David
Lloyd (Drums, Vocals, Guitar)
 |
 David
Lloyd was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He comes from a very talented
Musical family, they all play various instruments or are singers. Being
a product of this
environment, David absorbed many different musical
styles like a sponge. He got his first drum kit on Christmas at the tender
age of five. After hearing the Beatles something magical had happened.
He has been performing ever since. He attended P.S. # 19 and performed
in the schools talent shows- starting in grade 3, then in 5 th, 6th &
8 th grade - sharing the stage with Frankie & Christine Scinta of The
Scintas who also attended P.S. # 19 and are now a hugely successful Las
Vegas act.
By age 11, David was sitting
in with his dad Denny's band. Denny was very proud and enjoyed exploiting
his sons talent. His dad would also bring him around town to sit in with
various Buffalo legendary musicians, such as Stan Szelest, Ernie Corello,
Joey Gerono, & Spoon from the House Rockers. This really helped to
cut his musical teeth and pay his dues at such a young age. The experience
was priceless.
David formed his first group
at age 14 with dear friend Bob Bucella on bass & Rick Gross on guitar.
First calling them selves Alkaloid, then Spanish Fly & finally settling
on Trilogy (George Gergoff replacing Gross on guitar).Trilogy played every
possible gig they could get there hands on such as house parties, graduation
parties, lawn fetes, etc. Finally landing a spot at Buffalo's infamous
McVans. This being a major feat for a bunch of underage rockers.
Now 17 years old, David Lloyd
left Trilogy to join the Beatle tribute band The Keys. (Manny Campos- guitar,
Ronny Greco- bass & Joe Perez -guitar). David's dead on rendition of
Ringo's playing was an integral part of the band. The Keys have the dubious
distinction of being one of the first bands to win a Buffalo Music Award
1981 (the first year of the awards).
In 1982 while on vacation
in Arizona, Lloyd was asked to join Buffalo bad boys The Bees who had just
relocated to Florida. They flew him in and with in two nights he was playing
out on the Fort Lauderdale scene with the group. After talking the band
into coming back to Buffalo they parted ways two months later.
After tiring of the cover
scene David was recommended by a friend to join the original band The Moment
- with Jim Redden- guitar; Jimmer Philips - bass; & Jon Simon guitar;
- they recorded a four song demo with Terry Sullivan & Guy Polino producing.
They also recorded songs with Kent Weber at the helm. Lloyd left after
a few months.
In 1983 David joined all original
band The Throbs. The line- up included Pauline Digatti - vocals;
Adam Gearing- guitar; Kevin Henneman- guitar; & Dan Patrick- bass.
Internal strife led to Henneman, Patrick & Lloyd leaving to start a
new band.
The Western Voice was born
in 1984. The group recorded a 15 song demo at Tommy Calandra's legendary
BCMK Studio. These demos (co- produced by E.M. Brydalski) aroused the interest
of A&M Records & producer Mitch Easter of REM fame. Soon the band
was showcasing in New York City playing at CBGBS, The Peppermint Lounge
& other venues. The band was received well but the record company dragged
their feet and failed to sign the group.
As a side project to generate
more funds to record, David, Dan & Kevin started a cover group called
The Skiffle Band around 1986. Dan Partick moved to New York City. Henneman
& Lloyd carried on recruiting Bryan Berhalter on bass. Henneman moved
to New York in '87. David hired Bill Holihan to replace Kevin.
On Valentine's Day 1989 David
Lloyd wiped the slate clean and debut his new group The Bleeding Hearts.
For the past 16 years Bleeding Hearts have been one of the most popular
and well loved bands in Buffalo & Western New York area. David has
had luxury and pleasure to have some of the area's most talented players
do long term or short stints in the Hearts such as : Bryan Berhalter, Dave
Tube Hens, Bob Kupczak, Bill Holihan, Mike Carroll, Nino Catanzaro, Bob
Bucella, Brian Kindzierski, Phil Woloszyn, Bob Jacobson, Rick McGirr &
current members Bill Texido & Tony Blasting.
As Leader, Drummer, Lead vocalist
& Acoustic Guitarist David Lloyd & Bleeding Hearts have been recognized
and honored 5 times by The Buffalo Music Awards. Winning top Rock / Alternative
group & top Group Vocals in 1996, top Group Vocals in 1997. As well
as best Classic Rock Band in 1995. David won for Pop Rock Drummer in 1991.
In 1991 the group released
a self-titled EP. The EP sold out both pressings, developed some record
company interests, but lost steam after the departure of original member
bassists & vocalist Bryan Berhalter. 1995 saw the release of the single
"Be with me" penned by Lloyd. The song was a crowd favorite and again,
sold out both pressings locally.
Through the last 25 years
of gigging David has opened for many national acts - most notably: Steppenwolf,
Rick Derringer, Guess Who, Modern English, David Johansen, The Outlaws,
Beatlemaina, Michael Bolton, & Neil Sedaka.
Besides recording with the
Moment, Western Voice & Bleeding Hearts David has played on projects
with solo artists Terry Gearts (from Dobie Royal), Tim Haze & The Rain.
He also records & demos his own material and wrote and produced a soundtrack
for a local hunting video.
David claims Ringo Starr,
Charlie Watts, Hal Blaine, Keith Moon & John Bonham as direct influences
on his drumming style. David Lloyd lives to be on stage and is extremely
passionate about performing. With an endless source of energy as
well as an infectious stage presence, Lloyd is one of the most dynamic
players you'll ever witness. He has the uncanny knack of emulating most
singers and has a solid, straight ahead, no frills drumming style with
flawless meter. David is also known for his off beat, witty sense of humor.
David Lloyd continues to perform
125 plus dates a year with Bleeding Hearts and looks forward to another
25 plus years of performing.
Fast Facts
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Played drums in Lafayette High School Band
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Plays solo acoustic gigs
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Studied drums with Jack Schilling & Louie Marino
- David has played over
2500 gigs |
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