"Introducing musicians who take ownership of their music and offer head-turning classic and contemporary musical selections that are presented in an individual style. From rich pools of musical tradition spanning cultures and generations, Section 8 respond with their own vision for this music, shaped by the masters. They resonate with ancient melody and youthful groove, brought to life through soul and beats. A five piece gallery, they offer the levelheaded professionalism of experienced musicians and the energy and enthusiasm of neophyte garage bands."
SS Music Review
Current Line-up:
Paddy "Clarkey" Clarke, lead vocals, harmonica, Latin cowbell
John "JC" Connolly, rhythm, lead guitar & vocals
Tommy "TC" Connelly, Drums
Paul "Paulie Yak" Iacadoro, rhythm, lead guitar, vocals
Bobby "Rockin' Bob" Mahoney, bass guitar & vocals
Dave "Big Horn" McCarthy, saxophone & congas
Section 8 Veterans:
Phil "Filthy Phil" Cope, bass guitar , vocals
Bobby "Bobby-D" Driscoll, drums & percussions
Bobby "Bobby-C" Craig, lead & slide guitar, vocals
Steve "Bernie" Bernard, guitar (formally the Mike Gillis Band)
Dave "Freeze" Friezwick, lead guitar (formally The Mike Gillis Band)
Paddy Clarke, lead vocals, harmonica: Paddy is an original Section 8er. Along with Steve, he founded the infamous MGB (Mike Gillis Band) before forming Section 8. With enthusiasm and energy rarely seen in the club environment these days, it is no wonder Paddy is somewhat of a throw-back. A Braintree resident, Paddy (Patrick J Clarke) has studied with legendary harmonica great Jerry Portnoy, formally of The Muddy Waters Blues Band. Clarkey is heavily influenced by classic rock and traditional blues as well as Barry Manalow and the Jonas Bros. Paddy is a master frontman who knows exactly how to work-a-room and get you and yours on the dance floor, always making the audience part of show.
John Connolly, guitar and vocals: JC started playing the guitar at 9, and has been in a number of bands on the South Shore of Massachusetts, most notable, The Mix. JC’s lead and rhythmic talents, combined with his sincere passion and showmanship set him high above the wannabeez. John is a true professional and with great style and amazing chops. John has two beautiful and talented daughters and resides in Weymouth, MA.
Tom Connelly, drums and percussions: Before there was Tommy Lee, there was Tommy C. An extremely versatile veteran of the skins, TC will blow you away with his heavy-handed, thunder clapping monster beats and rolls, while your tapping your feet to tasty fills and set-your-watch back-beat. Born out of the 70s classic rock era, TC has played in several up-and-coming bands, most notably, Spitfire. Top-cat has also been known to moonlight as the percussionist for a very successful 60s Irish showband playing all over the Northeast as Tommy "the Tinker" McGroin. TC is heavily influenced by John Bonham, Don Brewer, Neil Pert and Mickey Dolenz. Tommy resides in “God’s Country” Braintree, MA with his beautiful wife and dog Brady.
Paul “Paulie” Iacadoro, guitar, vocals: Paulie was born and raised in Everett, MA, the only son of Italian immigrants. At the age of 6 young Paolo got to watch the Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show and knew instantly music would be his passion. Like the most axmen, Paulie played in his first band during high school, honing his chops before hooking up with Borrowed Tyme and later the legendary Cape Cod Travelin’ All Stars. Paulie has become quite a guitarist full of sweet mouthwatering leads and tasty rhythms that will keep ya groovin’, while his rich soulful voice soars over the mix. Yak, as his HS chums call him, is heavily influenced by the George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaugh, Frank Zappa and a variety of other guitarists from many genres of music. Paulie now lives in Plymouth with his beautiful wife and loves gardening in his spare time.
Robert Mahoney, bass guitar and vocals: Rockin" Bob Mahoney is a veteran of dozens of bands in the Boston area from the 1970's through the present most notably as the frontman for "Bobby Money" an Eddie Money tribute band. The owner of Rockin Bob's Guitars in Davis Square, Somerville, Bob is now living in Quincy by the Sea with his wife Lisa and their 4 kids ages 11-33. He's now holding up the big bottom end of Section 8 and adding his vocals and instrumentation to the mix. Bobby resides in the City of Presidents Quincy, MA.
Steve Bernard, guitar: the other original member of Section 8, Steve is a fabulous groovin’ player who drives the band with his steady chops and great sense of what works for the band. Bernie has seen it all in some form since starting SECTION 8 and always is back for more with a smile. Combining ripping blues riffs with classic rock groves, Steve adds style and pizzazz that defines Section 8's signature sound. Steve is a new Dad and lives on the South Shore in Pembroke with his new family.
Bobby Driscoll, drums and more drums: Bobby joined the band a little over two years ago and comes from a variety of previous experiences including other classic rock bands, a Grateful Dead tribute band, blues and some country style bands too. Bobby main thought about his playing is taste. He does not over play or get in the way of the music. To Bobby, the song comes first and he provides the rhythm for it. A life-long Pembroke resident, you can catch him out on his motorcycle most nice weekends.
Bob Craig, guitar, vocals: has been an active player for over 25 years and has performed on both coasts. He led the band Last Exit, in California in the 70s and early 80s, to regional success before moving to New England and leading the power trio The Rogues. Section 8 allows Bob ample space to share his guitar talents, including a wicked slide guitar. He currently lives in Hanson with his wife and family.
Phil Cope, bass, vocals: is the low-end bass man for the band. Phil has been playing and recording for many years and his unselfish professional approach is often hard to find these days. Phil's experience comes through in every band performance by laying down the groove for the rest of the band. He brings that classic sense to the band to go with great low-end backing vocals to SECTION 8. All this while never missing a beat. Phil lives with his beautiful wife Barb in Kinston.
Dave McCarthy, saxophones: Finally, after several jams and a lot of coaxing, Dave decided to join full time, and they could not be happier. Dave's diversity, experience and mouth watering chops, gives SECTION8 that richer, fuller sound they have been searching for in a sax-man. Dave is an accomplished horn player with over 20 years of playing under his belt. Dave brings a rich, soulful sound that reminds you of "The Big Man" Clearance Clemmons.
