'70s BAND RASPBERRIES TO REUNITE
Entertainment

The original members of Cleveland-based pop rock act the Raspberries will reunite next month as the doors open on a new House of Blues venue in the city. There are plans to film and record the Nov. 26 concert, the band's first in 31 years.

The Raspberries formed in 1970 and solidified the lineup of singer/bassist Eric Carmen, guitarists Wally Bryson and Dave Smalley and drummer Jim Bonfanti the next year. In 1972, the band scored a No. 5 hit on Billboard's Hot 100 with "Go All the Way" and a No. 16 placing with "I Wanna Be With You."

After a few other minor hits, the group underwent lineup changes and took "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)" to No. 18 on the chart in 1974, the year before disbanding.

Carmen, Bryson, Smalley and Bonfanti sparked reunion rumors a few years ago, although an expected tour failed to materialize. With rehearsals for the House of Blues gig already underway Cleveland, this time the show looks likely to come off.

Tickets go on sale Saturday (Oct. 9) via Ticketmaster. General admission will be $45 while a VIP ticket guaranteeing a seat and a meet-and-greet with the band will run $100.

Billboard.com / October 5, 2004