Hold On/Surf City

From the Crack The Sky DVD "All Access" a performance from the New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh PA 2008. The DVD is mixed in stereo and 5.1 Surround and contains most of the show from that night in Pittsburgh, as well as the complete set played for the Rites of Spring Music Festival (RoSFest) at the Keswick Theater, Philadelphia PA 2008. You can order the DVD from the band's website: www.crackthesky.com
John Palumbo - guitar, vocal
Rick Witkowski - guitar, vocal
Joey D'Amico - drums, vocal
Joe Macre - bass, vocal
Bobby Hird - guitar, vocal
Glenn Workman - keyboards, vocal

[@BUNKERJR53]

Baltimore's finest. Maryland radio stations knew they were great when they heard them. The most amazing underrated, unheard band on the planet. They should have been a world wide hit. It's the world loss!!!!!! I'm glad I'm a Maryland native and have been with them since the beginning.

[@twootters7433]

Sorry to tell you, but Crack is from VA. Granted half the band are ex- Ryvans.

[@harvey66616]

@@twootters7433 _"...Crack is from VA"_ -- Sorry to tell you, but CTS is from **West** Virginia.

[@briankelly4050]

Have been fortunate enough to see them live 4 times over a period of 40 years. Great underrated band.

[@kennethpeller7411]

Seen them many times at painters mill at least 10-15 times

[@bnes211]

Why was this Band Not Bigger ! They were F* Amazing !

[@michaelhiob8011]

Correction…they ARE amazing!😊

[@michaelhiob8011]

Excellent tunes. I’ve seen CTS many times over many years and they never disappoint! And JP, you’re looking and sounding so good!👍🏼😎

[@reggiemoses2508]

The GREATEST unknown band that never made it.....THESE GUYS ROCK !

[@viking4130]

These guys are so badly overlooked and underrated . They Rock and have since 1976. Ice is one of my top ten favorite songs.

[@kiltedcampers]

Some people just don't get progressive rock

[@dalehymes6004]

Joe Macre, one of my favorite bass players. And a superb guy.

[@caramanico1]

I've been to 300+ concerts in my life, and I've never seen a crowd or heard of a fan base as devoted and lovingly crazed as a CTS crowd. They deserve it and earn it because of superb individual musicianship, great songwriting and that certain something that makes them more than the sum of their parts. Live, they are so tight they squeak and they love meetiing their fans and returning the love. Good and classy guys to top it all off.

[@raymiller389]

Man Watching this brings back some good times, seeing them at Painters Mills in Owings Mills MD, what a great place to see them. the place was not large but made it more intimate that way the stage was in the center of a round room with a great view from anywhere you sat. also saw them at the one and only Hammer Jacks another great place in Baltimore for bands. And your right when you say we love us some crack the sky.

[@micg8700]

I saw them at Painter's Mill as well! Loved that theater in the round, I was about ten feet from Joe Macre on the right side of the stage. I believe he was wearing a tux. Love that Bobby Hird joined up with them. I used to follow him with Climbadonkey in the late 60's. I went to school with Fred Tepper at Milford Mill. Great times!

[@kennethpeller7411]

Saw them many times there at painters mills

[@blueunicornhere]

Wish I lived on the east side. I came to this party late and found crack the sky in the 90's . I wish I could see them live.

[@mc2mc277]

I played the shit out of these guys when they came out in the ‘70s and I was a radio DJ. Saw the original band live. IMO, the two best “unsung” American bands ever…CRACK THE SKY and the GOOD RATS!!

[@CharlieHillerman]

The mid '70s was my coming of age and intro to concerts... Great Times

[@davemiller498]

my wife and both of my kids (23 and 19) just saw them at the Recher Theater in Towson, MD on 4/13/24 and they ROCKED! Like fine wine, they got better with age. So talented!

[@lesaanngaddess]

How are people able to resist dancing to this?! :D

[@kennethpeller7411]

Wish i still had a copy of live sky had it on cassette and wore it out

[@kennethpeller7411]

Can't get another copy there out of print

[@RussellKennington]

I’ll never forget seeing them live in Atlanta in 1978. UnREAL!

[@gtmust46]

The bass player is Joe Macre-the original player from the 70s when Crack 1st started out.

[@gregc1331]

Wore out my copy of Safety In Numbers, one of my all time faves when I was younger. Your music still holds up!

[@Drk-oz8tn]

One of the best prog rock bands ever! Always will love CTS, one of my first concerts as a kid, still great, keep rocking! ❤❤❤

[@puntagordy]

I love these guys since 1977.

