The Big time (1984 – 1994)
Members: Doug Pfleiger – Bass, Scott Stephens – Guitar, Gary Baker – Keyboards, Russ Downey – Drums, Nick Sinnott – Vocals
In 1984 Nick joined Treason to replace Rick who left the band abruptly after a pyrotechnics mishap at the Harleysville Hotel. The following year (1985) Treason changed dramatically by adding 2 new members, Scott and Gary. Almost immediately the band began writing originals and working on improving their live show. Led by their new dynamic front man extraordinaire Nick and with the searing guitar work provided by Scott, the band became more popular overnight. The band played in bigger and bigger clubs and to larger and larger audiences. The “Country Fox” in Red Hill became a home away from home for the band as they played to sell out crowds there throughout the late eighties. The band played events all over the tri-state area including gigs at Penn State College, the “Airport Music hall” in Allentown, the “4 in 1 club” in Delaware, and the “Seafood Shanty” in Quakertown. At one point the band chartered a bus, packed it with fans and drove to the “Larry Holmes Commodore inn” in Phillipsburg New Jersey for a Q100 battle of the bands contest. They also played countless bars, clubs and events including weddings, Halloween parties, Keg parties, New Year’s parties and even at a few Police barracks.
During this time the band began to play more and more original tunes. Eventually the band played a whole set of originals with the audience singing along to many of the catchy, pop-rock melodies. Highlights included songs like “I will”, “Not Tonight”, “Song for no one”, “Sit on my face”, ‘The Reason” and “Some girls”. “ Not tonight’ and “Song for no one” were put out on a Treason 45. These were sold to the public and distributed to local juke boxes where they could often be heard playing on a Friday or Saturday night.
In January 1992 the band began to play the annual “Beach Party” in East Greenville, PA. This became a tradition as Treason has continued to play this event almost every year since. You can always count on three things at the Beach Party – a great time, great music and a good chance it will snow. That snow never deterred a big crowd from showing up and partying all night long. Many thanks to the Upper Perk Jaycees for the great times throughout the years.
Bob Hymer was Treason’s soundman during many of these years and the band never sounded better. Dave Schuster was the lightman and helped out as rodie, guitar tech, drum tech, driver and whatever else the band needed. During this time the band also began work with DJ Crazy Dave, a true wild man and also an outstanding DJ. Treason made many lasting friendships during this time with some very loyal fans. There are too many to name here but we have to note Connie Benner who stuck with the band for more than 20 years. Truly a great fan and friend.
During these years Treason saw a number of member changes. The changes never seemed to slow Treason down, if anything they just kept getting better (and louder!) Here is a partial list:
Drums: Guy Reed, Joel Maxey, Bob Wampole, Jim Meister & Dave Kramer.
Bass: The amazing Brian Moyer, then the multi talented Gary Baker took a turn on bass.
Keyboards: Spider Fritz and then the fabulous Doug Landis.
Treason stole Brian Moyer and Doug Landis from “the Citizens”, a local group with a couple of catchy originals such as “Someone Else Tonight” and “the Love Effect”.
As we know all good things come to an end sometime and by 1994 the years of constant playing had taken its toll on the band and a break was needed. The band split up officially but did get together to play the Beach Party every year and a few other key events. So ended a great chapter in local music history. Anyone who saw Treason during this time experienced an energy and excitement that was unmatched in the local music scene.
