Hot Hero Sandwich Project Archives: In the Studio with Felix Pappalardi and the Hot Hero Band

by G. Jack Urso

 

Hot Hero Band members RichieAnnunizato and MikeRatti have shared with the project behind-the-scenes photographs of the band rehearsing at the legendary RPM Studios, 12 East 12th Street, in New York City which operated from 1976-2004 under the auspices of the equally legendary Bob Mason.

 RPM Studios, 12 East 12th Street, New York City, 1976-2004.

In these photos we can see members of the band along with Musical Director Felix Pappalardi (bassist, Mountain; producer, Cream). Sound Engineer Ed Stasium (producer, The Ramones) was also present during the RPM sessions. The band, Pappalardi and Stasium also recorded at Mediasound on West 57th Street where Music Coordinator Jimmy Biondolillo might stop by as well. Rehearsals started in the afternoons and would go on to the early morning hours. There were daily deadlines and not uncommon for takes from the sessions to be required for the next day.

Left to right, Richie Annunziato, guitar; Mike Ratti, drums; Felix Pappalardi, music director; Mark Cunningham, guitar (photo credit, Mike Ratti).

Left to right, Felix Pappalardi, music director; Richie Annunziato, guitar 
(photo credit, Richie Annunziato). 

Mike Ratti, drums (photo credit, Mike Ratti).

                                        

Left to right, Richie Annunziato, guitar; Robert Brissette, bass; Mike Ratti, drums 

(photo credit, Richie Annunziato).

 

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