The Hit Men Perform Classic Rock

Suffolk Theater presents classic rock supergroup The Hit Men on Saturday, March 11, at 8 p.m. Elton John, The Who, Journey, Foreigner, Sting, Cheap Trick, Billy Joel, Wings, Alan Parsons, and Cream were among the most beloved and influential classic rock artists of the second half of the 20th century; however, they all share another common denominator: at some point during their careers each had at least one of The Hit Men playing behind them on the road or in the studio.

The Hit Men — a supergroup consisting of super-talented sidemen and sessions musicians — either played, sang or did both on tour or in the studio for some of the most memorable classic rock hits of the era, including “Feels Like the First Time” (Foreigner), “Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey), “Live and Let Die” (Wings), “Eye In The Sky” (Alan Parsons), and “You May Be Right” (Billy Joel), using their talents to “wow” audiences internationally.

In their exciting multi-media show, The Hit Men perform the hits that they helped rocket to the top of the Billboard charts; and they share fascinating never-before-told backstage stories about their adventures on the road and in recording studios with the classic rock legends they performed alongside. Audiences will feel like they’re seeing 10 rock legends for the price of one. Managed by Lee Shapiro, the former Music Director of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and founder of The Hit Men, members of this supergroup have exceptional performing credentials.

Drummer, singer and producer Steve Murphy has been heavily involved in the New York music scene since the late 1980s. His first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to work as a vocalist in the studio with legendary producer Phil Ramone on a project for Elton John. He was a member of The Alan Parsons Live Project and toured with Jack Bruce (Cream), Eric Burdon and the Animals, Chuck Negron (3 Dog Night), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Steve Augeri (Journey) and more.

Tommy Williams is a guitarist/vocalist who was the musical director and guitarist for Debbie Gibson, the music prodigy who burst on the Billboard Pop Charts at the tender age of 16. He also did two world tours with Debbie and directed three of her best-selling albums. He has also performed with The Hooters, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Steely Dan, Denny Laine of Paul McCartney & Wings, Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander and more.

Gregory Smith is a bassist and vocalist who has worked with Billy Joel, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Alan Parsons, Blue Oyster Cult, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Turtles, Dokken, Denny Laine of Wings, Glen Frey of The Eagles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night and more.

Mike DiMeo is a gifted keyboard expert and singer. His years as the organist for Tommy James & The Shondells opened the door to his long list of collaborations, including performances with Deep Purple, Johnny Winter, and Bonnie Tyler, to name just a few.

Mark Newman is an ace string man (guitar, mandolin, lap steel and dobro) and his musical journey has taken him around the world several times, sharing the stage with notables such as soul legend Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds, Bobby Whitlock of Derek & The Dominoes, and the inimitable Sam The Sham.

Tickets for The Hit Men are $49 to $69 at suffolktheater.com. Suffolk Theater is at 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.