A Brief History of The Band

One night over 25 years ago, Dr. Ron Walker (guitar), Cyd Manning (drums), Tom Foster (bass) and Mike Haasis (guitar and vocals) got together for fun and worked on a few blues, rock and surf tunes. We immediately jelled, and soon we were a band, and actively gigging.

When Mike left the band, we were fortunate to add Bill Guerriero on guitar and lead vocals; we have been together ever since.

Dr. Ron & The Painkillers have enjoyed bringing their style (we like to call it painkillerizing) to a wide range of genres and original tunes to create a rich musical experience for all to enjoy. Please join us at our next gig!

Fun fact: the name Dr. Ron & The Painkillers derived from the fact that Dr. Ron was a popular practicing dentist. Our mission was to kill the pain with a prescription of great music and a really fun time.

More about us:

• Cyd just visited The Red Rocks Amphitheatre to see and hear Carlos Santana. Cyd is doing some recon work since we play a couple of Santana tunes.

• We recently played a 60th Birthday party in Scottsdale by special request. The backyard was set up beautifully within the desert landscape. The guests’ ages were a broad range, so we accommodated them with a variety of music. For example, there was a group of ladies from the host’s workplace who absolutely loved our Billy Idol medley. Older guests sang along with songs from the 60s. Later, the groove really came alive during a few Santana songs including Oye Como Va which we learned, as requested, for the party.

• We played the 74th Annual Laveen BBQ on at Cesar Chavez Park. This was our tenth time playing the festival! We were the only band this year and played from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a great festival, the oldest continuing BBQ event in Arizona. Additionally, the event includes lots of food and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere.Playing for thousands of folks, many of whom are long-time fans, was a treat.

• Dr. Ron & The Painkillers played the Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon for the second year in a row. We performed around the 10-mile spot, which is just west of the Phoenix Zoo at Papago Park. We alternated with the band, Slap Daddy, for four sets beginning with the first runner around 7:00 AM. Setting up in the cold morning darkness the two bands grooved all morning to thousands of runners, whom we cheered and entertained with great delight.

• Every year we are invited to play at a nighttime cul-de-sac neighborhood holiday party in Ahwatukee. It is a family-friendly event with food and dancing. We bring in plenty of holiday tunes. When Santa visits, we break out Bruce Springsteen’s Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.