For anybody who remembers Pittsburgh hard rockers Diamond Reo from the 1970's, the original drummer for that group, Rob Johns, died on Jan. 9 at the age of 56. Rob and Diamond Reo (which also featured Norman Nardini on bass) scored a Top 40 hit in 1975 with their version of "Ain't That Peculiar." After Diamond Reo, Rob also played drums with The Silencers, and was involved in rock and blues projects through the '90s. He also sang and played guitar.
A special benefit to help Rob's family with funeral expenses took place at Moondogs in Blawnox this past Sunday, and featured Rob's Diamond Reo bandmates Norman Nardini and Warren King, along with a number of other longtime Pittsburgh area musicians.
More info is available through Norman Nardini's website, www.normannardini.com.
