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The 'Last Madman of Rock 'N' Roll' finally rests

Recently, there have been several legendary entertainers, with whom I have shared a personal friendship, who have passed on. By telling my personal stories about them I run the risk of turning my weekly “Backstage With” column into the obituary page. But these people have touched audiences in such a special way that I feel I must lend my personal reflection and experiences I had with them to this feature.

The most recent of these losses is Paul Revere of the '60s pop group Paul Revere and the Raiders who, at the “patriotic” age of 76, died peacefully this week at his home in Caldwell, Idaho.

At 52 years of age, I regularly get asked why I am such a fan of bands that were popular when I was 5. I really love pretty much all genres but have a definite love for that of the '60s/'70s classic rock eras. Personally experiencing countless acts of all kinds over the years has caused me to garner a certain respect for these show biz cats whose raw talent and powerful personalities added so much to the entertainment experience. Paul Revere was one of those cool cats.

I am positive the image of Paul Revere (actually, his real name was Paul Revere Dick) that came into the minds of those who knew him was one with a huge smile. It was infectious, warm and evoked a sense of happiness even before the music began to play.

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with him and the other boys of the band in Revolutionary War costumes who took the stage at The Arcada Theatre many times. I even donned a three-point hat and a ruffled shirt on occasion myself. With mop-top hairdos and an appreciation for the groups from England, they played off Paul's name, representing themselves as “America's response to the British Invasion.”

Being one of the more popular bands on the dance circuit, Paul, the unofficial MC of the group, was always looking to create an exciting experience onstage, much like that of Jerry Lee Lewis and some of the R&B groups out at the time. In the beginning, as he and frontman Mark Lindsay were walking down the street one day, they passed a costume shop that had a Revolutionary War costume in the window. A light bulb went off above his head. He rented five jackets, added synchronized dance steps and slapstick comedy, and the rest is American history.

With 50 million records sold and five platinum albums, Paul Revere and the Raiders became a major force in the development of rock 'n' roll. With many solid hits including “Kicks” and “Indian Reservation” (Cherokee people … Cherokee tribe …), Paul continued to tour to the delight of millions of fans.

Paul Revere and the Raiders made their last appearance at The Arcada Theatre just a few weeks ago. They of course played to a packed house full of belly laughs and dancing in the aisles. He did seem drawn and a bit pale and had his arm in a sling. But that smile was still as bright as ever, still holding his position behind a signature organ fashioned as the front of an automobile of the 1960s. The consummate showman, he regularly blurted out quips and comedic shots using props and tongue-in-cheek humor in between songs.

After the show, he invited me to join him and his wife Syd in their motor home to relax a bit. We talked about doing other shows together, including one in her hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey. As I looked at him, I saw a man who had made so many people happy over a 50-year career. He was still smiling and had that sparkle in his eye.

I asked about the days with Ed Sullivan and Dick Clark, about being on television shows including “The Smothers Brothers.” He said to me, “Man, we were 'It' back then; we were the headliners. People would say that we were the most fun band out there, and that meant a lot to me. I never forgot that.' ”

The band will continue on as Paul Revere's Raiders with the same members who had been with him for much of the last 40 years, including his son, Jamie Revere, at guitar. I spoke with the band's lead vocalist, Darren Dowler, and he said they will definitely not try to “replace” the character behind the automobile grill onstage. They believe the strength of the music with some new fun and exciting elements will keep the legacy of Paul Revere alive.

“He performed until the very end,” Dowler said. “He went from a limp, to a cane, to a wheelchair. He never gave up!”

So if you ever hear somebody yell “The red coats are coming,” get your tickets and attend the show. It is sure to be a wonderful tribute to a man who's just as big a part of American history as that patriot silversmith from Boston.

Paul, I tip my three-point hat to you!

• Ron Onesti is president and CEO of The Onesti Entertainment Corp. and The Historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Celebrity questions and comments? Email ron@oshows.com.

In a July 1967 file photo, Paul Revere, front, and the Raiders relax before a concert. Paul Revere, born Paul Revere Dick, the organist and leader of the Raiders rock band, died at his home in Idaho. He was 76. Associated Press
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