The Mad Beach Band, a staple in the St. Pete music scene, recently joined the Arts Alive! podcast to discuss their four-decade history and upcoming show at the Palladium Theater Side Door Cabaret. The band, which includes Pete Merrigan, T.C. Carr, and Vinnie Seplesky, has been a mainstay in local beach bars, playing a unique blend of rock, country, folk, and blues.

Local Roots

Merrigan and Carr, along with original members Pete Shackett and Harry Dailey, formed the band in the 1970s. Dailey, who was also a member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, would often play with the Mad Beach Band when not on tour. Seplesky later joined the band to take over bass duties during Dailey’s frequent absences.

Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with Merrigan and Carr being the constant presence. Today, the band includes drummer Tom Kennedy and guitarists Lenny Austin and Dave Williamson. The Mad Beach Band’s music and legacy continue to be celebrated in the local community, with their upcoming show at the Palladium Theater Side Door Cabaret benefiting Radio St. Pete.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.