Biography

Violet Vicious and The Vagabonds began as a “basement band” in July, 2007. The original members were Carly Gielarowski (Vocals, Guitar), Phil Freeman( Bass), and Leo Back( Guitar). Our original name was “Under Siege”. Within a month we were joined by Juni (from the band Scale) on drums. Carly had previously been writing songs on a classical guitar and had played a variety of open mic’s, coffee houses and other venues. ( Most notably, Heartland Café, Synergy West, and the Aquage Trade Show at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC.)

We began the process of rearranging Carly’s songs to go “electric”. We scheduled to go to Fabsound Studios in early November to cut a 4 song demo of all original music. Just a week before this was to happen, Juni left for Japan to take care of family matters and to live. After a week on intense looking for a replacement drummer we found AJ who played all percussion on our demo & did a hell of a job to boot! What followed was 3 months of countless personnel changes on bass & drums. Phil left the band for personal reasons and AJ was playing for 4-5 bands and couldn’t fully commit.


In mid February 2008 we met Pablo Marotta, who joined us on drums. Pablo is an outstanding individual who brings excitement & dedication to the band. A bass player also joined us and we booked our debut gig for the Elbo Room 4/2/08. Just a week before that show, our bass player announced he was quitting. Ah, the life of music right?


In preparation for our first gig, we had done a couple of “tune-ups” at open mic’s. Horseshoe Lounge in Schiller Park and the Hollywood Lounge on the Northside. At the Hollywood we had met Eric Walker. Eric is one baaad ass bassman who played in a power trio jamming out to Cream, Hendrix, and smokin’ blues. Eric agreed to join us just days before our gig and voila! Our line-up was finally set and our gig was smoking!

In June 2008 through a turn of events, Phil Freeman, original VVV bassist, returned to the band replacing Eric( leaving to pursue other interests- "The Hall Effect"- they do very cool blues). Within a month, after playing gigs at Underground Lounge, Deja Vu, and the Chicago Peace Fest, VVV went on a six month hiatus. While suffering downtime, Leo sat in with Blu Willy T and The Midnite Lovers then worked with John James Cindric to get "The Rare Groove Project" off the ground. Check Johnny's songs out at www.myspace.com/johnjames73.

In November 2008 VVV regrouped with Carly on Vocals, Leo on Lead Guitar, and the rhythm section from Blu Willy T and The Midnite Lovers, Mo Thirus - Bass / Vocals From Punk-Funk to Supper Clubs, "BEEG MO" has played it all. A studied Classical Guitarist, "BEEG MO"'s fluent styling adds the melodic punch and bad ass bottom that VVV had been seeking. Chuck Franklin - Drums / Vocals / Percussion."MR. CHUCK" has toured with Harvey Mandel, Teddy Pendergrass and other nationally known acts, and also brings to VVV the punch we needed on Percussion and Vocals.


Carly's( aka Violet Vicious) songwriting is drawn from her unique view of personal experiences; her struggles, relationships, political views, and her passions. Add Leo's arrangements and smokin' guitar, toss in Chuck's beat, and cook in Beeg Mo's bad bass bottom and voila; you have VVV's own unique sound!


VVV is together to make music without getting caught up in the image, hype, and “here today, gone tomorrow” fads of most of mainstream music today. We play original music drawn from life’s experiences with a choice cover or two thrown in. Our sound is distinct and we will continue to grow and develop it so that you-our awesome fans- can relax, have some fun, & groove to great tunes!


Keep checking back with us as we have new songs in the cooker, new dates coming up soon, a VVV fan mailing list, and just lots of great stuff coming your way!

Peace and Love VVV

For booking or info e-mail: vvvagabonds @aol.com or call Leo (773) 339-5535