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Introducing the New ApologetiX Drummer
Sat., Mar. 17. 2001 2:04am EST
May I have your attention please? Will the new ApologetiX drummer please stand up?
J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) here.
Well, we wanted those of you closest to us to be the first to know. As most of you know, former ApologetiX drummer Fred "Ben" Behanna retired in January after almost two years of service with us. After almost two months of interviewing, auditions and lots of prayer, ApologetiX has decided upon a new drummer.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to Bill Rieger.
Bill is 30 years old (same as Karl) and lives in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh (not too far from the University of Pittsburgh), with his wife, Chris, and three young kids: Jacob, Rebekkah and Rachel. He is an old friend of ours whom we originally met through B.J. Collins of the local Christian band 70x7. Bill and B.J. both played in travelling country bands before they became Christians, although neither one was that big of a fan of country music (Bill's big influences were jazz music and rock drummers like Stewart Copeland of the Police and Neil Peart of Rush). Bill is a member of Friendship Community Church in the West Oakland section of Pittsburgh, where he is also a frequent worship leader (Bill sings, and plays guitar and drums, although he has told us he feels that drums are what he does best).
As the leader of the band that Bill formerly played for (70x7), B.J. had this to say to us when we asked him about Bill:
"A rusty Bill Rieger is better than 95% of the drummers I've ever heard. Bill has an incredible level of talent, and he is absolutely unique as a person. I know you guys have seen that side of him, and enjoyed it, so no need to tell you what a tremendous team player Bill is. His energy and enthusiasm are an intangible quality that would be hard to match in any other individual. One of the saddest days in the past 5 years for me was the day that Bill got his new job and was forced to leave 70x7. I don't know if you have ever put a microphone in front of Bill, but he has an uncanny ability to find harmonies, and he's solid on the notes. I think the guy visualizes music in his mind without effort, and he gets the whole picture. You couldn't ask for a more complete package. I love Bill, and I love you guys and I think you are a perfect fit."
We know you'll love Bill, too. He's funny, bright and does a great Yoda/Grover impression! We have been impressed in the past with both his drumming skills and his great heart for ministry and sharing the gospel. I've seen Bill many times after our concerts really taking extra time with people, especially the kids, to encourage them in the faith. And he keeps us in stitches in the car.
We are extremely delighted to have Bill on board as the latest ApologetiX drummer.
Bill auditioned for us at our concerts in Lancaster OH (Feb. 24) and Monaca PA (March 3), although he played his first five concerts with ApologetiX as a fill-in drummer in late 1998 and early 1999, before we hooked up with Fred. If you'd like to see Bill at his first concert as the official drummer for ApologetiX, you can come see us next weekend at:
Sat., March 24, 2001 at 7 p.m.
Ursinus College
777 Main St.
Collegeville, PA 19426
Contact: Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Brian Marks 610-409-3056
If you'd like to introduce yourself to Bill, you can send him a congratulatory e-mail to:
Belongabill@cs.com (I'm sure that in the next week or so, you'll be able to reach him at bill@apologetix.com, too, but until we set that up, please send all correspondence to Belongabill@cs.com)
Thanks to all of you who prayed for us during this decision-making process!
Apologetically,
J.
-- J. Jackson Lead Singer/Lyricist ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) www.apologetix.com j@apologetix.com
Ecclesiastes 12:11
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails -- given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them."
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