Just a small local band trying to go mainstream. Started by lead guitarist, Johnny Alpalucca, and keyboardist John Sanders, Uh-Oh-Go formed out of a string of chance meetings on a road trip to destiny. Tired of The Man getting them down, life long friends, John and Johnny, left their lives of hardship behind to pursue a simpler life. The first step towards this new way of life was a 2,000-mile road trip from east to west across the continental US to get back in touch with the love and peace of nature. With them they took nothing but an acoustic guitar, a small electronic keyboard, and Johnny’s ’02 PT Cruiser.
As they traveled the continent playing gigs for cash, it wasn’t long before they met a small town drummer as they passed through Melvin Village, New Hampshire (population 241). Del Chillman was playing a solo-drumming gig at Patrick’s Pub and Eatery. While chowing down on some pulled pork, John had the idea to add some color to the dry performance. He quickly ran out to grab his keyboard, followed by Johnny reaching for his guitar. They laid down some groovy melodies on top of Del’s righteous rhythm, and the music jazzed like it was meant to be. After the night was over and the bar was dark, John and Johnny shared their mission of the simple life and offered Del a free back seat. Del couldn’t refuse. The trio hopped into the PT and got back on the road.
Everyone was feeling good. They didn’t have much individually, but together their music brightened the souls of any who listened. Having always wanted to go to Memphis, Del strongly asserted they alter the route to accommodate. There were no objections. While listening in on one of their gigs, bass guitarist, Moose, couldn’t help but feel moved to join in. He jumped up on stage and laid down a bass groove that rocked the house. Moose gelled so well with John, Johnny, and Del, they had to offer him a seat in the PT. Although unsure at first, and turning down the offer, Johnny saw Moose in the rear-view mirror pedaling hard up hill on his bicycle trying to catch the PT as they were leaving town. Johnny quickly pulled over, ecstatic Moose had decided to come.
As they crossed the great plains, Moose started convincing the group that they should form a band and try to make it big. He said that their music could help bring peace and happiness to the rest of the world just like it did for them. Everyone agreed, and Uh-Oh-Go was formed. Named after John’s expression when the band’s camp was visited by a not-so-friendly bear.
It wasn’t till they reached the west coast that they found their fifth and final musician to complete the signature Uh-Oh-Go sound. The band had just finished a gig in LA and was leaving through a dark back alley when they heard a beautiful acoustic guitar arrangement and a humbling vocal echoing in the night. The band searched for a whole 5 seconds before locating the source of such enchanting melodies. When the man finished his song, everyone introduced themselves, but when the man said his name, he spoke so softly that no one could understand him. When they asked him to repeat himself louder, he spoke the same. So, although no one knows his name, he added the final touch needed for Uh-Oh-Go to be complete, and they convinced him to come with them.
After hanging around the west coast for a few years, Del learned about this great thing called the Internet where you could post videos and music on YouTube. He told the band that they could get their music out to the world if they got a computer and a video camera. Everyone pulled their funds together to get the hardware, and after a few months of posting to YouTube, they were discovered by Broken Child who took them under their wing to help them get started in the world of music.
Since then, Uh-Oh-Go’s fame has grown, but their message remains the same. As front man Johnny Alpalucca put it, “No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you try hard and put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”