Neighbor News
The Hit Men, Featuring Glen Rock Native and Fair Lawn Resident, Rock Out for a Cause
Benefit Show for Cancer Research Sept. 10 in Red Bank
The Hit Men, featuring Fair Lawn resident Larry Gates and Glen Rock native Lee Shapiro, are rocking out to raise awareness and funding for Multiple Myeloma research. The band is performing a benefit concert on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF).
The disease hits home for The Hit Men. Gates, the band's bassist, suffers from the illness, though it has not stopped him from performing. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma seven years ago, underwent a successful stem cell transplant and is feeling better than ever and grateful for a promising future. Gates will tell his stories of both difficulties and hope.
The Hit Men name reflects the band members' immense talents and contributions to music. Gates, for instance, has worked with a bevy of luminaries including Tommy James, Janis Ian, Rick Derringer, Richie Havens, Dion, Desmond Child, Bon Jovi, Carole King, Vanessa Williams, Herbie Hancock and Paul Schaffer.
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His music has also been used for radio, tv and film, and Gates has won 22 Clio Awards, which recognize innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design and communication. He has been heard on numerous national commercials including Toys R Us, Nestle, Kodak, Minwax, Burger King, Weight Watchers, Sports Illustrated and Hasbro.
Since coming together in November 2010, the incomparable quintet has made their legacy of number one hits come to life like no other group. The reason is simple - The Hit Men are extraordinary players and singers as well as world-class entertainers -- but, most importantly, they were there when these songs were recorded, and they have the backstage, insider stories to prove it.
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The band also includes founding member Shapiro on keyboards, a former member of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons who has also worked with Barry Manilow. The group is rounded out by guitarist Jimmy Ryan (Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, Elton John), singer Russ Velazquez (Sting, Chicago, Luther Vandross) and drummer Steve Murphy (Elton John, Dave Mason, The Turtles).
For more information on the Hit Men and Saturday's benefit show, visit www.thehitmenlive.com.
