Throughout his career Gary has been known for his melodic straight ahead bass style, performing a no nonsense approach to the bass. His focus has always been to play what the song calls for, while setting up a solid groove.
Growing up in Southington Connecticut he switched from the guitar to the bass at the age of 15. "I realized that the bass was the thunder behind the music and what you shake your body to. From that time on I fell in love with the low end and set out to shake everywhere I played".
After a short stint at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he moved to London to pursue his dream of playing progressive rock. He was fortunate enough to play in projects with guitarist Luther Grovesvenor (Spooky Tooth) and MIchael Corby (pre Babys). While playing with Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch and vocalist Jon Hyde, Gary met German drummer Herman Rarebell. They joined forces and formed their own group, TALK.
The group was rounded out with English vocalist Pete French (Cactus) and American guitarist D.H. Cooper.
With the help of the Robert Stigwood Organisation they rehearsed and recorded at CBS Studios London. Unfortunately visa problems forced both Herman and Gary to return to their respective countries. Herman would eventually join the Scorpions.
Returning to Boston Gary joined the group Target which was the original nucleus of what was to become the group New England.
New England, managed by Bill Aucoin (Kiss) was the subject of a 6 major label bidding war. Eventually signing to Infinity/MCA , they hit the top 30 and recorded 3 albums. The group toured North America extensively throughout the next four years.
New England reorganized after the departure of John Fannon replacing him with guitarist Vinnie Cusano. The band moved to Los Angeles and began rehearsing and recording under the new name Warrior. Vinnie was also co-writing with Kiss and was asked to join their band full time as Vinnie Vincent.
With a phone call from English manager Andy Truman Gary was in on the ground floor of a super new group, which Gary named Alcatrazz. The other members of this group were Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) and Jimmy Waldo (New England). Throughout the groups run they hired the likes of Ynwgie Malmsteen, Steve Vai (Frank Zappa), Jan Uvena (Alice Cooper) and Danny Johnson (Derringer). The group went on to earn gold records and become internationally known for their musicianship.
After Alcatrazz Gary teamed up with Swedish guitarist Jonas Hansson and Jan Uvena on drums. They recorded the CD Number One on Apollo records.
The devastation of the North Ridge earthquake caused Gary to move his wife and three small children to her home state of Michigan. Here he played with guitarist Paul Kramer and recorded the Red Planet CD on Remarkable records.
In 2005 and 2006 New England reformed after 23 years to play at StevenTyler`s Music For Middlesex benefit concerts in Boston. The band earned rave reviews from both performances, resulting in new music being recorded and the filming of a live DVD.
Gary has done research and development for Korg USA. He wrote bass programs for the AX1B, the Pandora 3, Pandora 4 and the AX3000B bass processors.
Currently Gary has founded a new band with guitarist Jamie Waggener and drummer Mark Chudy. They are recording and performing under the name Second Hand Smoke.
© 2011 Gary Shea | Web Design: Timothy Borkowski