Gene Decker

I credit my love to music to my mother. She always had the radio on in the kitchen, outside, and in the car. Seeing the early Beatles movies and the Monkees TV show as young kid, I was hooked!

In Jr. High & High School, I played music in the basements of my childhood friends. We also attended many concerts. Duane Weinfurter, Brian Dorey, Alf, Andy Cristiano, Jeff Gentz, Todd Price, Scott Corraro, Kevin Kaleck, Loren Smith, Mike Busse, and more. We had a blast. Also met Jon Ianni, in High School and we became friends. Supporting him and his bands had a huge influence on me. 

I was not able to play in a band with my young family and then a career where I was on constantly on call. I always played at home enough to keep with it. As I neared retirement, I started jamming with good friends. Mike Lippeth, Quinton Ackerman, Chris Wawro, and Jim Mivshek. So much fun! Jon let me sit in with Boys & Toys on a song occasionally which really helped & I knew that this is what I wanted to do. Met my friends Steve Harrington (soundman extraordinaire), Steve Kollman (Boys & Toys), and Donny O’Reilly (Talkin Trash) during this time. All were supportive and gave me guidance. Miss them, rest in peace, we will meet again someday.

Played my 1st real gig at age 57 with the CrossOver Band (Q & Jerry). Fast forward to now. Having the time of my life with my Wiil Power Bandmates! Bridget, Cheryl, Mykel, and Scott.

It's never too late!!!