Sidetrak and Sidetrak Plus were a rock band from the 60's and 70's. They played all over Southern Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. They performed for several years and went through several members over the years. Some of the members went on to be quite successful in the music business. It was all for fun and the love of the music. Many years spent in Russell's barbershop.We miss you Cleatus.

Sidetrak

Sidetrak started out in the 60's with a four piece group consisting of Roger Mason - Guitar, Toby Brixey Organ , Marvin Sperry - drums and Mike Snider - guitar.
Toby left the band and we picked up Steve Earl on bass and Howard Ruprecht on organ.
When Steve left the band Roger switched to bass guitar.
Later Marvin left the band along with Howard and Mike switched to organ. At that time Paul Helms came in on drums. One night while coming home from a gig in Sparta, Il our equipment van was hit head on by a drunk driver. Our manager, Bill Mason, was killed in the wreck and Roger and his mother Marie were badly injured.
After the wreck we re-grouped with an added brass section. Thats when we added the "Plus" to our name. Troy Steckenrider was on trombone, Jim Kirk was on sax, flute and electric piano, John Barger was on trumpet. Bruce Brown joined the group on guitar. During that season of the band we had several drummers. They inclued; Ed Taft, Chris Burnhard and Charlie Scott.
I don't remember when or why the group broke up. You have to realize it was the early 70's at this point so I don't remember a lot from then. LOL.
Steve Earl went on later to tour with Dan Seals. Bruce Brown is with The Charlie Daniels band. Troy Steckenrider is a big diamond man in Arizona. Mike Snider started a Contemporary Christian group called NuLyfe. Paul Helms is in Florida. I got to see him this last summer. It was quite a thrill. Ed Taft has his own sound company. Chris Burnhard lives in Texas. Roger Mason became an accountant. Don't know the current status of the rest of the guys. Would be such an honor and a dream to get some of them back together for a show.
Mike Snider