pipe-dream-chicago - Band Profile Page

Chicago based Rock Cover band, Pipe Dream, calls themselves “Chicagoland’s Rock Difference” for a reason. The wide range of music they play varies from Pat Benatar to Tom Petty to Journey. The band’s play list encompasses songs from the 60's to now by over 60 artists. Most of the songs you hear them play you will instantly recognize. But the music all manages to sound cohesive. “Very familiar” – as one fan put it – and all part of the experience. This band began as a bunch of older musicians who had always had a Pipe Dream of playing great rock music together. From time to time the band writes a few originals but mostly they perform covers of great rock songs.

Bob Doto always wanted to play piano but never had one growing up so he never had lessons. At 18, he got access to a piano and just worked at it until he finally figured it out. He then joined Topaz where the highlight was writing and performing the theme song for the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. Bob then took a long hiatus from playing in public until 5 years ago when he joined the School of Rock adult band (Noizy Neighbors) which rekindled his passion. He has since played with 12:30 Something and now Pipe Dream.

Dan Hall started playing drums in 1965 when his older brother bought a drum kit. He played on these when his brother wasn't home since he didn't allow him to play his drums. Dan decided to take lessons along with his brother that same year. In 1969 Dan got his Ludwig drum kit for his 8th grade graduation. He played with many musicians for the next several years but couldn't find any with the devotion to play progressive rock to his satisfaction.

Dan was offered full time gigs with several established groups. However, he found playing with established groups required full time commitment. And playing the club circuit didn't pay well enough to pay the bills. At the time Dan was a full time union carpet installer.

He kept up playing at home for many years but upped his practice time when his youngest son took up the drums. Dan taught him and he picked it up very quickly. Within a year he was able to play like Dan but added some of the modern hard rock foot work. His son inspired Dan to up his playing.

Two years ago Dan joined Pipe Dream because of his love of music. Even though Pipe Dream doesn't play solely progressive rock, the combination of classic rock and progressive rock song choices are enough to keep Dan excited and challenged. Now that his 4 kids are out of college Dan can afford to play in a rock group. Dan plays both Ludwig acoustic and Roland digital drum kits, depending on the venue.

Joe Long began playing rhythm guitar in various garage bands until a long hiatus for a Navy career and raising a family. When Joe got back into music he went to school at Back Beat Studios and the School of Rock. It was at this time that he learned the Leads on many songs he had previously played Rhythm on. It was while Joe was playing gigs with Noizey Neighbors, the School of Rock adult band, that he was recruited for guitar and vocals by Pipe Dream.

John Ruther began playing Bass in a college fraternity band when he was 19. Since then he has played Bass off and on for 45 years while busy with school, the military and his career. Then during the past 10 years he has really concentrated on his instrument and has become very accomplished by playing virtually every day. Over the past 55 years John has played with Load Limit 5, The Barbarians, The Dennis Costis Band and even a Jazz group called The O.B. Manning Trio all before joining Pipe Dream. John plays Fender electric basses both fretted and fretless and can be seen playing either finger style or with a pick.

Kathy Long has been singing in the shower for as long as she can remember, which is about as long as the band members have been playing. Kathy has had formal vocal training, but only kept singing as a back pocket hobby. She’s a car-karaoke junky with 2 of the best back up singers that call her mom, turned singer in a rock’n’roll band.

Rob Retzer picked up the guitar in high school after discovering the Smashing Pumpkins. For years he wrote and played original rock in Prophets Town and Soulution. After meeting some friends at church Rob began playing in his first cover band 12:30 Something (Named for the time practice would start). He discovered the fun of playing cover songs and the joy it would bring those who would come to the shows.