FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 9, 2022 :

GREGGIE AND THE JETS – THE MOST AUTHENTIC-SOUNDING ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE OF ALL

Greg Vadimsky is a man of many talents. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, he has been singing and playing the music of Elton John since age 8. Audiences everywhere describe his onstage performances as “channeling” Elton. The band is in concert on April 15, 2022, at the Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce, at 8:00pm. Tickets are available at https://www.sunrisetheatre.com

Greg had lessons as a classical pianist starting at the age of 5 and would go on to win Florida state competitions at 10 and 12. He has been performing in his own bands since he was a teenager and now plays about 150 shows a year. He’s a singer/songwriter, penning dozens of solo studio recordings, albums, and feature film soundtracks.

To quote him, “Elton John and Bernie Taupin's songs just captured my soul — probably since I was always a bit of a lonely kid, like Elton was.” Young Greg started out playing and singing Elton’s songs by ear, until his Grandmother Sophia bought him a set of the glam rocker’s music books when he was 8.

“As I matured and improved, I stopped lessons at age 15,” he continued. “My teacher and I just couldn't figure out where else to go with it.” What else could he do? Vadimsky became a professional musician with his first band, Spectre, which went on to have a record contract with original songs just as he was turning 18.

Since then, Vadimsky has shared the stage with many, including The Orchestra, starring former ELO members. For almost 26 years, he and Brian "Big-B" Arnold, on drums and vocals, have toured the United States and United Kingdom. With credits including Pat Benatar and Bad Company, Big-B is also on drums and vocals in their Elton John tribute, Greggie and The Jets.

Greg’s brother Gary, who’s seven years younger, has been with him since the Spectre days. He’s simply phenomenal on guitar and vocals. His wife, Lori, handles backing vocals and percussion, and is a great addition to the band. Johnny Lawson, on bass and vocals, specializes in recreating the difficult bass lines of the late Dee Murray. He’s performed with so many groups he’s lost count, but among them are The Marshall Tucker Band and Gary Wright (‘Dream Weaver’). Patrick Green plays keyboards and vocals. He can hear the difficult harmonies and orchestral parts and perfect them with precision.

In their shows, they share with the audience the stories Elton and Bernie Taupin have told about writing their classic songs. Expect to hear old favorites as well as deep album cuts, including “Rocket Man”, “Levon”, “Funeral for A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, “I’m Still Standing”, and many more.

“We are told at every show that we sonically re-create how the classic recordings sounded,” said Vadimsky. “The music is the most important thing, with the outfits just being the icing on the cake.” There are at least two changes of glitzy costumes, glasses, mohair suits and electric boots. Check out the band’s official website at http://www.greggieandthejets.com

(Based on an interview by columnist Sue Wade)