[@DogDoc1991]

For me it's been since 1975.

[@hondotoo]

bought safety in numbers in 78 been a fan since

[@brookamos5787]

saw them in November 1979 at the Baltimore Civic Center with Foghat, Boston, and Ruth Copeland. these guys blew the rest of them out of the water. of course that's Baltimore, all us Balmorians see it that way when it comes to Crack the Sky! :)

[@juilliardreject8767]

+Brook Amos ... Was there as well .... under the speakers on the left side of the stage ...couldn't hear for a week.

[@brookamos5787]

too funny. you had a great spot. was upstairs and couldn't hear for at least a day. my most memorable concert!

[@williamreilly3172]

Baltimore in the house~~~

[@fled25]

Brook Amos It was actually in December of '76 unless they had the exact same lineup in '79

[@fled25]

bucky468 Ruth Copeland at the time had a song/Lp out titled Take Me To Baltimore

[@jameslaclair4585]

I’ve listened to these guys forever. Rock&Roll genius

[@helpmenow7]

John and Rick are the roots of this band

[@cosmicowboy111]

Totally underrated band ... incredible!

[@waynemccuen8213]

The 12 thumbs down, people who couldn't turn this up loud enough!

[@jeffmitchell3979]

Awesome, Grew up with these guys ....I've been a fan since 1976...and They're still Rocking.....

[@blueunicornhere]

Ick witkowski is one of my all time favorite guitarists.

[@courtbeall7768]

Rick was stealin' a little "Shakin' All Over" riff in the Suf City Intro.I loved it.

[@RussellKennington]

I caught that too.

[@robertkess9907]

I'm still so grateful that they were able to make a great concert film, this band deserves to have it's live act captured properly. And four out of the five originals are all here, Macre sounds in fine form.

[@paulpliakas3000]

Great band. I bought the first two albums when they came out. I think I saw them once, too.

[@kennethpeller7411]

Shoo I've seen them so many times at painters mills music fair I've lost count

[@dennisjonescentral]

Moved to LA from Baltimore in 1985. Kixs DC Star, The Ravens, all great bands. Could never understand why these guys didn't blow up world wide. Damn shame. Anybody remember Climb A Donkey. The Manor Tavern or Four Corners Inn

[@donnaplumridge9769]

I remember those places, then you must remember Seagull Inn in Middle River, where DC Star used to play.

[@dennisjonescentral]

@@donnaplumridge9769 Yes I do. What about Coast to Coast?

[@donnaplumridge9769]

@@dennisjonescentral Unfortunately, no I don’t. I remember going out to Manor Tavern and Four Corners, also Cub Hill Inn to see a band Great Train Robbery, did a mean version of Green Grass and High Tides by Outlaws. After DC Star broke up, he was the lead singer of Great Train Robbery. Have you ever seen CTS in concert?

[@greenscarab2]

Oh my god the people in the front are like stachues... if I was there I would be going nuts. I love these guys, o grew up with them. They were so popular in germany.🤩 After all years they sound as fantastic now as then . I get goose bumps.

[@greenscarab2]

And you can tell how they good they are because this sounds so good and its live!!!!!💓

[@cumoncents]

There's one more...one, two, three HOLD ON! true CTS style, these guys are brilliant! Why they never got the big spotlight beats me, but Baltimore's got/gets em! Loved them from the beginning.

[@AcesMacRae]

Uncle Jim turned me on to Crack the Sky! ❤️🤘😜

[@rockdirector]

I'm 47 and I feel like a teenager watching these guys. Can't believe I didn't know this song/record/band my entire fucking life. *Hangs head in shame*

[@g.m.pinnere7561]

After listening to music on the radio for so many decades, I'm surprised that this is the first time I've heard of CTS and heard them play. I was very impressed by their music in a live performance. Some of the commenters seemed so concerned about many in the audience who were not dancing. Are they kidding? Why would anyone be dancing and not focusing on such a great live performance of a band with such highly talented and entertaining musicians? Anyway, before I saw this live performance, I heard the song (on video), "Don't Close Your Eyes" from their new album, 'From The Wood.' It's mostly an acoustically-oriented album with six of their original members playing. Again, I was very impressed by their great sound and performance. Check it out and "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."

[@billa8603]

hoping to see them in Have De Grace MD May 2023

[@richdys]

They are so good. What progressive music could have been. Muscular, intense, sophisticated and interesting. Bassplayer is really extraordinary. Get charged up everytime I come back and listen to this ten minutes of music.

