fill the void on the drums. Upon enlisting the services of Randy DeBord (former lead singer for Hollywood Daze), the first incarnation of Pandemonium was born. Barry's tenure with the band was brief, and he was replaced by lead guitarist Brian Vinezeano after a few shows. Brian remained in Pandemonium for about one year. Originally doing 80's hair band covers, the band played several Chicago area locations, notably a big show at Toto's (now The Jackhammer) with local favorites ARRA. Pandemonium switched gears when Scott joined the fold, leaning toward 70's classic rock covers. DeBord left to pursue other interests, and a quick call to vocal stalwart Ray brought him into the lineup, as well. Founding drummer Ron Silay left the band in the summer of 1999, replaced by former Great Red Shark Dwayne Pliska. Pliska remained for 2 years, and Ron Melze came aboard in the summer of 2001.
In 2003, Ray had to step down due to illness. The band struggled with the decision to continue as a four piece, or look for a new vocalist. A chance phone call brought in Max Bjork in early 2003, and a new direction was taken once again. Max' soaring vocal range had the Pandemonium band expanding its horizons into other forays of classic rock. Journey, Boston, Foreigner covers worked their way into the songlist as Max entertained the Pandemonium faithful throughout the year. Unfortunately, Max chose to pursue a career change in the summer of 2004 that left him unable to participate in the band. Jay had recently saw vocalist Warren Halvarson performing with his own cover band NVS at an after-office party in downtown Chicago. Warren is another warrior of the local rock scene, having played with numerous outfits including Broad St Bullies, Xscape, and Crystal Axe. Warren agreed to join, and rounds out the lineup as it stands today.
As one can see, the members of Pandemonium are not "kids", but veterans of the Chicago rock scene. They've seen what works and what doesn't, through two decades of music. But one thing remains clear: these guys just can't get enough of playing live! Be sure and catch Pandemonium, they'll be rocking a town near you!