The Knockoffs

David “Vid” James - Instruments: Drums/percussion, Vocals Vid hails from Miami, Florida, and grew up…everywhere. After settling down in the Quad Cities, he started making his way to local open blues jams, where he was introduced to the local music scene. Vid’s experience runs the gamut; he is, or has been, a member of Nervous Rex, Mr. Tripod, TPX, Wicked Nature, The Undertones, The Tailfins, Secret Squirrel, The Metro Gnomes, Paul Waters and The Lonesome Tears, and The V.J.J. Groove. He’s played with both The Coasters and Tommy Allsup at the legendary Surf Ballroom. Jerry Heard - Instruments: Bass, Vocals Jerry Heard brings a remarkably high degree of experience and professionalism to any ensemble that has the privilege of performing with him. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Jerry has been playing bass for over 35 years. In his career, he has played everything from Jazz to Blues, Contemporary Pop and Country to Classic Rock. He also plays and records with The V.J.J. Groove, a blues band preparing to release their debut album of original material. Prior to joining The Knockoffs, he played in (among others) Stellar Cellar, Why Not?, Wild Oatz, and Blues Flash; and was a founding member of Nervous Rex. Jeff “Doc VH” VenHorst - Instruments: Guitar, Vocals Doc is equally skilled in blues, country, and screamin’ metal. He has been a consistent fixture on the music scene for many years as a member of several bands; including The Tommy Knockers, Just Cuz, TPX, Nervous Rex , and the Metro Gnomes. Doc has been playing with Vid and Jerry for a long time, as together, they play and record as The V.J.J. Groove. He also currently plays in Bugeye Sprite. Butch Ranew - Instruments: Guitar, Vocals Butch is a Quad Cities institution. Along with his stints playing in local bands such as Erra, 4th and 20, and a previous incarnation of The Knockoffs (his tenure cut short when his job transferred him to Alabama), he can often be found volunteering his services as the QC’s best roadie at various music festivals in the Quad Cities. Hailing from the south, he brings to the Knockoffs a genuine Southern Rock sensibility. Nobody plays Lynyrd Skynyrd with more sincerity. The Knockoffs play a variety of the most popular cover tunes to please most any crowd and get them up dancing, as well as classic selections by bands such as Rush, Led Zeppelin, Wings, The Foo Fighters, and The Eagles; songs you can't hear anywhere else!