[@quaifong]

These guys had a core of fans in WNY, saw these guys in a bar in the mid 70's, maybe they just came down from an acid trip just to play for us, all I know is, It was a good time!, " I ain't leavin' 'till they play Ice!' ..... exerp from 17 year old (shhhh) me LOL

[@quaifong]

uhhhh, we wern't sitting down :p

[@FidlerSongs]

Amazing, talented band! the energy is hard to beat!!

[@johnnysfunzone743]

Bassist killing it! Recall hearing them on a 101 FM live from Jazz City studio in New Orleans with the amazing Cosimo Matassa mixing. Cosimo would walk into the room, tell the band to play a song, he'd listen and then go back in the control room and DUPLICATE EXACTLY what he heard. CTS on that broadcast was ear candy!

[@gillmacgillechiaran5651]

It was ‘77 or ‘78, when a very stoned younger version of myself heard a distant sound while loafing about the campus of Marshall University in WV. Followed that sound until I ended up in the music department auditorium where CTS was doing a free show - all the tunes from Safety in Numbers. I was spellbound. This band was at least as good as McCartney in ‘73... better than any I’d heard to that date... I’ve seen CCR in ‘70, Chicago in ‘72, Rundgren, the Stones, CS&N, Rod Stewart & Faces... and so many more. Those were the good old days - but - talent is ubiquitous and timeless. There’s always great new music. And CTS continues to make fab tunes. Check out their 2018 release, Living in Reverse. It’s fuckin’ great!

[@TheBadThad]

CTS, awesome band! Saw them live circa 1985, it was the best concert I've seen. They were absolutely incredible back in the day. CTS was progressive rock before progressive was much of a thing.

[@CaseyVan]

Progressive rock was already pretty much in it's full maturity by the time Crack the Sky put out it's first album. Let's see Dark Side of the Moon, Yes Close to the Edge, Genesis - The Lamb Lies down on Broadway, E.L.P - Brain Salad Surgery, Focus - Hocus Pocus, Edgar Winter - Frankenstein, Gentle Giant - Free Hand, King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King, Frank Zappa - Apostrophe. Supertramp - Crime of the Century, Rennaisance - Ashes are Burning What great prog band did not have a great album out by that time other than maybe Rush which was doing Caress of Steel about that time. I can't think of many.

[@bubbalou2460]

Don't forget about the bubble puppy, return to forever, yessss

[@NickSharpe]

they were apt for the time, '76 Alex Coolie's Electric Ballroom, ATL. Funny thing, on the album cover they look well fed, on stage the ravages of the road were taking their toll (and not even a year into it!) I was 15 in 1970. Totally strung out on radio, hangin a the local record store, etc... ummm... prog rock? when were you born? "Yes" kicked the door down for prog and these guys show up some 5 years later (throw in King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Genesis, The Flock, ad infinitum...). Crack The Sky actually got airplay in ATL back then. Very cool. (One of the very few concerts I went to see from hearing on the radio. Back then I was workin 5-6 niters constantly, so it was hard to get out)

[@Drchainsaw77]

@@@CaseyVan Quite true. In fact, by the time CTS I came out in 1975, most of those bands were at the end of their most creative years. After that point, you've got Wind & Wuthering, Animals, Going for the One, and Novella, and precious little else!

[@mainzergirl9610]

Saw them perform this about a month ago in Annapolis Maryland. Still rockin'!

[@deangardner4877]

Always loved hearing c.t.s. music

[@josephlewis2426]

To say that this band is under rated would not even come close. They are the definition of loose but tight. This stuff is so hard to play,just listen to all of the time changes and stops.I still don't understand why they never got the recognition they deserved! Compare this to the SHIT that passes for music today and it will become "crystal" clear! !!

[@ejomo11]

I never understood why they never made it big either.. I did my part, though.. I forced everyone at every party I went to in the Philadelphia area back in the late 70s to listen to "Live Sky". I was the only person who had that record. I felt so proud that I knew of this amazing band that no one had ever heard of. Very few liked it. I think that they were just too intelligent for the average music listener. Dixie Dregs is a great comparison. I am a guitarist, and there are some bands that can only truly be appreciated by other musicians. Well, musicians and people that may not be musicians, but can appreciate GREAT musicianship! Most people don't give a rip about that kind of thing. Their Loss..

