Arkay IV - Essential Arkay IV (2011)

The Arkay IV may be the best known 'unknown' band in the history of Rock 'n Roll. Their recordings have been hot items with collectors for more than 30 years. The 1996 Tom Hank's Movie 'That Thing You Do!', set in Erie, PA, is loosely based on the Arkay IV. The group was started in Erie, PA in 1963 by Skip Niebauer, Bill Arnold and John Nicotra. After graduating from high school Bill left for military service. He was replaced by Bob Sustak who was soon drafted into the Army and was replaced by Dave Massello and Tom Brocki. This combination formed the core of the group from 1964 to 1969. Primarily because of the military draft for the Vietnam War the group went through several personal changes. Besides those mentioned above the principal players included Bill Adleff, Vil Stomers, Mike Redicliff, Doug Phillips, Bill Kirby, Jon Ims & Mark Fainstein. During the late 1960's the Arkay IV was one of the top regional acts in the Cleveland-Buffalo-Pittsburgh triangle. The group released and charted three singles and released an all original album 'For Internal Use Only' between 1966 and 1969. The album has been reissued twice. A second Arkay IV CD was released in 1996. The original Arkay IV broke up in 1971. In 1984 Skip Niebauer together with Sam Hyman and Tim Ely formed the Arkay IV Revival and played and recorded under that name for several years. They released one single and two full length CDs. Personnel from the Arkay IV continue to write and perform under various names including the Weigaltown Elemental Band, the Lakeland Rangers, the Sam Hyman Band, the Loose Change Band, Sam Hyman, Tom Brocki, Carl P. Austin, Tim Ely and Jon Ims. On June 25th, 2001 the Arkay IV performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Essential Arkay IV contains the best songs from both the original group and the revival band from the 1980's plus a new original recording 'Playin' That Rock 'n' Roll' recorded in 2010 and features all the original members and Sam Hyman and Kevin McCleary from the revival band. A good time was had by all! Enjoy the CD. -Skip Niebauer.