Veteran Triangle Entertainers Reunite After 16 Year Absence to Form New Band

Durham, NC, May 1, 2001 – Local Musicians/Entertainers Pat Christie and Tracy King are back together again after a self-imposed 16-year hiatus from the band business. "We needed a little time to do some other things – like get married, have kids – you know, all the things you can’t really do when you’re constantly on the road," said King. Together, Christie and King were instrumental in transforming the band The Castaways from a local weekend band to a full-time traveling road show during the 80’s. "We had a lot of fun, but after years of non-stop traveling, you start to think about all the things you’re missing," added Christie. "So when it was time to do something different, we did. It really wasn’t that hard to walk away at the time." And with that, they each went their separate ways to start new lives away from the spotlight.

Christie started his own landscaping company, while King established a career as an advertising agency executive. "I’d get a call from Pat every other year or so, just to see if I was still alive. But other than that, our paths never crossed," said King. Surprisingly, during this period, neither was involved in music at all. "From time to time we’d get offers to get back in it, but we always declined. It’s like, when we stopped, we really stopped," added Christie. Or so it seemed. Little did they know, they were only a phone call away from being back on stage.

That call came one morning in July 1999. Tony Wrenn, long-time friend, fellow musician and owner of The Music Loft in Durham, called to ask Christie to participate in an upcoming Castaways Reunion Concert to benefit the North Carolina Chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation.

"I immediately thought – I’ll do it if Tracy will do it," said Christie. "So I called him, and he said I’ll do it if you’ll do it. In less than 60 seconds, we were back in business." Within a few weeks, they had contacted some of their old band members and scheduled a few practices, including current bass player and singer, Dale Thompson, also a member of the Castaways Generation 4. "I was amazed at how tight we sounded at our first rehearsal. Instead of it being 16 years, it seemed more like we had taken the summer off," added King. "Everything fell right into place."

The reunion concert turned out to be a tremendous success, raising over $10,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation. "We had a blast – and so did the audience," said King. "Instead of just playing dance tunes, we resurrected some of our old show acts where we come out in full costume to impersonate stars like Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rick "SuperFreak" James, and yes, even the King himself, ELVIS! We really put on a show – and the crowd loved it!"

For months after the benefit concert, Christie and King continued to receive compliments on their show. "People kept talking about those impersonations, and how they were really different from what you usually get with a live band," said King. "This prompted us to take a closer look at today’s market for live entertainment, and we learned that nobody in the area currently offers this kind of full-production Show." And that was all they needed to hear. After 16 years, it was finally time to do it again.

The first year was an exciting time for everyone. The shows were getting rave reviews from audiences all over North Carolina and everything seemed to be falling into place. But, as bands do, members leave and new ones have to be incorporated into the show. In 2003, the Daddy-Os were in need of a keyboard player. After a few phone calls by Christie, a keyboard player was found that has also brought vocal skills and guitar ability into the mix. Randy Smith, who has played music for bands such as QuickSilver and Southern Fryed, was eager to fill the position.

In 2004, the Daddy-Os were again searching to fill another position in the band. A drummer was needed, and needed in a hurry in order to perform at an upcoming show. Smith knew just who to call. Robin Dunn played with Smith in Southern Fryed. According to Smith, "We practiced a few times and threw him on stage. He did a great job, and everyone was impressed with his talent. He has since come to be known as The Legend". 

So for the past several years, Christie, King, Thompson, Dunn and Smith, have been practicing every Tuesday night, meticulously piecing together their new shows. "Getting the new show together has been easy – the hard part was coming up with a new band name," said Christie. "We needed a new identity – one that really communicates who we are, and what we’re all about these days," added King. "I think the one we finally chose, says it all!"

So the next time you hear that The Fabulous Hot Dog Daddy-Os are coming to town, mark your calendar. This is one show you won’t want to miss!