News

OCC the Band Wednesday, August 20 2008

You've probably seen them on American Chopper--playing in the boiler room in some shows, acting as a back-up band for Chubby Checker during the Craftsman-Diehard episode, using their 2006 CD release to test the Klipsch Bike sound system--they're edgy, they're bluesy, they're cool: they're OCC the Band!

OCC the Band started when OCC's General Manager, Steve Moreau, began using the shop's boiler room to jam on his lead guitar before work each day. He was soon joined by drummer Christian Welter, harmonica player and guitarist Jon Radnazzo, and bassist Tom Schimpf. The four developed a tight, bluesy sound and began to play in local clubs and occasionally appear on episodes of American Chopper. In 2006, the band released a CD--OCC the Band--which is marketed exclusively through Walmart.

OCC the Band is now also featured as part of the OCC Live Tour, which appears at state fairs and other special occasions across the country. Usually the band appears before and after the Junior vs. Senior Biker Build Off. The band has made appearances at non-OCC events too, such as the massive, Roar on the Shore, an annual bike rally in Erie, PA.

OCC the Band is:

Steve Moreau -- As General Manager for over five years at OCC, Steve Moreau has his hand in almost everything at the shop - including playing lead guitar for the band. Steve's got 25 years playing experience and has been in bands since the age of eighteen. Prior to starting up OCC The Band, he played in another band with Tom Schimpf for approximately five years.

Christian Welter -- Growing up in OakHurst, NJ, music was all in the family for Christian Welter. His father, a professional musician, first taught him how to play the drums at an early age. Now a mechanic working in assembly at OCC, he spends his spare time playing drums for the band. Christian has been with OCC for over six years.

Tom Schimpf -- Better known as "Schimpf" around the shop, Tom has worked at OCC for about 2 years in Parts and Maintenance. He's played the bass guitar for 25 years and has played in multiple bands since the age of sixteen. Tom plays bass for the band and is lead vocalist on many songs.

Jon Radnazzo -- Born and raised not too far from the OCC shop in Montgomery, NY, Jon Randazzo is also a lead vocalist and plays the harmonica and slide guitar for the band. He's a Parts and Shipping Specialist and has worked for OCC for about three years. Jon found his love for music when he first saw the Blues Brothers twelve years ago.