Gypsy Road was formed in the summer of 2004 by two extremely bored musicians, Bassist Mel Fulton and Keyboardist Darrell Hadley. Both took completely different paths to their musical careers. Darrell grew up in rural Groveland, IL. listening to country and gospel music which he liked but, never really embraced so, music “bored him”. That all change the day his Dad took him and his 4- brothers to a radio station in Pekin, IL. The station manager was cleaning out a bunch of old 45”s and told them they could have as many records as they could carry. Darrell didn’t know what he was grabbing but, none the less they were free and he grabbed all he could carry. What he had was a collection of Motown 45’s because it turned out that the radio station was actually changing formats. His favorites were The Temptations and The Drifters and The Miracles. Somewhat strange music for a 12 year old to listen to but, it set his musical direction. Since then he has been into the vocal arrangements and harmonies of music no matter what genre.

          Mel started piano lessons as a small boy growing up in Washington, IL.  Although always wanting to listen to “Rock and Roll” he had a strict regimen of classical music daily. He eventually became one of the most accomplished classical pianist for his age in Illinois. But, he was “bored” and looking for something different. Then it happened! He heard Motown master bassist James Jamerson. Finally when he was able to get a bass guitar he started playing in rock bands and has never stopped. Between the two of them they’ve played in bands such as; Abilene, Sundance Kids, Underfire, Funky Shoes, Alter Ego, Wallstreet and Cool Hand Luke. They both played together in another popular local band but, were getting “bored”. Needing a change they snagged versatile lead vocalist R.S. Monroe, not only a great lead vocalist but, “raised in the church” excellent harmony singer. After some changes in 2007 they added Guitarist and singer/songwriter Brian Dennison and Drummer Brian “Tigg” Vicary. Both played in the very popular Band “Bonzai” and Tigg was and occasionally  still is in Casual Man. Although they would love to play some of the original music that Brian and Darrell have written, right now they’re content playing in the most versatile band in the Midwest.

If you checkout the “Gypsy Road” play list you’ll see everything from The Bee Gees to Keith Urban and every popular ‘80’s song written, all danceable!! This band doesn’t “bore” Mel, Darrell or anyone else!!!