What does music give to us?

New vs Old

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:17:18 GMT

I have been listening to '50s and '60s music on XM at work, and can't get over how music has changed over the years. New lyrics and melodies can't compare. This especially is evident to me when I evaluate new, indie songs on TrackTesting.com. When you have the time, visit this website and become a Track Tester, yourself. I guarantee you'll find new appreciation for the sounds that were produced during times when people's minds were not as messed up as they are today. Keep Rockin', Lyle

Cabana Boy

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:01:16 GMT

Our song, Cabana Boy, was evaluated by several hundred Testers at TrackTesting.com, and received above average test results. Yesterday I was contacted by Track Testing, who received a request from an individual in Europe who would like permission to make the song available in European music stores. I guess there are still a few B-Boy fans out there!

Lyle

Rock 'n' Roll!

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:40:00 GMT

The Quests played a live performance for the first time since 1967 at West Catholic High Class of '64 45th reunion at The Guest House in Grand Rapids. We played twenty-six songs from our '67 set list and the crowd sang and danced the night away. What a great time for both the audience and us! There were rusty moments, but all in all we still had the Quests sound. We thank the class of '64 for allowing us to relive our youth one more time. Who knows, maybe we'll play for someone's Class of '65 next year! Lyle

West Catholic Changes

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:11:07 GMT

The West Catholic High reunion on Sept. 26 at Marc Stewart's guest house has undergone some changes. Evidently the dinner has been canceled, and instead there will be munchies beginning at 8 PM. The cost may have also changed, and it is uncertain when The Quests will be playing. My guess is 8:30 or 9. Guests are still welcomed. I'll let you know if I hear anything differently. Doc Lyle

Oh, what a night!

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:05:00 GMT

Yes, it's official, The Quests are playing two full sets of ancient rock and roll for the West Catholic High School Class of '64 reunion on September 26, 2009. It will be held at Marc Stewart's Guest House on Stocking Ave. NW in Grand Rapids (616-459-9399). There have been numerous inquiries as to whether or not the occasion will be open to non-WC '64 grads, and we have found out that they are welcoming other fans of The Quests. Price is $30 for dinner and music (advanced notice is appreciated for those wishing to dine), or $15 at the door for just the music, which begins at 9 PM. '60s DJ Bob Becker will also be spinning records that evening, and I've heard rumors of a cash bar on site. One way or another, it is assured to be an excellent evening! Doc Lyle

Songlist for Wext Catholic 45th Reunion

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:48:29 GMT

Here's what we're all practicing to play at our first gig in 42 years!

Hanky Pankey, Time Won't Let Me, Gloria, Kicks, Let's Dance, Because, Hide Your Love Away, All Day and All Of The Night, What Can I Do, I'm Tempted, Shadows In the Night, Scream Loud, Love Is All Around, I Think We're Alone Now, Shakin' All Over, For Your Love, Secret Agent Man, Roll Over Beethoven, Little Bit Of Soul, Johnny B. Goode, Dream, Great Balls Of Fire, The Way We Are.

Wish us and the WC gang luck!

Doc L.

Returning to the stage (well, sort of)

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:50:54 GMT

The Quests are practicing to play a two set concert at the Grand Rapids West Catholic High School Class of '64 reunion. The gig will be Sept. 26, 2009 in GR. Former GR DJ Bob Becker will be MC and spinning records. The question isn't whether we can still play like we did in 1967....it's whether or not we can stand on our feet and play for two hours! Anyone need a classic garage band for a reunion? Lyle

New online music site

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:30:00 GMT

I just returned from a short trip to Germany and Switzerland, and found a great, new international site where indie artists can get their music heard around the world. Take a look at www.XRadioStage.com. The more ears listening to your music, the better, so I encourage fellow indie rockers to sign up. The Quests' "BTG" was just added. If you are an artist with tunes to promote, I suggest you check out the site. Another interesting note: The Quests have been nominated for the Michigan Rock 'n' Roll hall of fame. Lots of competition, but just being nominated is a great honor for this humble garage band. Keep Rockin' Lyle

Where's my bailout?

