BANZAI Bios!

The BANZAI Underground was formed during the fall of 2006 by the lead guitarist of 495, the former lead singer/guitarist of Jar of Souls, former drummer of Jungle, and former bassist of Pinch Weasel.

Do you remember when rock and roll was fun? !BANZAI! certainly does! The BANZAI Underground was created with one thought in mind: Playing music should be fun for everyone involved at the show! Specifically they cater to "soccer moms, co-eds, and women who want to go out to local venues to get down to some good tunes and grooves.

THIS IS NOT A GARAGE BAND! Though they like, and can perform, music by Slipknot, Godsmack, Rush, and a few other artist that play hard, fast, and technical, they have found through thier years of playing that typically those artist lend their music to guys and the hardcore at heart. Instead The BANZAI Underground has built a cover-song list, as well as a band, that is "chick" friendly, that will get women to come out and see them, dance to the music, and have a good time.

And YES... !BANZAI! writes music! But for right now they want to build a following and fan base. Other bands, located throughout the DC area, that have this thought and are doing very well are Junkfood, Gonzo's Nose, the Jerxs, just to name a few, as well as our current and previous projects, 495, Jar of Souls, Jungle and Fools and Horses.

BANZAI Member Bios!

Stu Saiki - Lead Guitar

Stu is a native of Honolulu Hawaii, who recently moved to the DC area after trapsing the world on the Professional Tennis Circuit. His guitar playing styles range from Hawaiian "Slack-Key", to Acoustic Rock, to Alternative. Stu's choice guitars are Les Paul, Hamer, Schecter, and Fender, and he loves playing through Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Riviera, and Fender Amps. Stu's favorite band / musician / artist is Paul Gilbert's (RacerX/Mr Big) ability to blend neoclassical speed licks with the blues is something that he aspires to play. If Stu was to be stranded on an island, he would require his Ipod since his moods and tastes change so much, that he'd need his entire collection of artists that fit onto it. Stu's Favorite Quote: "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." His pet peeves: Dirty East Coast Beach Sand.

Rich Hostelley - Lead Vocals

Rich is from the Northern Virginia area, attended under grad and graduate school at The Catholic University of America located in Washington DC , and received his Master's in Architecture degree during the spring of 2000. He grew up in the DC area local music scene, and currently is pursuing his passion of music, life, and the "truth".  Rich's musical  influences include Creed, Nickleback, Puddle of Mudd, Queensryche, Pantera, Rush, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Devo. Rich's previous projects include Jar of Souls, Planet57, Tungsten Squirrel, Which Way Up, Surrender Dorothy,  Fools' Bazaar, Trespass, The Found, True Intensions,  and Johnny Server and the Separate Checks. Rich's main  drive is creativity.

Larry Spring - Bass Guitar

Larry started playing music while serving in the Navy... and no, he was not one of the Village people! He put the bass down for 10 years in search of that special someone, and 2 marriages and 13 years later, hadn't found her so he started a band; 5 years later he joined on with the BANZAI! While Larry is not supporting the low of the BANZAI, his day job is in the Commercial Aviation sector, (scary thought, isn't it?). If he was stranded on an island he would totally need his iPod... too many favorite artists to fit different moods. Imagine not having an Isaac Hayes cd in case there was a hot chic on that island too! Larry's favorite artist is The Beatles, hands down. No one's written and played music like them before, during or after their run. His quote to live by: "No matter where you go. There you are." Larry's pet peeve: Running out of pototoes, beer and/or hairspray while drunk and shooting his spud gun. Currently he is rockin to: SilversunPickups Preferred Tools: Larry's currently abusing...Marcus Miller Signature Fender Jazz bass, Gallien Krueger 700RBII head, 410SBX and 115SBX cabs. (Groovin like Duff!)

Carrol Newmann - Drums

Carrol's legacy began in a little shack in Ashburn, Virginia, where his mother bought him his first little drum set; he hasn't put those same drumsticks down as of yet. After growing up and relocating to the city that never dies, Manassas, Va., right about the age of 14 (during the year of 1991), with a few dollars and a dream, and some luck on his side, he scored his very own custom made tama 5 piece drum set! After hours of practicing and endless dreams about being a MEGA ROCKSTAR, in 1993 he formed his first band named JAR. Since JAR he has been in several other bands such as, Indiangiver, Jungle, and Sunburn (with Pete Evick from the band EVICK). Carrol has had the opportunity to play with a lot of great musicains during those times, Brittany Fox, Vanilla Ice, Overkill, C.C. Deville, Steve Whiteman from Kix, Corey Feldman (yes from The Goonies), and Kirk Mcq'in, to name a few. After a 4 year hatius he joined on with the the BANZAI and to quote him"I'm having a great time". Carrol has had many influences that he emulates into his playing style. Jamie Miller ( snot ) is his #1 all time favorite, and of course Shannon Larkin, Tommy Lee, John Bonham, Lars Ulrich and Blas Elias. Carrol co-owns, with his fiance' Heather, an on-call auto detailing company.

BANZAI Kitty - Band Pest (sidekick)

BANZAI Kitty, also known as Mr. Ruffers, Rough-house, s---head, That F---ing Cat, and Kitty, proves hours of torment to the band with his high-jenks, and cat-be-down-with-his-bad-ass-self attitude! MEOW!!!!!!!!!!

 

 


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