THE BRITS received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the College of Music at the University of Okoboji. The diplomas were awarded by Tom Tourville and Paul Plumb prior to The Brits' concert at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park on Saturday, August 25, 2018.
Joe Buda - Guitar and Vocals
A unique and talented musician, Joe Buda has left his mark on the local music scene. His journey includes playing and touring with some of the area’s top bands, such as The Rumbles, Blue House, Mulberry Lane, and Soul Cousins. But that’s not all — Joe’s musical adventures extend to working with national acts like Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Coasters, and The Gentrys.
Together with his brother Jay, Joe led the popular local band Allspice for many years. His versatility spans various music styles, and he also shares his musical gifts at his church. Driven by a lifelong desire to play the music he cherished as a kid, Joe joined forces with former peers to create THE BRITS.
When Joe straps on his iconic Rickenbacker 12-string and lets loose with his distinctive jangle, the audience knows they’re in for a treat. Beyond the guitar, he also plays keyboard and lends his voice to the harmonious sounds of the band. 🎸🎹🎤
Together with his brother Jay, Joe led the popular local band Allspice for many years. His versatility spans various music styles, and he also shares his musical gifts at his church. Driven by a lifelong desire to play the music he cherished as a kid, Joe joined forces with former peers to create THE BRITS.
When Joe straps on his iconic Rickenbacker 12-string and lets loose with his distinctive jangle, the audience knows they’re in for a treat. Beyond the guitar, he also plays keyboard and lends his voice to the harmonious sounds of the band. 🎸🎹🎤
Dan Gillpatrick - Drums and Vocals
Dan Gillpatrick's drumming journey began in 5th grade at Lewis Central Community Schools in Council Bluffs, under the guidance of Yano Colabro. He continued honing his skills at Ralston High, where Gerald Chalupa (no, he didn’t drop the chalupa!) further fueled his passion.
In college, Dan formed his first rock band, Furnace, and later joined Trojan Horse. The latter had the honor of opening for Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders at the Royal Grove in Lincoln. However, life took a different turn as Dan temporarily stepped away from music to focus on marriage and family.
But the beat never truly left him. Johnny Ray Gomez invited Dan to play at Johnny’s 50th Reunion show, reigniting the fire within him. Soon after, a call from Joe Buda changed everything. Dan became an integral part of a British Invasion band that would become THE BRITS. 🥁🎵🇬🇧
In college, Dan formed his first rock band, Furnace, and later joined Trojan Horse. The latter had the honor of opening for Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders at the Royal Grove in Lincoln. However, life took a different turn as Dan temporarily stepped away from music to focus on marriage and family.
But the beat never truly left him. Johnny Ray Gomez invited Dan to play at Johnny’s 50th Reunion show, reigniting the fire within him. Soon after, a call from Joe Buda changed everything. Dan became an integral part of a British Invasion band that would become THE BRITS. 🥁🎵🇬🇧
Bob Ford - Keyboard and Vocals
A musical journey that began in the Seattle area when he was just 14 years old, Bob’s passion for music led him to Omaha, where he played with several local bands including The Wonders. However, it was his pivotal role with The Rumbles in 1967 that truly shaped his career.
Bob’s stage has seen luminaries like The Four Seasons, The Coasters, The Drifters, Looking Glass, Three Dog Night, and Pure Prairie League. His versatile talents extend across vocals, keyboard, guitar, harmonica, and saxophone. By day, he brings joy to retirement communities, sharing his love for music.
The Beatles, with their timeless melodies, ignited Bob’s instrumental and vocal abilities. Now, as a member of both THE BRITS and The Grease Band, he continues to weave his musical magic. The Brits, celebrating the British Invasion, provide the perfect canvas for Bob’s skills and interests. 🎵🎹🎸🎷
Bob’s stage has seen luminaries like The Four Seasons, The Coasters, The Drifters, Looking Glass, Three Dog Night, and Pure Prairie League. His versatile talents extend across vocals, keyboard, guitar, harmonica, and saxophone. By day, he brings joy to retirement communities, sharing his love for music.
The Beatles, with their timeless melodies, ignited Bob’s instrumental and vocal abilities. Now, as a member of both THE BRITS and The Grease Band, he continues to weave his musical magic. The Brits, celebrating the British Invasion, provide the perfect canvas for Bob’s skills and interests. 🎵🎹🎸🎷
Lou Rose - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Lou developed his musical interests early on and thrived in the 1960s with the emergence of the Beatles and other popular bands of the era. He was a founding member of The Wonders from 1964 to 1969, initially playing bass guitar before transitioning to drums. In the early '80s, he played guitar for the band Silk. In 2020, he took over for Rich Berg and is now a valued member of THE BRITS. Reuniting with Bob Ford, also a former member of The Wonders, has been a delightful experience for him. Lou's passion for bass and percussion is evident in his performances.
Terry Brennan - Guitar, Harmonica and Vocals
Terry has been a staple in the Midwest music scene for over five decades. He has performed with Omaha area bands such as The Poor Boys, Thee Misfits, The Word, The Marquee Revue, Bittersweet, and The Digits. He has had the honor of opening for acts like Three Dog Night and Chase. As an original member of THE BRITS, he took a hiatus from the professional music scene but has since returned to the group. Terry's musical journey began with Rock 'n' Roll's pioneers, but it was the emergence of British bands in the 1960s that revolutionized the industry. Now, with THE BRITS, he celebrates the historic period known as "The British Invasion."