Classic Cat History

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  Originally formed in 1990 by guitarist Rick Daunch, drummer / vocalist David Schreiber and bassist Rick Denny, the "Classic Cats" played a variety of classic rock and pop songs in and around the Orange county, Long Beach  and Inland Empire areas.  As a three piece band driven by the guitar work of Rick Daunch, the classic cats began their career by playing at parties and local nightclubs. Soon they began to draw a regular audience. 


















  

   Their "classic" repertoire and upbeat performances solidified their early reputation and they were sought after time and time again mostly by word of mouth.          Soon the talents of drummer Mark White augmented the group enabling David to step out from behind the drums providing the group with a solid  charismatic frontman.
   Mark was the perfect addition to the Cats, himself being a long time freind of David and a rock solid drummer who employed all the techniques of a seasoned professional.
   
       The Classic Cats continued successfully for several years with this line-up and built their notoriety on the strength of David's vocals and stage presence. David's on stage charisma and genuine warmth connected with the audience encouraging all to dance and partake of the good time the band offered at every show.  Along with Rick's superb guitar work and Rick Denny's solid bass lines they moved forward gathering momentum as they covered many early rock & roll classics as well as contemporary rock and pop favorites.

        In late 1997 Rick Daunch met Gregg Montgomery at The L.A. recording workshop in North Hollywood, where Gregg was an audio instructor. The two  struck up a friendship and after hearing him perform for a recording session at the school Rick asked Gregg to fill in for a night as vocalist and 2nd guitarist.  Gregg was a good fit for the group, the "Cats" were a hit as always and had now found an occasional fill-in musician that could augment the group from time to time when necessary. However it wasn't long before Gregg was asked to join the band permanently as the "fifth Cat" and he gladly accepted.





   Now a five piece band they continued playing good music pleasing thier audience and gathering fans all along the way. The "Cats" were well received everywhere and were musically versatile, playing a variety of styles at thier shows. They have remained consistently booked  for many years and their performances have always been strong and memorable especially with David's charismatic personality and leadership qualities.
   Being much sought after they have consistently booked return engagements year after year for a variety of functions including, nightclubs, private parties, corporate functions, community events, outdoor festivals, county fairs, weddings and local country clubs.

       As the bands musical relationship blossomed so did their popularity, playing a blend of rock classics and modern favorties. The "Cats" had the uncanny knack to know what brings people to the dance floor, they learned long ago that song familiarity was the key, people like to dance to what they know !..and their sets continue to reflect this insight. They also continue to update their song catalog keeping it as current as possible as it has grown to over 250 songs and the band continues to add new songs on a regular basis. 

       Unfortunately life was about to deal a harsh blow to the band and on July 21st 2005 David Schreiber suddenly passed away after suffering a stroke, he was only 43 and left behind wife Sharon and daughter Alex. Shortly thereafter Mark, being very close to David for many years previous to joining the band, retired altogether and in a heartbeat the band had lost not only the most important member of the group but more importantly, a close friend. Ironically the week David passed Sharon (David's wife) finally acquired a baby boy they had been planning to adopt for a year previous, Aaron Schreiber  turned 1 year old on July 16th 2006.




















    The Classic Cats carried on and fulfilled 3 performance committments in the next 2 weeks, one of the shows being  just  two days after David's passing, we will miss him dearly.
   The remaining three were as committed as ever, in part to honor the memory of their fallen band mate and also to remain as dedicated as ever to what brought them together and what they loved....music! 
   The Cats struggled for the next several months through as succession of replacement drummers. Gregg stepped into the lead vocal role and both Rick Daunch and Rick Denny stepped up their game as well, compensating for the their recent losses.

   Luckily for the Cats long time friend and drummer Mike Budano was able to fill in on a moments notice during this uncertain period. Mike had played with the Cats on a number of occasions in the past when needed and as circumstances would have it he was in between gigs with his band "Los  Primeros" and was a great help as the band searched for a permanent replacement. The Cats were grateful that Mike was willing and able to step in on such short notice.

      Soon after the "Cats" found drummer Rob Wilkins fresh off of a nationwide tour with  RCA throughout the southwest, although a talented drummer and vocalist Rob eventually decided to resume his tour and was unable to continue with The Classic  Cats. Rob was a great  asset to the band and it's his drumming that can be heard on their current demo CD

        Finally after a long and exhaustive search the band was able to secure the talents of  Dennis Mahon as drummer and lead and back-up vocalist by way of Tucson, Arizona.  During the auditions and after hearing several drummers it was apparent that Dennis was the obvious choice, he is rock solid and also sings as mentioned before. Dennis also is a seasoned bass player which accounts for his "in the pocket" style of drumming.


        The Classic Cats have launched their first website to keep their friends, family and aquaintances informed, and giving perspective clients a look at who we are. It's been a pretty busy  summer so far and we are looking forward to the rest of the year as well, building our catalog, trying new things always moving forward. 2007 looks to be promising as well. With a new look website and a new promotional packet.


   What's next ? who knows there is a lot of history and there is a lot more to come, this "cat history" page is just the beginning stay tuned for more.  We've still got 5 or  6  more lives left  and we always land on our feet !
    In the meantime check our calendar for upcoming  gigs or contact one of us to get on our e-mail list. We are continually building our following and  enjoy meeting new people at our shows.