Rick Derringer coming to Stambaugh Auditorium

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rick Derringer 50th anniversary concert will come to Stambaugh Auditorium on Nov. 5.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the box office, 1000 Fifth Ave.; by phone at 330-259-0555; and at stambaughauditorium.com.

The tour marks the release of “Hang on Sloopy” a half-century ago by The McCoys, the group for which Derringer was guitarist and lead vocalist.

“Hang on Sloopy” hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in October 1965, and Derringer’s Dayton roots helped make it the state song of Ohio. It is played at Ohio State and other sporting events statewide.

The Rick Derringer Band, including Charlie Torres (bass) and Kenn Moutenot (drums), performed the song with the Ohio State University Marching Band at halftime of this season’s home opener on Sept. 12.

The audience will hear Derringer songs such as, “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo,” “Guitars & Women,” “Still Alive & Well,” “Real American – Star Spangled Banner,” “Rhapsody in Red,” “Frankenstein,” “Free Ride,” “Living in the USA,” “Sometimes” and “Hang on Sloopy.”

Special guests will include Derek St. Holmes, rhythm guitarists and lead vocalist in Ted Nugent’s band for 35 years; Joey Molland, guitarist for Badfinger; and Pat Travers of the Pat Travers Band.

Songs from each of those acts will also be performed, including “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Boom Boom Out Go the Lights.”

The opening act will be Youngstown-based jam band Jones for Revival.