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| Kingtones 50th Anniversary Farewell Dance Party |
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 On November 9, 2007, the Kingtones were hanging signs, blowing up balloons and putting up pictures; getting ready for their 50th Anniversary dance.  1st official practice in 30 years.  George Campbell warming up the drums.  Phil practicing with sit in bass player Bill Van Ess.  Bruce giving hand signals to “Beatle Bill” on what cord is next.  Rehearsing.  The “Golden Ticket" to the night's festivities.  “With a standing-room-only crowd cheering ‘em on, Grand Rapids’ much beloved ‘60s rock band The Kingtones, celebrated its 50th anniversary with its last formal, public performance.” (John Sinkevics-Grand Rapids Press)  There’s electricity in the air, as the audience waits for the Kingtones to take the stage.  Family, friends and fans gather together for the Kingtones last Public Performance.   A picture gallery “Time Line,” covering 50 years of the Kingtones was on display.   A 3 year contract with Atlantic Records made the Kingtones International Recording Artist, when their 45 record, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” was released in Europe.  Popular Rock Stars of the 60ths that the Kingtones backed up or performed with.  From left to right: Joe and Renee Mitchell, Marty Snoap, Wendy Hundley were in charge of selling raffle tickets to win Kingtones’ Merchandise.   Marty Snoap making a sales pitch to a customer.  “... and the winning number is ...” 10 pieces of merchandise were raffled off each intermission.  Sue Campbell was in charge of selling Kingtones’ merchandise at the “Last Chance Merchandise Table:” hats, shirts, tote bags, blankets, T-shirts, CDs etc.  WFGR Disk Jockeys Len O’Kelly and Mark Roberts introduce the Kingtones to get the Dance Party officially started.   Bruce Snoap on keyboards; the only original member left from 1957.  “Crazy George” Campbell on drums since the mid-seventies.  Phil Roberts on guitar since 1959, one of the original members.  Bill Van Ess on bass; one of the 5 sit in bass players used by the Kingtones.  “Big Jim” Lewis, lead vocalist since the mid-seventies.  The Kingtones take the stage.  Bill “The New Guy,” sings a favorite Beatles’ song.  A duet by Bruce & George singing “Surfin’ Bird,” brings down the house!  All Shook Up, Hello Mary Lou, What’d I Say, Louie Louie, I’ve Had It.., The Oldies filled the room and the dancers packed the dance floor. "All My Loving" Video (Courtesty of WGVU TV)  Line Dance! Where did that come from?  Who ever heard of doing a Conga Line to Louie Louie?    Marty Snoap leaves the dance floor and leads the Conga Line around the room.  “The Kingtones’ Polka” made the Polish fans happy.  The Kingtones, on their last slow song, dedicated it to the audience. The song was the Elvis version of “My Way.” Jim Lewis, lead vocalist for The Kingtones, who sounds a lot like Elvis, never sang the song better; It was incredible. My Way .mp3 (2007)  WFGR’s Len O’Kelly and WGVU’s Gary Hunt receiving a Thank You Gift from the Kingtones.  Larry Snoap presenting an autographed Thank You/Farewell plaque to the Kingtones.  The original Kingtones: from left to right – Bruce Snoap (keyboards), Mike King (drums), Bob Major (bass), Phil Roberts (guitar).  Mike King – Original drummer: 1959 – 1968.  Bob Major: Original bass player 1957 – 1967.  The Original Kingtones take the stage.  The Vintage Rockers cranked out “Bony Maronie” and “Runaround Sue.” "Bony Maronie" Video (Courtesty of WGVU TV)   When the evening was over, autographs, pictures, handshakes and words of congratulations were the order of business.   Bruce Snoap Sr. and son Bruce II celebrating together.  Former Kingtones, Bob Major (left) and Mike King (right) congratulate Jim Lewis.  From left to right: Grand Rapids Rock Celebrities John Brown, Marsha and Jimmy Johnson, with Bruce and Chick Snoap.  Nieces Jodie Roberts (left) and Beth Holst (right) congratulate Uncle Phil.  From left to right: Pat Smith, The Kingtones’ photographer, Bruce Snoap, Mike King, Ron Beatty, leader of the Eschelons, Phil Roberts, Bob Major, Jim Johnson, lead vocalist for The Fabulous East Tones.  At the end of the night, there were many tears as well as some sobbing going on amongst the audience. The last number was ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ which brought about a huge ovation of yelling and clapping followed by an encore. The Kingtones’ family and friends got together for one last gigantic hurrah, and mission was accomplished. "Spirit in the Sky" Video (Courtesty of WGVU TV)  The Kingtones Have Left the Building. |
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