1963-66
Having a musical family, (His Father, was a guitarist and a drummer. His Mother, had been a professional swing
dancer for the Big Bands in the late 30’ and early40’s) "Music was always a big part of our daily life,
We were always listning to or watching some variety show.". It is no wonder Wayne picked up his fathers guitar
and learned to play, at the age of eight. He also joined his schools chorus, during the audition he was able to
sing all four parts soprano, alto, bass, and baritone. Impressed, the vocal coach took him under his wing and
taught him to develop his voice. The elementary school chorus performed many venues, they also recorded a
"45" and sold them at their performances. Watching the Ed Sullivan Show Wayne was first introduced to rock.
"Remenber, Whats Happening with Paul Revere and the Raiders, not to mention The Monkees and American
Bandstand, The Beachboys masters of harmony, The Rolling Stones the bad boys and the Timeless music
of the Beatles. "I Don't mind showing my age, everybody will be old someday, IF, they live that long, LOL".
1967 - 1970
At the age of 13 Wayne, took the job as lead singer of Stone Cold. The rock /country band was based in
Lakeland, Florida. From local bars to the college circuit, they played throughout the state. Just after the bass
guitarist resigned, Wayne having guitar experience started to learn the instrument and soon took over the
position. During the summer of 69 they were asked to perform as the backup band for Tammy Wynett at
George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s Country Western Plantation. On the last performance of the summer,
Tammy let the band play a couple of rock songs. By the time the second song was through there were only
5 or 6 people left in a 1500 person audience. Tammy told the band they won't be back next year.
After the summer was over the band switched lead guitarists and changed the name to Ross Creek.
The band dropped the country and focused on more rock and heavy metal. In 1969-72 they wrote 24 originals.
Covering songs from Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Yes, King Crimson, James Gang
and many others. The band continued playing throughout the state 3 or 4 nights a week. During this time
Wayne met and jammed with Jim Stafford who lived in Auberndale and had the pleasure of performing with
Les Dudak who lived in Winterhaven. Hearing a demo the band had sent out. Columbia Records expressed
an interest in the recording and signing the band. Two weeks before the meeting with the “Reps” the band
split-up. Wayne, and Rhett Edwards, the lead guitarist, went to the meeting in Dallas, Texas. They were told
without the whole band there would be no deal. Depressed, Wayne joined the service.
He continued to play with musicians and bands he met and on leave and weekends played with Ross Creek.
Stone Cold, on fire escape of the bank building they rented for practice. Wayne, Bill Hammer, Dennis Fretto, Gary Earnasy
Stone Cold at the White Rabbit
Stone Cold at the College Inn
Wayne and Bill with their fingers up one anothers noses
Right to Left - Rhett Edwards, Wayne, Steve Lalonde1973-74
Receiving an offer to play bass for Lyddyte, A heavy metal band. Wayne toured Florida. For a year.
They played music from Captain Beyond side one of of the first album, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Cream, The Doors
and others.
The drummer went back to College and the band went to other projects.
Lyddite Holocost
Note: The Guitar Strap, Follow it through the Decades
1974-76
Returning to Lakeland he joined the Stage Hands Union and worked at the Lakeland Civic Center, for touring national acts.
This afforded Wayne the opportunity to Tech and see the inner workings of bands like, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, George Clinton,
Queen, Styx, Allman Brothers, Chicago, Yes, Peter Frampton, Kiss, Blue Oyster Cult, ZZ Top, Cat Stevens, The Commodores,
Earth Wind and Fire and many, many others.
1977-1989
During this period Wayne Played his Guitars in local bars as a single act, but always missed the interaction a band afforded.
From Lakeland to the Keys, Captiva Island to Fort Lauderdale, where ever he could find work or just an audience.
Covering Jimmy Buffett, Cat Stevens, Queen, Edgar Winter, The Eagles and others.
He had taken the time to write 25 new original songs.
My Yari on Captiva
1989-90
Having moved back to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, (Where he was born) Wayne started to Jam at Casey's Alley.
He played songs from his single act and the originals he had written. One night he wandered into “The Reef”
a legendary hard rock bar. He was Hooked. Soon, he was Approached by Doug Cook who was the lead singer
in an all originals band Vagrant Guest. Wayne passed the audition for bassist.
Recording an album of 10 songs in Atlanta, the band went on to win a spot on a nationally released compilation CD.
The drummer resigned and the band split-up.
1990-97
Filling and opening in Tattooed Love Child (a well respected and established band) as bassist, they performed in
many local venues. The band wrote over 30 originals and covered Metallica, Jackel, Alice in Chains, Etc..
One night at The Reef the band arrived to find a new Marshall and a Les Paul on stage. Some guy came up and
introduced himself, “Hi, I’m Dwight I have been listening to you guys and would like to sit in”. "Sure" the guys said.
After some inner turmoil split the lead singer and guitarist, Dwight Bucanan, Guitar, Tim Johnston, Drums, and
Wayne, Bass, formed a power trio, Fuzzy Logic. With Powerful Vocals, Perfect Harmonies and a Fierce Driving Sound
Fuzzy Logic became a leading influence in the S.W. Florida music scene. They played covers and originals.
After almost 6 years the band took a break.
Wayne and Dwight at Sluggers
Wayne and Tim at the Reef
1999-2005
Roger Young approached Wayne, he said he had one of the best drummers in the area Mike Cannizzaro and wanted to form an
originals band. Writing and arranging the 5 originals and learning covers to fill out 4 full sets they searched for a lead guitarist.
The band landed Ken Craig one of the best in the area, they wrote 5 other tunes and recorded them at Studio Sea, in Ft. Myers.
The CD was pretty good but due to money problems it got shelfed .
Fragile X at Dockside - Wayne, Mike Cannazerro, Roger Young and Kenny (Lt. Dan) Craig
We were playing at the Dockside one night and I was standing at the bar. I noticed someone on stage
When I turned and looked I saw some guy pick up my bass. Furious, I stormed the stage and yelled at the dude,
"Just what the Hell do you think you are doing"? In the most polite Brittish accent "Nice ax, What wood is this"? Paudauk, I answered.
"Would you mind if the guys and I play a few tunes"? Who are you? I asked. Oh Sorry, Chap were here with Brian you know Brian Howe,
Bad Company. Well in that case I'd be happy to let you play my bass. The band played for an hour all cover tunes
Brian never got up to sing but the "guys" shreaded. Brian, and my family have had a good friendship.
Wile we were playing in the mid west Kenny left a note on his pillow telling us he went back to Florida. Advising us to do the same.
Wayne, after returning to Florida. decided not to rejoin the band who reformed as Soapy Tuna and Jesus Gun.
The band was signed by Geffen Records and changed the name to Cinder. Geffen, a year later dropped them.
Wayne never regretted the move not to rejoin them .
Fragile X - Somewhere in Milwaukee
2001-2005
Dwight had reformed Fuzzy Logic with other musicians and asked Wayne to play, doing gigs on the “Beach”.
Playing mostly at Casey's Alley. We never practiced and we really had to be on our toes. It kept our chops up.
After four years the band decided to take another break.
2005-2007
Wayne was approached by Low Rent a new band out of Port Charlotte for an audition, Wayne worked with Low Rent for two and a half years.
Wayne With - Low Rent
Wayne with - Low Renthttp://www.freewebs.com/clnronan
www.freewebs.com/leviathonproductions
www.myspace.com/wayneronan
www.myspace.com/leviathonproductions
www.myspace.com/clanronan
www.myspace.com/hrhedwardv
www.myspace.com/clanronan
www.freewebs.com/princeedwardv
www.myspace.com/azizmusic88
