History

Flashback is one of Connecticut's premier oldies bands, specializing in 50's & 60's Rock 'n' Roll. The band has been performing at Concerts, Dances, and Parties since 1980, bringing the classic sounds of the Golden Oldies to life for legions of fans throughout the state. With an ever expanding repertoire of hit's dating back to the roots of Rock 'n' Roll, the band faithfully reproduces all your old favorites. Noted for outstanding vocal harmonies, often with all 6 vocalists, you'll swear you're listening to the originals! The band currently performs 15-20 shows a year throughout Connecticut, including many local Town Concert Series & Festivals during the summer. The band has also had the opportunity to perform along with many of the original oldies bands. Click here for a list of bands we have performed with. In the Fall of 2009, the band celebrates it's 30th anniversary together! Brian Hulse, founding member, just came out of retirement in 2009 and is performing regularly with the band.

Click here for the Jai-Alai program Band Bio and a short story about the band's appearance on the Don K. Reed Show in NYC.

The band was formed by Brian Hulse in December, 1979. 50's music was gaining popularity for Dances, Parties, etc. around this time. Brian thought it would be good to put together a band to play 50's and early 60's music exclusively as an alternative to DJ's for these events.

After almost a year in the basement putting together the repertoire, the band was asked to perform at a private Block Dance by a friend. This was the band's first public appearance (Sept. 5, 1980). Next, it was the first Open To The Public performance at the old Holiday Inn in Milford (Old Navy now occupies the site). From that point on, the band has never looked back (or should I say, ahead?)

Flashback has also had the privilege of performing with many of the original 50's & 60's groups at various concerts and dances including the Westchester Civic Center as well as the popular Jai-Alai Shows in Milford & Hartford in the Mid-Late eighties. (Click Here  for a complete Artist listing)
In 2007, the band also had the honor of performing with The Classics, The Passions, & Kenny Vance & The Planotones)

The band has also recorded 2 albums, the first being an actual "Album", (that is, a vinyl record!), and the second a cassette. The 1st Album is titled "Now And Then", was released on Jan. 1st, 1987. (see below). Also, a 45 single was released in the mid-eighties (In The Still Of The Night/Little Girl Of Mine).

Album Front Cover

Album Back Cover

Cassette Cover

Cassette Back Cover

           
The 2nd album is titled "Flashback "No S", (referring to the fact that many people call us The Flashback's instead of just Flashback). 1000 copies of each were pressed and both sold out quickly.

You may see some Flashback T-shirts and Bumper Stickers around from years past as well!
The band now has new T-Shirts available (Fall 2009)

The band has also performed at Concerts & Festivals in many local towns during the summer months, including:

Since the beginning, the band has expanded it's time range to include the Late 60's, as well as British Artist's. This was frowned upon at first. It took a lot of persuasion to get Brian to go for anything but American Rock n Roll, since he is a staunch 50's fan, but he finally buckled under the pressure. Audience response has been very positive.

The band's longest running lineup ran from 1988 until New Years Eve 2000 (Brian, Brad, Don C., Thom, Don G., Scott, Bob B.)
The Band's current lineup is as follows: Brian Hulse (Lead Vocals), Tony Virgulto (Drums), Tim Borer (Bass, vocals), Thom McFarland (Guitar, vocals), Scott Hulse (Sax, vocals), Brad Hulse (Guitar/Bass, vocals), Shel Cooper (Keyboards, vocals), Bob Boshea (Sound). Brian, Thom, Scott & Brad are all original members (imagine that!), although there have been other stand-in's and replacements over the years. Also a "leave of absence" by Brad, from 85-88. 29 years later, the band still performs between 15-20 concerts a year, (most with bad backs) & many being dances open to the public, as well as private functions for Class Reunions, Parties, etc.

Bill Bloxsom (Guitar, Vox), & Bob Pettinelli (Drums) still sit in with the band at various shows

This Milford based group with the "Authentic" fifties sound has made numerous appearances on Ken Jordan's "Hall of Fame" Show on WELI in Hamden, Ct., the "Rockin Richard" Show on WNHU in West Haven, CT., and performed A-Cappela on the Don K. Reed "Doo-Wop Shop" on WCBS in New York City.

FLASHBACK performs at 50's Hops, reunions, mini-shows, concerts and benefits throughout the year. Check the schedule for upcoming shows.  The band is always accessible to the audience, so feel free to come up and make requests or just chat. We'd love to hear from you!