The "Phil Dirt and the missing Dozer" Story

Phil Dirt and the Dozers

It was an ordinary day.  We were in Row M of the Mt. Gretna Playhouse watching one of our favorite oldies bands, Phil Dirt and the Dozers.  Their website says this about their name:  In 1981 on a cold, lonely night, in a dark and smoke-filled bar room... Phil Dirt was born. Those lucky enough to be present probably had no idea that this single event would have such a wonderful long-term impact on so many people. Who would have guessed that in just a few short years Phil Dirt and the Dozers would have traveled the continent performing to thousands of fans... have several albums to their credit... appear on local and national television including their own TV show... and be the focus of hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles! True, Phil Dirt is a figment of our imagination who exists only in our hearts but he HAS become an essential part of Americana: a nostalgic link to our past who continues to remind us of those great times we once shared. And like an old family friend, Phil will continue to live on in our hearts for many, many years to come. Carol and I first saw the group in 2006 when they played for the first time at Mt. Gretna.  They were so popular that they have been invited back every year since that time, and we have managed to attend their performances in all but one of those years.  They are one of America's premier "Rock 'N R'oldies" review bands and the most popular vintage rock and roll shows in the nation.  We have never failed to leave the playhouse with a smile on our face and a song in our heart.  They perform the types of songs that made Rock and Roll one of the greatest genre of music in our lifetime.  The group consists of: vocalist Steve who can hit the high notes as only Roy Orbison could do; Mark, one of the most versatile musicians who is a two-time Emmy award winner; Tony (Icepick) who can electrify the crowd with his guitar work, but is best known for his impressive vocal talents; Hadden who is the "soul" voice of the group with his deep bass voice; Tony M. with his pounding and rhythmic percussions; and Craig who plays the bass as no one ever did.  But tonight, as the lights dimmed and the group took the stage, there were only five members on stage.  I looked at Carol and pointed out that the bass player was missing.  And, as they began the show with their rendition of "Sherri Baby" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, something was missing more than just a body.  It was the "pulse" or the heart of the group's signature sound; that pulsating bass sound that made you "feel" the music as well as hear it.  

Craig (second from the
right in photo above)

Craig was missing!!  Then the word spread throughout the playhouse of the reason for his absence.  Finally, towards the end of the show, Tony (Icepick) told the crowd they were deeply saddened by the loss of their friend and band mate Craig who had died two days before.  He had been ill for a short time with pancreatic cancer, but kept his spirits high and was more concerned about the other band mates than himself.  He was a vital part of the band and will be missed.  They said that Craig would have wanted them to sing tonight, so they did and dedicated the concert to him.  I'll miss his baseball hat and flowered shirts that he always wore for the shows.  Here's hoping they can continue to entertain with a new band member who will remind everyone of bassist Craig.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - following are some of the postings that will show the quality and musicianship of Phil Dirt and the Dozers as well as a video of the group.


“I chose Phil Dirt & The Dozers to open for The Beach Boys because of their music excellence, showmanship, and all-around reputation as one of the most popular and finest classic rock shows in the country. The Dozers are a class act and second to none!” Jimmy Jay, Jayson Promotions, Nashville, Tennessee

“You guys sing those songs as good as I have ever heard and in some cases you sing them better than the originals, well, except for the Jan & Dean songs of course. Keep it up!” Dean O. Torrence, Jan and Dean, Los Angeles, California

“We had your group in Maysville, Kentucky at the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival and along with everyone else, thought you guys stole the show! If I may say so, Linda Ronstadt paled in comparison to your performance. I’ll recommend that you come back next year, if you’ll have us.” Marti Insko, Rosemary Clooney Music Festival, Maysville, Kentucky

“I don’t want them to open for us any more. How can you follow them, they’re that good” Peter Noone, Herman Hermits, Santa Barbara, California

“What a fantastic show! Phil Dirt & The Dozers ought to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You guys are that good, more entertaining, and sound better than many of the original artists in the Hall of Fame! We definitely want you back again for a fourth straight year in 2007!” Gayle Bowling, Theatre West Virginia, Beckley, West Virginia