Exploring The NEW Bardots: ‘Down to a Science’ – New Jersey Stage

During the 1960s and ’70s, the music scene in Plainfield and North Plainfield was bursting with talent. Acts like Parliament-Funkadelic, Harry Leahey, The Critters, The Doughboys, and The Rockids graced the stages of various venues. Among these acts were Gar Francis and Wayne Olivieri, who would later form The Rockids and make a name for themselves with their original music.

Gar Francis, a North Plainfield native, found himself back in New Jersey after a long drive from California in 1973. Wayne Olivieri, a former bandmate from Circus, knocked persistently on Gar’s door, urging him to jam. This impromptu session led to the formation of The Rockids, a band that decided to perform exclusively their own songs, a rarity in the cover band-saturated area. They ventured to New York City, where they played alongside iconic bands like The Ramones and Talking Heads at venues like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City.

After experiencing relative success but struggling financially, Gar eventually passed the baton of The Rockids to Wayne. Wayne went on to lead the band through the Jersey club scene and subsequent acts like Olivier’s Twist and Oliver Wilde. Eventually, both Gar and Wayne found themselves collaborating once more in Oliver Wilde after pursuing separate musical projects.

Their partnership blossomed further when they joined forces with bassist Dan Skye, forming The NEW Bardots in 2019. The band quickly gained recognition with their various albums and award-winning music videos. Their latest album, “Endless Drool,” features the anthemic single “We’re in this Together” and coincides with Wayne’s memoir, “The Undiscovered Showman: A True Story of Being Almost Famous.”

In the memoir, Wayne shares tales of their wild adventures in the music industry, recounting everything from crashing live television events to rubbing shoulders with industry legends. The book has been received well, climbing the charts as a hot new release on Amazon.

Wayne attributes much of his musical upbringing to the vibrant Plainfield/North Plainfield area, where he sang with The Saint Mary’s Boys Choir and kicked off his band journey in high school. Gar’s instrumental role in multiple bands with Wayne over the past 50 years is a testament to their deep creative connection. From Rockids to Oliver Wilde and The NEW Bardots, their collaboration has stood the test of time.

The influence of iconic venues like CBGB, Max’s Kansas City, The Stone Pony, and The Fast Lane has been monumental in shaping Wayne’s music career. Playing alongside legendary bands and becoming a part of rock ‘n’ roll history fueled his passion for music. Reflecting on these pivotal moments, Wayne acknowledges the profound impact these venues had on his musical journey.

As Wayne and Gar continue to create music and share their stories, their enduring friendship and creative synergy serve as a testament to the lasting power of music and camaraderie in the face of life’s challenges. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring bonds forged through shared passion and creativity.