Mike Pinera and Larry Antonino
This group of talented musicians from the 1960s and ’70s, Legends, provided an energetic blast-from-the-past performance.
Singing and playing hits from their respective bands were:
Mike Pinera (Blues Image, Iron Butterfly, and Alice Cooper)
Marco Reyes (War)
Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise)
Jerry Salas (El Chicano)
Bob Luna (Played with Paul McCartney)
Greg Alban (Patrick Moraz Band and Wing).
This blend of talented musicians played hit songs from their respective bands. I was swept away from the very first note.
Mike Pinera, guitarist and vocalist, was energetic and funny as he introduced each song. His rich vocals were captivating. He kept the audience enthralled as he introduced each song.
Marco Reyes, the percussionist of the funky R&B group War, was born in Bakersfield. He is self-taught but studied with the National Folidoric group of Cuba and Los Angeles-based percussionist Louis Conte. When not on tour, Reyes works as a session musician and teaches.
Jerry Salas (Vocals / Guitar)
After the concert, I caught up with Larry Antonino, an accomplished bass player, actor, and producer. I asked him how he got his start.
Born in Fresno, California, his family moved to Santa Cruz, California, when he was about five. He attended college for his formal music training and got his start in 1986 playing bass for the Ronnie Laws band.
Antonino’s first acting role was in Tom Hanks’ movie, “That Thing You Do,” as “The Wolfman,” a part that seemed to come naturally to him. He later joined Pablo Cruise on bass and vocals, and in 2020 they released their first single since 1983, called “Breathe.” Despite his fame and accomplishments, Antonio is an extremely humble guy.
Also on stage, that night was the very talented Jerry Salas, from El Chicano fame. Salas is a gifted musician, composer, arranger, and producer. He came from a family of musicians and started playing early in his career on the Sunset Strip.
Bob Luna, keyboardist, vocalist, composer/arranger, and producer, has worked with Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Spencer Davis, Alanis Morissette, and Reba McEntire, to name just a few. He is multi-talented and also works in film, television, and commercials.
Greg Alban, drummer extraordinaire, attended Ohio State University and moved to Los Angeles in 1974. His collaborations include the MAP Project with renowned musician Patrick Moraz of Moody Blues and Yes fame. Alban’s drumming is truly inspiring.
Larry Antonino (Vocals / Bass)
The band performed “Ride Captain, Ride,” “Whatcha Gonna Do,” “Low Rider,” “Love Will Find A Way,” “Spill the Wine,” and “Butterfly Bleu.” The final song was “In A Gadda-Da-Vida,” complete with a rousing drum solo.
The enthusiastic crowd sang along and danced. All of the Legends band members are multi-talented, gifted musicians and I felt very fortunate to be there.
BackStage360 would like to thank the Hilton Anaheim and NAMM for allowing us access.
Mike Pinera (Vocals / Guitar)