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:34:45 GMT

A very telented, independent artist wrote me to say that he was dropping out of the music scene for a while. There didn't seem to be any interest in his CDs, and his website wasn't getting as many hits as it used to. This guy is really talented, with several of his songs used in televisions shows and movies. The present economic pull-back is effecting everything. Not only have we stopped buying, but we've lessened our interests in things that once had been exciting for us. We artists have to hang in there, for this recession will end, and with more positive feelings will come more interest in things that make us feel good. We need to shake of our depression and bailout our attitude! Lyle

ReduxRock.com

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:26:56 GMT

If you tried to link to www.ReduxRock.com you found the the site didn't come up. That's because it is going through a design overhaul. I'll let everyone know when it is working again, but it will probably be a couple of months. Do you have your own website? If you do, e-mail me and I'll check it out. Keep rockin'! Lyle

New site look

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:27:02 GMT

Those who have been to QuestsRock.com in the past will notice quite a few changes to the site. We've added an introduction page, site map, some new wordings, and links throughout the site to make navigation easier. The Quests still have lots to do. The internet is a vast universe. Today is Saint Patty's Day, and I will be consuming a few green drafts tonight with my corned beef and cabbage. It's great to be Irish for a day. Next I can look forward to Cinco De Mayo...that's right, Dos Equis, Coronas, and taquitos. Lyle

Are you too old? Have you given up?

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:15:59 GMT

Yeh, ageing is a sore subject for anyone over the age of 39. Now being 40 (I wish), I'm a little frustrated that I'm considered "over the hill," and not relevant to today's music scene. Hey, I'm the same guy who loved "Wild Thing" and "Why Don't We Do It In The Road" back in the '60s, but the entertainment industry thinks what I now covet is an Abba revival. Where's the next "Louie, Louie" or "409" that will make me interested in music again? Heck, I had never heard of Abba until a few years ago. In W. Michigan during the '70s the music played on "Love" radio in GR was Cream, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, good ol' heavy blues rock. Abba Who? Lyle

The "JAMMIE" Awards

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:37:04 GMT

The Jammie Music Awards were developed in Grand Rapids a few years ago. It has become a major rockin event every year since. We were nominated for an award this year and await the results. Doesn't really matter in that the recognition for our latest CD is enough. Grand Rapids will always be HOME to The Quests. It means alot to all of us that they still care. Thanks GR-----WE STILL LOVE YA.

BOB F.

singapore60smusic.blogspot.com

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:50:06 GMT

Just wrote a response to Andy Young at the above titled website. He completed a nice piece on us as the co-owners of the "The Quests" name. It is a great site, check it out. I still think it is interesting that we may be the only two bands using that name. Remember, Singapore is about 11,000 miles away and a 23 hour trip, even now. I love the city, my son is a Vice Dean at the University of Singapore. If you ever get a chance to see this area--- jump on it!! The people are great, the city has everything, including the two cutest grand kids in the world.

BOB

Stay in the Game!!!!!!!!

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Bob here, I am up and running again after my heart surgery, learning as always about myself and others in the process. My family was outstanding in support and love. I hope you all have "PEOPLE" like mine. "Thanks Rita, 2 in 1 as always."

Lyle just wrote and kicked my rear to get back writing both here and relative to new material for "The Quests." No excuse for my absence, just forgetting how much fun I was missing. NOW I REMEMBER.

We have set up the framework for a couple new creations. I'll be looking it over and should have the parts roughed in by spring. I know we both want to put out some new material on the site. Got to stay in the game, it is too special to let slip away. If any of you are having troule with somthing, get moving again. Music like life is always what you make of it.

I'll let you know how the regenerated journey is proceeding. You are the most important part, stay with us.

BOB

Songwriting

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:51:29 GMT

Bob and Lyle are back in the saddle! Bob has recovered well from bypass surgery, although it has been quite an ordeal. We are sending song ideas back and forth by e-mail, still working on and entire CD of new material. Hopefully we will record again this coming summer. In the meantime, any suggestions for song themes/styles would be appreciated. We all wish you well this Christmas. Take some time to set the world problems out of your mind, and listen to some great, uplifting rock and roll instead.

Lyle

Quests' videos

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:16:01 GMT

Both versions of our "BTG" videos are now posted on YouTube and this site. We're working on a more serious version for "The Way We Are." Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks to all who visit our site. Keep rockin'. Lyle

The Music Lives!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:11:50 GMT

Our leader, golden voiced Bob Fritzen, is now recovering from quadruple bypass surgery performed last week. While healing he won't be seeing patients in his psychology practice, but he plans to get back to songwriting. Maybe he has an "Achy Breaky Heart" song in mind?

Lyle

Our new video.

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:48:41 GMT

It took some time, but we finally have the video done of our garage performance at Neil's last July. I think you'll get a kick out of it...not a typical band video. Soon there will be another "Old Film version," so check back in a few days. Keep rockin,' Lyle

The Quests in action?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:27:13 GMT

The band recently spent a beautiful Michigan summer's day in Neil's garage filming clips for a YouTube, "Back To The Garage" video. The plan is to have a "Monkeys" style, humorous vignette for your entertainment. We also filmed a touching take of Bob singing "The Way We Are" to his wife, Rita. Tears flowed, but they were good ones. These videos will no doubt take a few months to complete, but keep checking with us for reports on their progress. Keep rockin', friends. Lyle