In an era bursting with streaming algorithms and digital production, Almighty Vinyl stands as a tribute to classic rock’s prime years when vinyl records reigned supreme and album art mattered. Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, this classic rock tribute band has cultivated a devoted following by recreating the timeless sounds of the 1960s and ’70s with authenticity, integrity, heart and soul.
Despite facing lineup changes, legal hurdles and evolving audience expectations, Almighty Vinyl has developed a reputation based on craftsmanship, camaraderie and a respect for musical heritage, while sticking to their roots and fine-tuning their sound for today’s live audiences. The band’s lineup features:
- Rich Hoffman on vocals, percussion and keys
- David Germanson on bass and vocals
- Rebecca Kettler on keys and vocals
- Erik Piechotta on drums and vocals
- Tom Raspanti on guitar
- Brian Dudor on saxophone
- Jon Christie on guitar, vocals and percussion.
It is always a pleasure to listen to Almighty Vinyl’s musical talent. I have seen them live on few occasions, including the Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Wednesday Night Live venue, but most recently in June at a local festival in the Milwaukee area. Personally fascinated with the drums, I was in awe watching this team perform to a devoted crowd of fans, which makes it even more exciting for me to have a photo taken with them.
Band history and formation
Like many bands, Almighty Vinyl’s early days were marked by logistical turbulence. “The toughest thing at the beginning was keeping a steady lineup of band members,” said Hoffman. “When you’re trying to get your name out there and book shows, it can be a real setback to change a band member and having to get back up to speed. Early on in a band, it’s unclear how successful it will be and sometimes band members give up and leave before they see the fruits of their labor.”
Despite the challenge, the group gained traction in 2016 with a notable standout performance. “We were asked to perform at the 2016 Wisconsin Area Music Awards to celebrate Styx being inducted into the Honorary Hall of Fame,” Hoffman continued, “We performed two songs. In addition, that year I won Male Vocalist of the Year. After that we saw an instant spike in interest in our band and the audiences continued to grow.”
Growth and evolution
The sound of Almighty Vinyl has evolved and included some pivotal moments. They initially had more of a “hippie” vibe and direction with their music before evolving. Hoffman shared, “We’ve broadened into a more album-oriented classic rock approach. The most pivotal moment was when our original bass player was let go and took our old name, Stoneship Eden, with him. Rather than fight for it or dwell on it, we quickly picked a new name and started fresh with a new social media page … best thing that happened to us.”
That decision proved to be transformative. A new name, a fresh social media presence and a clarified vision allowed the group to expand both musically and professionally.
When asked about key lessons they encountered with their music and industry over the years, the lead singer stated, “We always try to maintain the original integrity of the original song we select. We have learned our limitations. If we pick a song and it just doesn’t meet our standards for live performance, then it gets dropped … We have great relationships with other musicians and certain venues/festivals. The inner workings of the industry are often what make things less enjoyable. It’s a necessary evil to work through … definitely presents challenges.”
When responding to questions about the challenging part of evolving musically, while staying true to their roots, Hoffman commented about how selecting songs can have its complications. “Song selection is definitely tough at this point. We want to continue learning and performing new songs for our audiences. We try to pick songs by bands that we don’t currently do. We also don’t necessarily want to do the most obvious songs by groups. Picking songs that hit the sweet spot for AV is not always easy. The audience can feel like you are veering away from your ‘sound.’ You need to stay true to yourself and try new things, but keeping your audience is key.”
Challenges and overcoming obstacles
Almighty Vinyl knows every band faces hurdles, but not all stories are as complicated as the one that forced this band to rebrand when their original bass player left the group.
“Our original bassist sent letters to venues and festivals threatening legal action if they booked us under the original name,” the frontman recalled. Rather than engage in a prolonged dispute, the band made the decision to pivot. “The threats were ludicrous … no legal ownership of the name and many venues … laughed it off, but we decided to change the name. Especially after he easily got Facebook to remove the page that I created for the band.”
Adapting with purpose
In an industry filled with production enhancements and digital spectacle, Almighty Vinyl resists the pressure to modernize while staying true to their hearts. In response to my interview, I was told they have not swiftly changed in terms of adapting their approach to recording, performing or promoting music in light of changes in technology or the music industry. They understand this calculated move may place them behind bigger bands when it pertains to technology used in their performances; however, this is a calculated action on their part.
Hoffman shared, “We are trying to present mostly ‘70s music in the same way that people who saw live music in the ‘70s remember it. Putting up LED screens and using other show enhancing tactics like backing tracks would not fit in with our brand.”
As far as one of the band’s most valuable lessons they have learned from working together, Hoffman responded, “the sum of the parts is greater than any individual in this band. We enjoy each other’s company (most of the time), and we work together within the confines of our individual talents to recreate amazing music.”
Industry, community and future goals
Despite some of the challenges with the industry itself, the band emphasizes the value of strong relationships with fans, fellow musicians and venues. When asked what advice Almighty Vinyl would give to up-and-coming bands facing similar challenges, they encourage new bands to set clear goals regarding what they feel they want to accomplish. For example, Almighty Vinyl’s goal was forming a band for outdoor festivals and that “it took a while to get there, but we stuck with it.”
While allowing their thoughts and reflection to run freely on collaboration with other artists, Hoffman commented they “had the opportunity to play some shows before acts we love like Chicago. It would be great to play a show at a fair or something right before a band like Styx or The Doobie Brothers.”
As a mainstay within the realm of outdoor festival bands, Almighty Vinyl prefers to remain rooted in their current style of music, a passionate tie to their retro approach, rather than taking on a new direction or genre. Although, never say never. “A few years ago, we added a horn section for select shows which allowed us to do things we couldn’t before. That may be as evolved as we get,” Hoffman shared.
Personal growth and team dynamics
Being part of Almighty Vinyl has impacted its members far beyond the music.
They have met “so many great people both in the industry and our Superfans,” the frontman continued, “We have seen positive changes in our lives via the relationships that we have built which we most likely would not have had without the hard work and success of Almighty Vinyl.”
For the band, success is not solely about recognition or crowd size; it is about the community they have built and the memories they continue to create with every show. They have witnessed personal growth due to the band; I see how their lives are better because of it.
Almighty Vinyl is not bent on chasing trends; they have a deep passion to honor tradition. With each song performed, the band brings the past to life, proving the sound of vinyl is still powerfully unique in today’s world. I know this; I witnessed this more than once and I will most certainly be honored to be part of the audience again.
As a writer and educator, I am continually drawn to stories that celebrate not just talent, but the process behind it; the learning curves, course corrections and quiet perseverance that fuels long-term success. Almighty Vinyl’s journey reflects what I value most in both the classroom and the creative world: a commitment to continual improvement, the ability to adapt without losing one’s identity and the courage to move forward when setbacks arise.
Whether in music, education, or life, it is the willingness to embrace growth (even when the outcome is uncertain) that leads to meaningful impact. Personally, watching Almighty Vinyl perform is not just a nod to nostalgia; it is a live lesson in endurance, teamwork and the precious art of refining your craft.
For show dates and more information, visit Almighty Vinyl’s website.
Featured image by Hiob315 from Pixabay
Edited by James Sutton