[@josephlewis2426]

+eric moser As you know from my original post these guys are hands down one of the most technically proficient bands along with being grossly underrated ! I am glad to se that you share my sentiments. I too am a musician (drummer ) and most things are pretty easy for me to pick up. (not trying to boast) but this music is always challenging to learn to say the least! Thanks for the e-mail and keep rocking Crack The Sky! PEACE.

[@timscott6081]

Yep...most people like simple hooks, and songs that are easy to dance to...These guys are incredible..I saw them in Dundalk Md. 18 months ago, and John Palumbo was very ill, and in the ICU...I met Steve Morse of Dixie Dreggs a few years ago, and his band plays stuff that has mostly musicians in the crowd when bands like this play out live..I grew up listening to early Genesis, Yes, and Jethro Tull, and I'm surprised these guys didn't reach the popularity of those bands.. I've got to buy this DVD !!

[@CaseyVan]

Yes I noticed that right away and actually the singer was bragging about how they are really tight. He just started singing, and although they are playing really intricate stuff they are playing it like it was just Rock'n'Roll. Genius. This is what I want to do.

[@simonsbuddy]

Just as amazing as they were back in the day...and that lead player has really got it!!

[@tommercury4974]

Best band you should have heard of

[@richdys]

Always thought that this is what progressive rock could have been. Rock solid, sophisticated musically and lyrically but not so taken with look what great musicians we are. Sophisticated Rock and Roll at its best.

[@susankane3137]

Agreed poster

[@CaseyVan]

I agree. Prog went too commercial too fast with out really being creative about finding a more accessible sound. Newer prog acts acts are all about instrumental prowess and it's formulaic which bores me to tears.

[@comsense9638]

Genesis,Yes,ELP,King Crimson in that order..

[@dorianedwards8522]

This is as close to Zappa as you can get, unless you go to see Dweezil. They have the same off-the-wall vibe and complexity and sophistication and humor in their music. Frank would certainly love it and probably did like it back in the day.....

[@brucekevin8472]

Cool as it was... we saw them open up for Zappa at The Capial Center in 70 something. Loved them ever since!! And again just a month ago at The Avalon Theater in Easton, MD. Obviously a sold out show. A glorious night for all!

[@rayalcorn9230]

One word.... Talent.

[@claytonhiggins9115]

Impossible. Nobody's that good. Holy Shit.

[@kiltedcampers]

You guys rock so hard. wow - just love it...

[@regmoe]

The BEST BAND outta Baltimore in a long, long time...even though they really weren't from Baltimore.....

[@rogermansour6085]

Fantastic band.Like YES, ELP, King Crimson,Kansas. Great musicians. Evangelist Roger Mansour former Leslie West Vagrants Drummer

[@billcain9249]

Saw CTS in a small down stairs club called Four Corners in MD. Buzzy Linhart opened. Cool show

[@mikelovesdeb]

Baas Player is off the charts !!!! WOW Nice. From: Drums are cool

[@MSPARKS]

Michael Drexler bass player is Joe Macre. One of the best I've ever heard .

[@owenmasters4365]

Joe is my bass teacher lol

[@jimmullenax9796]

They are still together playing bars

[@ArthurESnyder44]

Dynamite upload!!! MUST OWN THIS NOW!!!!!!!

[@robertblack2274]

love them have been seeing them for 30 years

[@TheJoshA]

SO TIGHT !!!

[@GlennSSmith]

Saw these guys in a little basement cafe in Maryland in the beginning.

[@gozanelli]

The boys were enjoying themselves, their music still rocks......... Lucas J said “smoking”

[@courtbeall7768]

I was in the balcony and as blown away as ever.

[@tvcameraop1451]

awesome song awesome bass Joe Mac!!

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

Just fucking fantastic..grew up on their shit. !!

[@susanbittner5826]

saw at pier six with Boston although saw them frequently I would have loved it of they were on longer Boston was really good but crack the sky. well ..

[@jimrocker6027]

Should of been larger! I miss those early days! Hey Whitey!!!!

[@scottdematteo]

Awesome video. Love at time index 9:25 when Rick Witkowski jumps and and nearly yanks his guitar cable out, pic on amp almost goes flying also. Saw CTS at Rams Head in Annapolis Sat January 16 2016, awesome show.

