Caruso Reunion 2003
Reunion Concert / Wyandotte, MI  07/13/2003
Photos By Dan Drotar, Lori Juncaj, Ralph Koschnitzke, and Rich Cieslowski, Jr.
(The first two letters of each filename are the photographer's initials)


CARUSO Flashback 80s Party -- SOLD OUT!

The CARUSO band returned to the stage for the first time in more than 10 years for a sold-out crowd at the Pier 500 on Sunday, July 13th, 2003.

Nick Piunti warmed up with an acoustic set of original selections.   Then the Caruso concert opened with a vintage video of Dave Caruso, Rob Caruso, and Caruso guitarist Jake Tobias, informally recorded in a van on a road trip, singing The Beatles' "Nowhere Man."  DJ Alex Caruso then introduced the band and gave a verbal history while running down the band's thank yous.  Next, the video screen lit up again with a montage of 100 live and promotional photos of the band through the years, presented to the cranked up sound of Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back in Town."

After this audience warm-up, the video screen was collapsed, exposing the band, who opened their show with The Pretenders' 'Message of Love.'  The band ripped through two sets of originals and covers that were staples of their appearances through the 80s and early 90s.  Between songs throughout the evening, the brothers referenced many stories and memories which were familiar to the audience, most of whom were original followers of the band.  Supporting the brothers on guitar and bass were Jake Tobias and Bradley Davenport, with Walter Anthony on guitar and Rob Casquejo on keys.  All of these players were core members of the Caruso band at various points in in their career.

For the encore, Remy Lambert joined the band for "You're Gonna Lose That Girl," by The Beatles, and a rave-up of Toby Redd's "Can't Get a Job."

During the evening, a merchandise table was available with free photos, posters, etc.  The boys also took pre-sale orders for a new Caruso Anthology CD.

 Read the 2003 Heritage Newspapers Caruso Reunion Article

 

2003 Reunion Set List:
Set 1 Set 2
Message of Love (The Pretenders) Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt (Joe Caruso)
Different World (Rob Caruso) I Won't Wait for You (Dave Caruso)
Jet (Paul McCartney) Hard to Handle (Otis Redding)
Diana (Rob Caruso) One Lonely Heart (Rob and Dave Caruso, Lee Thomas)
No Matter What (Badfinger) Wrap Your Arms Around Me (Rob Caruso)
Hippy Hippy Shake (Swingin' Blue Jeans) I'm Not Finished Yet (Dave Caruso)
With All Your Heart (Dave Caruso) Emerald City (Dave Caruso)
Princess (Dave Caruso) Revolution (Lennon-McCartney)
Modern Girl (Joe, Mike, Rob and Dave Caruso) I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones)
Miller's Made The American Way (Unknown) Young & Tender (Dave Caruso)
She's In Love With You (Joe and Dave Caruso) Pump It Up (Elvis Costello)
And She Was (Talking Heads) Drum Solo (Rob Caruso)
Another Girl (Rob Caruso) Peace Love and Understanding (Elvis Costello)
Jessie's Girl (Rick Springfield) London (Dave Caruso)
One of These Days (Rob Caruso) Get It On / Bang a Gong (Marc Bolan)
Authority Song (John Cougar Mellencamp)
Slow Down (Lennon-McCartney)
Can't Get a Job (Toby Redd)
Encore:
You're Gonna Lose That Girl (Lennon-McCartney)
Twist and Shout (Lennon-McCartney)

"Joe, Rob and I want to thank everyone involved for your time, patience, talent and friendship.  We all had a blast, and the concert was more successful than we imagined it would be."

Dave Caruso

"What a blast!  Only regret-- not enough time for all of us to get together and chat.  Thanks to all!  And now... back to the grind of 9-5.  Hope to do it all again soon."

 Rob Caruso

"I hope the gig was fun.  I'm getting some good feedback.  Sorry I couldn't be there."

Mike Caruso

"Thanks again for a good gig and a great time.... and also the truly unique pleasure that can only be enjoyed by re-living great memories from 20+ years ago."

Jake Tobias

"Had a great time.  It was cool sharing a stage with you guys again, and very cool to be on with the "old school" players (Jake, Brad, Wally).  Good to work with you again, Remy.  If any of you guys are playing out, let me know.  I'd love to see it.  Thanks for asking me to be a part of the show.  I called Randy and told him about it, and he cursed up and down wishing he could've been there.  Maybe next time.  At least we had one Asian representin'!  Peace."

Rob Casquejo

[About the sell-out crowd] “I knew you guys could do it.  I knew you still had it in you.”

Richard El-Awad
Owner, The Pier 500

"Band’s reunion is really a blast”

"Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Caruso reunion at a Wyandotte bar.  It was a fantastic evening and truly a blast from the past. The band was still tight and very entertaining.  Let’s try it again next year and this time schedule it so it includes Mike."

 Dan Drotar (In a letter to the editor in the 07/16/2003 News-Herald.)

"Hey! Just wanted to let you know what an amazing time we all had on Sunday!   It was so much fun seeing all the people that we used to know so long ago. I guess we miss "The Good Old Days" more than we realized.  Take care!"

Nancy Roberts

"You guys are incredible!!  I totally loved the show.  I wish I wasn't so young in the 80s, I would have loved seeing you guys then.  How can we get Rob to move back so you guys can do that more often?   And is there any way I can get a CD of the songs you guys did at the show?  I was totally impressed."

 Emily Clear

"Just wanted to say it was nice seeing you guys all playing together; well, minus one.  You all sounded great!  It was fun!!!  It's great to hear that you are going to get together to do this again.  All of you looked like you were having fun out there.  Hopefully, Mike can join you next time."

 Carrie Polgar

"Great hearing you guys play again!  You rock!"

Polly Kenzie