Scream
Last Updated on Monday, 29 November 1999 16:00 Thursday, 04 March 2010 18:37
Scream
“La Porte County Rock Veterans”
By: Rob Atkinson
Scream is a self described power rock gruop from the La Porte County area. The band has performed in the region since the early eighties & has opened up for some of the largest rock bands in US history, including Styx, The Raspberries, & none other than the hottest band in the world Kiss!
Q: What’s the History of Scream? How would you describe your sound?
A: Scream originally started in 1973 inLa Porte with Shark Zirkle and Mark Riley (who are also the only two remaining original members). Early Scream did a lot of regional roadwork but the highlight was opening in concert for The Raspberries (Eric Carmen), Styx (twice) and Kiss. As a sidebar we had to provide “limo” service for Kiss when they played out here on their 2nd album tour, so one car was my parents 74 Impala station wagon with Gene Simmons in the front seat, and me and Peter Criss (sleeping) in the back. We stayed together till early ‘80 then hooked up with Kelly Hoagard and Steve Miller and actually changed the name to Common Nuisance for a few years. Scream was on and off until the mid 90’s when we hooked up with drummer George Gregory (Panic/Belle Gunness), which lasted for about 8 years. After that we eventually met up with our current drummer Wally Veden and Wally Brach on guitar. We were a three piece for awhile but desired more vocals and an even fuller sound, so last fall we brought Lee Scott into the mix. Lee also plays with Mas Kaos and Spellbound, and Wally also plays for Spellbound. Shark plays with Belle Gunnes in an all original act.
We have always been a power driven dance band. We try to maintain good harmonic vocals with all of our covers, and comes as close as possible to the original; but with an edge. We try to play mostly melodic songs that are not the same overplayed material that everyone else does. Everything from AC/DC/ to Beatles to Metallica to All American Rejects to Queen.
Q: Who’s in the band and what do they play?
A: Scream is Shark Zirkle-guitars/vocals, Wally Veden-drums, Lee
Scott-vocals/guitar, and Mark Riley-bass/vocals
Q: Who are your influences, and how do you fit into the Indiana music scene?
A: Our influences are Beatles, Queen, Styx, Metallica and all types of vocal and melody driven songs and artists. Being around as long as we have, we have played just about every room around. We have played locally, more in La Porte and Michigan City, and towards South Bend and Elkhart. We still have many repeat fans from throughout our time together. Sometimes people will come in to see if it’s still us. Thankfully most of the time they say things like, “You guys still got it!” Obviously, the fans are what it’s all about. Keep ‘em happy.
Q: Do you have any recorded albums or upcoming projects?
A: We’re currently working on incorporating original material into the act. Same type of bouncy, danceable, power driven stuff
Q: What are your upcoming shows?
Can you talk specifically about your upcoming performances at Casey’s Lanes in La Porte?.
A: Playing at Casey’s in La Porte on Sat. March 27th, 2010, from 9PM til 1 AM, Wall Gang Show at Washington Park in Michigan City on Sat. July 31, in the afternoon, and Labor Dayz in Michigan City’s Washington Park on Sat. Sept. 4. We’re also attempting to put together a CD to try and fill in more dates with our new lineup; so club owners: be on the lookout. We are also working on putting together a webpage in the future. we always look forward to playing at Casey’s. Casey, Judy, & Jim are great to work with and it’s a clean fun loving atmosphere.
Anyone wanting to find out upcoming dates and possible booking info either send me an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone me at 219-362-6704
