Salem Witchcraft, as we know it, was formed
in 1970, when the lead guitarist, and the rhythm
guitarist/lead singer, (Dennis Lazarski and Mark
Derrick), wanted to exit the band. Leaving Jim
Duffey, (Bass player), and Moe O’Shaughnessy,
(drummer), to carry on the Salem Witchcraft
name.
Jim and Moe invited Arlen Viecelli to join
the band and they started rehearsals. It was an
instant perfect fit.
The band agreed to add a keyboard player and
placed an ad in the local newspaper, Dave Hall
answered the call.
Salem Witchcraft’s first professional job was
on New Year’s Eve of 1970.
With Bob Drake as their manager, a
professional P.A. system, and a travel van, the
band hit the road running.
They quickly became one of the area’s top
draws, as well as very accomplished musicians.
After honing their skills, and recording a
couple of originals at Allied Sound Studio’s in
Detroit, Michigan, they grew more popular than
ever, and continued their ascent in the music
scene.
The 70’s were the start of the Rock-n-Roll
era in Michigan. With the drinking age lowered
to 18, every establishment that served liquor
tried to outdo the other, in size and Big Name
Entertainment.
Salem Witchcraft grew even bigger with the
addition of new keyboardist Ken Rewekant. He
brought on a whole new energy, stage presence,
and the latest in new gadgetry in the
synthesizer world.
The next turning point of the band was the
hiring of Bruce Lorfel as their manager.
Bruce took the band to the next level,
booking shows at all the College arenas, Ford
Auditorium, Pontiac Stadium, Masonic Temple, the
Agora Ballrooms, and had the band opening up
for, or Guest Starring, with the likes of STYX,
REO SPEEDWAGON, BOB SEGER, FOREIGNER, TED
NUGENT, THE BABY’S, KISS, AEROSMITH, and many
more.
By now the band was on top of their game, and
had recorded five records, two videos, and
appeared on a host of live television shows.
The recording of the bands first big hit was
“Sandman”, a song Arlen wrote one night after
watching Bad Company do a live show on
television.
The song quickly climbed up the charts and
was being played throughout the Midwest, as well
as Canada. It took the band from $500 per show
to $2500.00 per show. Quite a difference in the
way the band was traveling now.
Salem Witchcraft had on their payroll,
Manager- (Bruce Lorfel), Attorney on retainer
(Tom Weiner), Full time Booking Agency (ITA),
Accounting agency (Ron Geddish Assoc.), Road
Manager (Chris Best), and a boatload of Roadies:
Victor Saba, J.C, (Jim Collins), “Rockin” Dave
Kroll, Doug Padden, Powerhouse, Kevin Downey,
Jeff Riddell, Bruce Phillips(spot man),Larry
McCartney, and Don (The Wiz).
The band owned a house on Ford Rd. in Garden
City where they recorded and provided living
quarters for the Roadies as well. The band also
rented a large garage in Westland, where they
rehearsed and stored the bulk of their stage
equipment.
Salem Witchcraft moved up to a 21 foot box
truck, which transported their complete
lightshow and P.A. system, now big enough to
supply the above named headliners the power and
brightness that they needed to be heard and
seen, which helped to open up more doors to the
band.
The band went through another keyboard change
and added Kurt Schreitmueller in the late 70’s
that helped to take the band to a whole new
level. Kurt didn’t only play keyboards as well
as most of the national musicians, but he was a
very accomplished vocalist also. Salem
Witchcraft never sounded better or played better
gigs, as when Kurt was in the band.
The band had changed managers at this time
and signed with DMA Booking Agency out of
Southfield, Michigan.
Dave Leone (R.I.P.), and Nick Caras brought
in every national record company executive they
could find and had the band recording with
national producers.
“We went places and did things
together that have filled our lives with
so many wonderful memories, that you
could truly say, it was definitely, one
of the best times of our lives.
All the wonderful people we met, all
the beautiful places we had the
opportunities to explore, and the BAND
was all that mattered.
We would live, breathe, and eat,
MUSIC.
Whew! What a wonderful ride that
was!” says Arlen.
Now the journey continues in 2009 with the
re-forming of the original members of Salem
Witchcraft! But this time the goal is much
different. “We’re going to use our music to
raise money for others and we’ll be “Rockin for
Charity”
Kurt is now the musical director for the band
and will play as many live appearances as his
busy recording schedule will allow him to. Tony
Ruda has been added on the keyboards to play in
Kurt’s absence. Tony has been a pianist/organist
all his life and was once on the Board of the
Plymouth Symphony. Salem is very thrilled to
have him on board and applauds his dedication in
helping to raise money for the less fortunate.
Salem Witchcraft has new original material,
and has reworked some copy material to make
their live show very entertaining for all ages.
They’ve also had the pleasure of opening up for
Alice Cooper on his last tour through Michigan
in 2009.
Program Director, Doug Podell, (WRIF-WCSX),
has been a huge contributor and wonderful friend
to the band since the re-uniting and they hope
you will too.