[@kobayashiMaroo]

my first concert in '76 or '77, CTS opened for someone (who will remain nameless but who put me to sleep). Oh, they were so good. Saw them again in the 90's at their home club in Towson where everyone in the audience seemed to be friends with at least one of the guys in the band and we all had an awesome night :)

[@tracyalley2206]

grew up in Essex MD, rembered them in the in the village or tj]he tall trees, so cool to re- rember such a cool band on line living los angles, but growing up in Essex by the funneral home by the 702, you guys still rock. thanks for the memories, sans the coke,

[@jnmbiz166]

Love these guys for a long time. I had a chance to roadie for "No Heroes" FANTASTIC MEMORIES (Luv you Vanessa)

[@ronaldburton4782]

Awesome...

[@Dannoga]

The audience is from the morgue? These guys rock!

[@fibo12358]

niiiIIICE!! one of my favs now! reminiscent of Steve Morse from Dixie Dregs. keep it going, gents!!

[@BMIGuitarist]

John Palumbo monster bass

[@mrsullyrox]

at one time(about 1975) they all lived in Irvington NY i used to see these guys around town- they would take the train into NYC i presume they were recording and doing album shoots etc

[@AbsoluteAwesomeEnt]

CTS is Musical Genius!

[@scorpio66invt]

It is really Kick Ass to see Joe Macre crank and bang it out on this DVD and at these shows.... I must admit my FAV is the intro dialogue to "She's A Dancer"...JP and Joe didn't rehearse this, was off the cuff of Joe M & JP and the rest of the guys just ran right with it !!!!!

[@PastorJamesGillespie]

Was in New Orleans whe nthese cats broke loose. The radio was buzzing with Physical Grafetti, Good Bye Yellow Brick Road and CRACK THE SKY.

[@jimmullenax9796]

The best band that never made it

[@dickgizinya7946]

These guys are soo good it's like Band Practice.

[@utoobia]

Great live version! What's up with the lame crowd?

[@Boozehero]

I bought their first album... I was floored by their complex music renditions. Wow! How long ago was that ?? 1978?

[@scorpio66invt]

1974

[@stevegoon7071]

Earlier than 1978, as I had a couple of their albums by the time I graduated HS in '79. Complex indeed!

[@markhaus1329]

First album was 1975

[@josedaniel4725]

Got to see them perform with Budgie in the seventies cool band Rock ing in SATX

[@Sabredance66]

G'day Jose - do you remember where and when the gig with Budgie was?

[@jimrocker6027]

Wow, wish I would have known that? That my years or seeing live rock concerts, B'more Civic Center, Hammerjacks etc! Great, real Rock Music back then!

[@wesleycarusos1265]

One of the best bands ever!! Palimino V32 one of my rigs!

[@jerrylehti7230]

good stuff

[@conaw002]

A 30 year NC fan. Never seen them live . I hope they tell me when they come to NC.

[@AbsoluteAwesomeEnt]

LOVE THIS SONG!!! So Awesome To See Em Do It Up Close & Personal! Getting Back To The Future! [Of Awesomeness!]

[@bitewingrocks]

Bought this album (early 80's?) for a quarter new at Kmart. Thought the cover was cool. Was a surprise then how much I liked it and this is just awesome to find they are still rockin'. Definitely one of the bands that should have had more recognition.

[@arniemax1]

such a great sound, among all the usual stuff. Never fully realised for some stupid reason. I see Palumbo and I believe Rick, original guitarist. MUST See the 'Basement Video' for Cystic Fibrosis. Crack the Sky like I've not heard before. Surf City swingin'

[@TSSVillains]

im in this video! behind the fat guy with the david wright jersey haha

[@larryeaton4263]

I heard these guys on college radio in the late 70s but didn't catch the name. It was years before I heard them again and got the name. Forgive me. I'm from Georgia and it wasn't a thing here. But now I've often wondered why they didn't get the credit they deserved. For instance, I believe they inspired Nirvana. Listen and tell me you don't agree. They invented the play/ pause thing Nirvana got so much credit for .

[@marklarose8600]

cheers

[@rabbitking13]

i just saw em last nite..fukin rocked!!!!

[@ssurfcity]

Three thumbs up!!

[@warrenpope749]

I don't think they ever played New Orleans. I wish they would!

[@gswithen]

They played The Warehouse in '76.

[@warrenpope749]

In '76, I woulda been 14.... Just a bit before my time...@@gswithen

[@Wolfie66]

What a fucking deadbeat audience! I would have been jumping! CTS is fucking awesome!

[@thewolson220]

The fact the audience isn't dancing is beyond me.

[@keniac14]

They f'ing rock !