Band History

MEMBERS

Mike O'Connell - Vocals

Born in Detroit, Mike O’Connell (known as O'C by friends) grew up copying song lyrics, making Mix Tapes, and mimicking lead singers. His early influences were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, but garage sale albums and a 10 cent Columbia House record order introduced Mike to Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Led Zeppelin, BTO, Cheap Trick and Elvis Costello.  O’C’s passion for singing peaked when he received a new microphone and PA SYSTEM as a CHRISTMAS GIFT in 2004.  He joined his church choir, entered vocal contests, sat in on shows with bands around the area, and searched for a band.  Currently with the band known as RetroActive, his enthusiasm is contagious.  

Todd Kimball - Electric Guitar and Vocals - Founding Member 

Todd plays rhythm guitar and does some back-up vocals for  RetroActive.  He’s been performing in local bands since 2008 after a 25 year hiatus from playing in HIGH SCHOOL rock bands back in the late '70s.  Todd like’s rocking to old school classic rock from the ‘70s and ‘80s with influences from bands like Boston, Led Zeppelin, KISS, AC/DC, and Journey and guitarist like Angus Young, Paul Stanley, and Neal Schon.  But, mostly he just likes hanging out and HAVING FUN jamming with other 50 something-year-olds.  “For those about to rock, I salute you!"

Chuck P - Electric and Acoustic Guitar - Founding Member

Full time husband/dad and part time electric and acoustic guitar player with influences from guitarists Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Tom Scholz, Alex Lifeson, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, etc...  Also enjoys Christian music and bands like Petra, Sonicflood and Newsboys.  Plays mainly his #1 1984 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, #2 Carvin California Carved Top, and #4 Martin HD28-E Retro.  Also enjoys playing #3 Fender American Deluxe ash body Stratocaster and HARP on occasion.   Equipment:  Carvin V3 and Mesa Boogie Mark IIc+ combo amps, BOSS effects, Line 6 G50 wireless system, Sennheiser e609 mic, Ernie Ball and Martin strings, Dunlop Ultex sharp picks, and Hohner Special 20 harmonicas.

Susan Snow - Keyboard and Vocals

Susan has been a Music Director/Worship Leader for over 20 years. Currently she is serving Brighton First United Methodist Church and is a Piano Instructor & Accompanist for Pinckney Schools & ACT2 Theatre Company.  Susan is Mother of a Medicine Man, a Thespian & Captain America and Grandma of the sweet Talia Rose.  In her spare time Susan is a Seamstress, Artist, Mermaid, Concert-Goer, and Overgrown Hippie.

Vince MacDonald - Drums

Vince has been playing music since age 6, but he didn't start playing drums until he was 9. First he started in neighborhood bands as a kid, then he became more serious about music in HIGH SCHOOL playing dances and parties. After high school Vince play the bar scene throughout the 70s and 80s. Taking some time off to focus on raising a family and his career, but he always kept playing drums. Now a little older, kids are grown, retired from the trade, Vince just loves to play in RetroActive -- they are good people, all bringing something good to the table, all love to play and socialize.  It's a very good mix -- I know we will be rockin' until we can no longer!

Jon Locke - Bass Guitar  

Originally from Connecticut, Jon settled in Michigan with his parents in 1977 and has been here ever since.  Highlights of Jon’s musical career include playing events in high school and college, and studying Music Education at Bowling Green State University.  Jon plays bass and trumpet, and sings in the contemporary music group at St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Lyon where he currently lives with his family.  Jon also plays trumpet and bass with the Oakland Community College Symphonic Band in Waterford.  Jon’s primary musical influences on the bass are Geddy lee of Rush, Tony Franklin of The Firm, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and John Entwistle of The Who.

RetroActive is a high energy classic rock cover band that brings back the memories with songs you will remember that you've forgot from the 70's and 80's.  

Over nine decades of combined experience RetroActive has played at numerous festivals, private parties, and many local hangouts including Stingers in Wixom, Plymouth Roc, Baker's in Milford, Captain Joe's Lounge in Whitmore Lake, Northwood in South Lyon, Dam Site Inn in Hell, Pinckney Pub and Grill.

Expect an energetic set list that gets people up and dancing.