Charlotte, NC

Thursday, April 09, 2009

For Immediate Release

Thursday April 8, 2009

Contact:

Herb Gross

704-846-0199 Office Charlotte, NC • 704-995-3343 Cell

E-mail: herb@herbgross.com

Rock Band Leader Run Over By His Big Caddy Hearse

•During the 60's, a rock 'n roll band known as The Invictas drove a 55 Cadillac hearse with gold racing stripes. The hearse was known for breaking down.

•The band became popular during the 60's with a hit record and dance known as The Hump. The song outraged parents, created fan clubs. The band would often arrive at the stage in their hearse surrounded by police.

•A few years ago, the band decided to reunite and rock one more time. Three of the four original band members, all in there 60's are on stage. But they needed a hearse.

•Herb Gross, the bandleader, purchased a 1984 hot rod Cadillac hearse from an emergency room doctor in Iowa City. Thousands of dollars have been invested rebuilding the 500 cubic inch engine, adding ghost flames, chrome wheels, new interior, brass knuckles on the gearshift, red scull on the hood, bucket seats, back seat and bar, air conditioning and yellow lettering on the sides and more.

•The hearse has it's own song entitled Big Caddy Hearse.

•Recently, the band was hired to play at The Villages and The Oldsmar Days Classic Rock festival in Florida. This was the first time in their 48-year history that the band played in Florida. The hearse would need to travel some 1200 miles. The trip was not without mishap.

•While in Florida the hearse broke down twice. The first time, a wire came loose and burned out the coil. The repairs and flat bed towing was about $300.

•Next, the hearse was then taken on the road for a video shoot. The battery charge light lit up and the hearse stopped again. The video crew and Herb had to push the hearse off the road, that's when it happened.

•Herb was pushing the hearse on the driver's side while steering the hearse. Steering was difficult because the power steering was out. He tripped, fell under the hearse and the front wheel went over Herb's right foot, ankle and leg. The hearse weighs some 6900 pounds.

•The pain was severe, I thought I had a broken leg and possibly worse. The video crew pulled the hearse off me; I got to my feet and was amazed. I was able to walk with a slight limp and there was no obvious damage other than a swollen ankle. I was very lucky," says Herb. Hearse repairs about $700.

•Herb points out that on several occasions, at outdoor shows it has stopped raining when it's time for The Invictas to play. When the band is done, it starts raining again. "I don't know what is going on, but perhaps we are doing what we're meant to do?"

•Since reuniting, the Invictas have played with The Beach boys, rocked thousands of fans, been on national TV and appeared in newspapers across the country.

•The Hump is still a favorite song and dance at events. Now, the parents and grand parents are dancing to The Hump.

•The original band members include Jim Kohler on bass, Dave Hickey on drums, Herb Gross on guitar. Dave Profeta on lead guitar and Sam Gruttadauria on keyboards also join the band.

•The Invictas are based in Rochester NY, Herb lives in Charlotte, NC.

•The band says at their age they have to be prepared for anything so they need their hearse.

•On eBay, an original copy of the band's 60's album entitled The Invictas A Go Go is considered a collector's item and sells for hundreds of dollars. A single copy of The Hump can sell for over $50.

•The band calls their events The Rock Till Ya Drop Tour. Rock Till Ya Drop is a philosophy of life about people following your dreams and passion like the band is doing.

The band has a book; CD and TV concept entitled Rock Till Ya Drop.

• "There's no money in this, were doing it for fun and we still love to play The Hump" says Herb. The band features a Hump dance contest at their gigs.

End

Web site: www.theinvictas.com

Media Download site: www.theinvictas.com/media.html

Herb Gross

Herb Gross & The Invictas

Charlotte, NC

704-846-0199