48 HOURS
It's the second time around for classic rock band The Answer, and
members are enjoying it more than ever. Lead singer Van Mosley said
the band first organized in 1965, and continued until 1986, playing
everything from the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival to
Aerosmith at park concerts, weddings and special events.
The band traveled all over the country, but its major claim to
fame was being known at the house band for Reuben's restaurant chain
throughout Southern California.
"We had a lot of success with the band. We've made our living with
it since we were 18," Mosley said.
They built up quite a following, having a steady gig at the
Reuben's in Redondo Beach for 2 1/2 years, then moved on to the
Reuben's in Torrance, West Covina, Cerritos, Irvine, Santa Ana,
Upland and cities where band members live -- Pomona and Claremont.
But as band members got married and started having families, it
became apparent they needed jobs that also offered health insurance
and pension benefits. So they took a break.
In 1998, they reunited, and are the opening act for the Captain
Cardiac and the Coronaries concert Sunday at the Starlight Bowl in
Burbank.
"I was asked to sit in with a group of guys who used to listen to
us when they were in high school," Mosley said. "They had formed
their own band."
Mosley had so much fun, it reminded him of the good old days with
the guys, and he called them and they were all for getting the group
back together.
"It's turned into a second business," Mosley said, adding they are
keeping their day jobs. They do hit 50 cities during their summer
tour each year. During the off-summer months they are busy playing
for corporate parties. And three years ago, producers at radio
station Arrow 93.1 heard the band at a car show and soon later made
them the station's house band. Now they perform at the Arrowfest
classic rock concert every year.
"It's been a big thrill for us to open for classic rock's biggest
names," he said. "One year, the band opened for Jefferson Starship.
We represent Arrow wherever we go."
While classic selections are its mainstay, the band does like to
mix it up a bit, adding songs from Bon Jovi and Ricki Martin to its
repertoire, Mosley said.
"We play what's good," he said. "We have developed an ear for that
and don't limit ourselves to oldie oldies."
The band also aims to stay true to performing the music as the
original artists did.
"I'm a good imitator," Mosley added. "Someone once called me the
Rich Little of classic rock.''
