The NEW Bardots Making Waves with ‘Down to a Science’ in New Jersey Stage
The emergence of The NEW Bardots’ most recent album, “Endless Drool,” has been synchronized with the debut of the memoir “The Undiscovered Showman: A True Story of Being Almost Famous” by lead vocalist Wayne Olivieri.
During the 1960s and ’70s, the music landscape in Plainfield and North Plainfield was vibrant, boasting renowned acts such as Parliament-Funkadcelic and Harry Leahey. Notable garage-rock bands like The Critters, The Doughboys, and CBGB regular The Rockids also left a mark on the local music milieu. Bongo Boy Records currently showcases The Doughboys and The Rockids, both of which have featured guitarist Gar Francis, a Bongo Boy co-founder alongside Monique Grimme.
In 1973, Gar’s return to New Jersey from California culminated in the birth of The Rockids, spurred by Wayne Olivieri’s persistent appeals for a jam session. Departing from the cover band trend, The Rockids exclusively showcased original tracks, a trait that propelled them to New York City’s forefront stages at CBGB and Max’s Kansas City alongside iconic acts like The Ramones and Blondie. Despite the financial challenges, Wayne’s determination steered the band, eventually transitioning to Olivier’s Twist and Oliver Wilde.
Evolving to Asbury Park, Wayne forged connections with John Bongiovi and shared stages with luminaries like Bruce Springsteen and Huey Lewis. Meanwhile, Gar embarked on a musical journey with the Gar Francis Band, Plainfield Slim, and the Rolling Stones tribute group Sticky Fingers. After reuniting in Oliver Wilde, Gar and Wayne established The NEW Bardots with bassist Dan Skye and keyboardist John Croot Jr., yielding globally acclaimed music and videos epitomized by the award-winning “Corporation Businessman” clip.
Wayne’s musical odyssey culminated in his solo work “Eclectic Mind” and the recent endeavor “Endless Drool” with The NEW Bardots, coinciding with the release of his autobiography. Discussing his book, Wayne recounts anecdotes from his colorful career, notably the audacious TV intrusion on ‘Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell’ alongside The Bay City Rollers. Elaborating on his formative years in Plainfield, Wayne credits the region’s musical diversity for nurturing his artistic growth and paying tribute to cherished bands like The Doughboys and Midnight Shift.
Gar’s enduring partnership with Wayne, spanning over five decades, underscores an inexplicable creative synergy accentuated by mutual admiration. Their profound bond transcends musical collaboration, encapsulating a deep-rooted camaraderie unshaken by time. Wayne graciously acknowledges Gar’s musical prowess and songwriting finesse, highlighting the intuitive connection that propels their shared musical journey.
Reflecting on Gar’s multifaceted musical career, which spanned bands like The Gar Francis Band, Plainfield Slim, and Ricochet, Wayne celebrates their enduring bond and the creative evolution punctuated by shared musical milestones at iconic venues like CBGB, Max’s Kansas City, The Stone Pony, and The Fast Lane. For Wayne, these venues represent the cornerstone of his musical career, embodying a transformative era intertwined with rock ‘n’ roll history and illustrious encounters with industry titans.