Simple Props carries on: Band will continue performing after co-founder's departure

Mark Sisti
·3 min read

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Not so fast, say the guys from the band Simple Props.

When their longtime vocalist and co-founder Mike Sales left for a new venture, the initial thought of the remaining members was, “Well, I guess that’s it.”

Guitarist and band co-founder Barney Vanderwood will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.
Guitarist and band co-founder Barney Vanderwood will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.

“Mike and I were together for 23 years, and it was my only band in the period of time,” recalls guitarist and co-founder “Barney” Vanderwood. “For a few weeks I wasn’t sure what the next phase was. It was sad, really.”

But bass player Billy Carman wasn’t quite ready to call it quits.

"Then Billy called and said 'Hey, I’ve got someone to sing if you want to keep Simple Props going,'" Barney remembers. "I said, 'Sure.'"

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"We contemplated folding all together,” agrees Carman, “but after a lot of thought and discussions with band mates and folks who like to catch our shows, we were encouraged to continue on. Simple Props has been around a long time and we felt we needed to continue.” Drummer Rich Galluppi also chose to stay on board.

Taking over the lead vocal duties will be Eric Clark, who has been with several other area groups including the band DIGG and Syndicate.

“He brings great energy to the stage, and we love his vocal style,” notes Carman.

New lead vocalist Eric Clark will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.
New lead vocalist Eric Clark will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.

While Clark doesn’t share the same stratospheric vocal space as Sales, his solid stage presence will allow Simple Props to remain the full-fledged classic rock band that has become so popular.

Although Vanderwood will miss playing with his former band mate – he refers to it as “an amicable divorce” – he’s excited to explore what this new lineup can accomplish.

“I like the slightly new direction we’re going with Eric,” notes Barney. “He’s not going to be singing Journey, but he brings other things to the table.”

Bass player Billy Carman will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.
Bass player Billy Carman will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.

“We are still playing some great classic rock songs and have added some more 90s and 2000s rock hits as well as newer favorites,” explains Billy. “We are covering everything from Eddie Money to 3 Doors Down, Brian Adams, Collective Soul and a lot more.

“And we have a couple fun surprises up our sleeves.”

One thing that Vanderwood promises won’t change is Simple Props’ commitment to delivering the best blend of classic rock covers and newer rock and pop done with a no-frills style.

Drummer Rich Galluppi will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.
Drummer Rich Galluppi will perform with Simple Props at a series of shows in May and June.

“Simple Props is not a person. It’s a party we hope everyone wants to join in,” insists Vanderwood. “Our music will still be singalong party rock from all eras that people know and love.”

The new lineup will be unveiled May 19 at DeMatteo’s in Rome, followed by a May 27 show at Vernon Downs and the Utica Zoo Wine in the Wilderness on June 3.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Simple Props, with new lead vocalist, reveals new lineup at Rome show