Subbing for Gary Driscoll
The date was September 12th, 1965. I remember the exact
date because it was the day before I was sworn into the US
Army. The place was the Jacinta Lounge on Scarborough Drive
in Endwell, NY. Ronnie Dio and the Prophets were playing on
one of the two stages featuring live bands that night. I
had seen the Prophets perform on several occasions prior to
this at The Tradewinds in Endicott, NY. Being a drummer, I
had studied Gary Driscoll closely and was able to copy his
style pretty well. I had spoken to Gary and Ronnie
casually, since I was currently drumming with a local rock
band known as "Pierre and the Citations." On this
particular night, Gary had arranged to hook up with an
Endicott girl and was headed out to her car during the
Prophets intermission. I don't remember exactly how it
happened, but Ronnie asked me if I would care to sit in on
the drums in Gary's absence. Needless to say, I was
thrilled! I sat down behind Gary's kit and ended up playing
a whole set. Since I had heard the group perform quite a
few times, I was familiar with their song list. After the
set ended, apparently Ronnie liked my playing and
congratulated me on a fine job! When I told him I was
leaving for the US Army tomorrow, his response was "WHY?" I
don't remember answering him. Anyway, it was a great
experience, one I've never forgotten and the closest link
I've ever had with anyone famous.
Gerry Turock