Complete List Of Wild Cherry Band Members

Wild Cherry Band Members

Feature Photo: Photo by Roksolana Zasiadko

Wild Cherry was a funk rock band formed in 1970 in the United States. The group is best known for their hit song “Play That Funky Music,” which became a massive chart-topping success in 1976. Wild Cherry’s blend of rock, funk, and soul created a unique sound that resonated with audiences, particularly during the mid-1970s. The band released multiple albums, including their self-titled debut album in 1976, which featured “Play That Funky Music” and helped establish their place in pop and rock music history. Wild Cherry had several lineup changes throughout their career, and while their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their legacy in the funk and rock genres endures.

The band’s early success was driven by the infectious energy of their music and the power of their live performances. “Play That Funky Music” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing Wild Cherry’s place in pop culture. Despite this success, the group faced internal challenges, including changes in lineup and direction. They disbanded after a few years of active recording and touring, with various members continuing their musical careers in other projects.

Over the years, Wild Cherry’s influence on the funk, rock, and disco scenes has been acknowledged by many artists and fans alike. Below is a detailed account of the band’s final and earlier members, their contributions to Wild Cherry’s sound, and their careers both inside and outside of the band.

Rob Parissi

Rob Parissi was the lead vocalist and guitarist for Wild Cherry, forming the band in 1970 and remaining with the group until their disbandment in 1979. Parissi was the driving force behind Wild Cherry’s most significant success, writing and performing their iconic hit “Play That Funky Music.” His vocal style, combined with his guitar playing, helped define the band’s funky rock sound. Parissi was pivotal in shaping the direction of the band’s albums, contributing to the success of their self-titled debut album in 1976. After Wild Cherry’s break-up, Parissi continued to pursue music, though his work was not as widely publicized.

Donnie Iris

Donnie Iris was the guitarist and occasional vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1978 to 1979. His guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s sound during its later years, and his time with Wild Cherry coincided with the band’s exploration of more rock-oriented tracks. Iris had previously been a member of The Jaggerz, known for the hit song “The Rapper,” and later enjoyed a successful solo career. His contributions to Wild Cherry, though brief, helped solidify the band’s late-era sound during the final phase of their existence.

Cooke Michalchick

Cooke Michalchick played bass and provided vocals for Wild Cherry from 1978 to 1979. His bass lines were an integral part of the band’s rhythm section, helping to lay the foundation for their funky rock style. Michalchick’s bass playing contributed to the band’s tight sound, and his vocal harmonies helped add depth to the band’s overall performance. After his time with Wild Cherry, Michalchick continued working in the music industry, though his involvement in other major projects was limited.

Ronald Beitle

Ronald Beitle was the drummer and percussionist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1979. His drumming was a vital part of the band’s rhythm section, helping to propel their energetic live performances. Beitle’s percussion work on tracks like “Play That Funky Music” became iconic, providing the infectious groove that the band was known for. After leaving Wild Cherry, Beitle continued working in various musical projects, contributing his skills to other acts.

Mark Avsec

Mark Avsec was the keyboardist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1979. Avsec’s keyboard playing added layers to the band’s funky sound, providing the harmonic backdrop to the band’s music. His contributions to songs like “Play That Funky Music” helped enhance the band’s upbeat and danceable tracks. Avsec’s work with Wild Cherry was part of his broader music career, which also included work with other rock and funk bands after the band disbanded.

Ben Difabbio

Ben Difabbio was the original drummer and vocalist for Wild Cherry, playing with the band from 1970 to 1975. Difabbio’s drumming helped lay the groundwork for the band’s early sound, playing a critical role in their initial formation and recordings. His time with Wild Cherry, though not as well-documented as later members, was significant in establishing the band’s identity in its early years. Difabbio left the band in 1975, and after his departure, he did not maintain the same public profile in the music industry.

Louie Osso

Louie Osso was a guitarist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1970 to 1973. His guitar playing helped establish the band’s early sound, contributing to their blend of rock, funk, and soul. Osso’s role in Wild Cherry was part of the band’s formative years, laying the foundation for their future success. After leaving Wild Cherry in 1973, Osso did not continue with major musical projects but remained an integral part of the band’s early history.

Larry Brown

Larry Brown was the bassist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1970 to 1973. Brown’s bass work helped define the early sound of the band, providing the solid foundation that underpinned their rock and funk influences. Brown left Wild Cherry in 1973, and while he did not have the same prominence in the music industry after his departure, his contributions to the band’s early recordings are an important part of their history.

Coogie Stoddart

Coogie Stoddart was a guitarist and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1977 to 1978. Stoddart played a significant role in the band’s transition from their early years into their more funk-oriented phase. He contributed to the development of their live performances and the band’s overall sound, particularly during their tours. After his time with Wild Cherry, Stoddart continued to work in music but did not achieve the same level of recognition.

Joe Buchmelter

Joe Buchmelter was the bassist for Wild Cherry in 1973. His tenure with the band was brief, but his contributions to their early live performances helped shape the band’s early live shows. Buchmelter’s time with Wild Cherry was part of the band’s evolution, though his influence was not as significant as that of later members. After leaving the band, Buchmelter did not continue in the public eye.

Bucky Lusk

Bucky Lusk was the bassist for Wild Cherry from 1973 to 1975. His bass work contributed to the band’s sound during their early years, adding a funky groove that became a defining feature of Wild Cherry’s style. Lusk’s contributions were important in helping the band shape their early sound, but after leaving the band, he did not continue with major musical projects.

Allen Wentz

Allen Wentz was the bassist, synthesizer player, and vocalist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1978. Wentz helped to refine the band’s sound, especially as they began to integrate more synthesizers and electronic elements into their music. He played a significant role in albums that marked the band’s transition to a more sophisticated funk-rock style. After leaving Wild Cherry, Wentz continued to be involved in music, though his subsequent projects did not achieve the same level of recognition.

Bryan Bassett

Bryan Bassett was the guitarist for Wild Cherry from 1975 to 1978. He contributed his guitar skills to the band during their most productive years, playing on several tracks that became staples of their funk-rock style. Bassett’s guitar work helped define Wild Cherry’s sound, adding texture and depth to their music. After leaving Wild Cherry, Bassett continued his career in music, working with other rock bands, including Foghat. His contributions to Wild Cherry’s recordings remain an important part of their musical legacy.

Check out more Wild Cherry articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

Top 10 Wild Cherry Songs

Bryan Bassett of Foghat: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

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