Johnny Bland

Johnny started out playing solo at Bobby McGee’s after being asked to play a couple songs during a break for the group Mandela. The owner liked it and offered him a Monday night gig. Over the years he played around Hampton Roads in rock groups and even a dance band at one point. All the while he still kept at least one night a week to play acoustic solo.

Johnny originally started The Baddadz in the late 80’s and early 90’s as a rock band with members Johnny, Steve Wood (guitar/vocals), Glen Barnes (drums/vocals) & Eddy Klaus (bass/sound). In 2000, Johnny took a five year break from music and returned in 2005 to play solo again. He revived the band as an acoustic duo when he started playing with Mark Alley in 2007. The group then added members Paul Blackburn that same year and Dave Green joined in 2009. The Baddadz were named acoustic vocal group of the year by Meona 3 years in a row and Johnny was named male vocalist of the year in 2008. In the fall of 2011, the band reformulated to include Michael Monahan with Dave and Johnny.

Johnny B as he is known, welcomes the new lineup and is amazed by the talented musicians that have allowed him to play with them over these many years.

 

Dave Greene

Dave was born and raised in Norfolk, and has lived here most of his life. He started playing in bands when he was in high school, and was active musically until 2001. During that time he was fortunate to be involved with some very talented players. “I got used to playing with good musicians, who had good vocal harmonies. Unfortunately, I gave music up when my work schedule changed, and then my bass went into the closet. I had pretty much lost interest over the years because I was kind of particular about what was important to me. That is good musicians, good harmonies, good songs, with guys that get along well with each other. It just doesn’t happen … and then this fell into my lap.”

Dave credits former Baddadz member Mark Alley, with getting him back into music.

 

 

Michael Monahan

Michael began his professional career at 17 playing solo at McGinnis Flint’s at the Ocean Front and at the Hard Rock on Colley Avenue in Norfolk. His first group was a trio with Louis Jones and Jim Evans. Over the years he played in several bands, from acoustic groups to Southern Rock, most notably the Austin Richmond Band, Street Talk, and Cam Head and the Noisemakers. He also appeared for several months as bassist for the Tom Farley Band. However, he is probably best remembered for his time in the band Paris, where he was first teamed up with Dave Greene. Michael joined the Baddadz in the fall of 2011, after an almost 20 year hiatus from performing.