
HISTORY
The original X-it band was formed in 1983 by some high school friends around the Eleva / Strum, WI area. Early on, X-it enjoyed tremendous success in the local and regional music scene. The band broke up in 2002 and pursued other successful area band projects. In 2007, some of the original members of X-it decided to reunite. After the reunion, the fire was once again lit. The band was put back together and renamed 2nd X-it (second time around). As the years went on, the band has seen a few changes, but one thing will always remain constant, 2nd X-it’s commitment to deliver high quality rock songs with precision and talent. Every member of 2nd X-it is dedicated to performing at a very high professional level. Exceptional musicianship, professional sound and lights, the ability to travel wherever, whenever, and the dedication to deliver the best rock cover songs every single show!
Big Lar - Lead Vocals - Larry hit the music scene in 1988 forming a band called Faces where he learned the ropes. In the late 80’s, Larry and the Losers was formed where Larry fronted and played rhythm/lead guitar. In the early 2000’s, Oilpan was formed. Oilpan performed on a limited basis in the Chippewa/Eau Claire, WI area for the next 10 years. In 2017 the opportunity to front the great 2nd X-It Band presented itself and Larry started working with 2nd X-it in April of 2017. Larry has been performing in bands for over 30 years as a lead vocalist and a rhythm guitar player performing all over the region from bars to festivals.
Double D - Guitar – Early on, Dave was formally trained on classical guitar. Dave started his music career on the acoustic guitar at very young age. Some years later, Dave was hired to be the lead guitar player in a ten-piece funk band where he displayed his incredible talent and diversity. Dave has also played in a successful Led Zeppelin tribute band. 2nd X-it contacted Dave in early 2007 and invited Dave to join as the lead guitarist. Dave's discipline, incredible diversity and attention to detail, makes him one of the best and most talented guitar players around! A true asset to 2nd X-it. text
Joe Frost - Bass - Joe has been playing in bands since the mid 80s starting off in his home town of New London Connecticut with metal band Allies in 1986. Since that time Joe has moved all around the country playing in bands in several cities Austin Texas, Honolulu Hawaii, Norfolk Virginia, and finally Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Joe is no stranger to 2nd X-it, he had spent a couple years with the band back in 2013, and with his return, his style once again fits the band like a glove!
Rick Thompson – Drums – Rick started playing drums at a very early age. Actually so early, we don’t even know what year! What we do know is at age 12, Rick joined his first band The Eldorado’s. The Eldorado’s was his family's band which he performed in for several years playing weddings, fairs, parties any occasion. In 1983, Rick met up with some high school friends and formed X-it. X-it was very successful playing bars and festivals around the WI / MN region. In 2002, X-it disbanded and Rick went on the form The Fury, Not Responsible and Mr. Hanky. All successful area bands including a Rockfest appearance on the main stage. In 2007, Rick decided to get the original X-it band back together to be called ”2nd X-it” (2nd time around). Rick is the original founding member and backbone of 2nd X-it since the beginning, 1983. Rick has performed for thousands of fans from all over the mid-west for nearly 5 decades and plans to go 5 more decades before retiring. Along with playing drums, Rick is the key contact person and handles all of the bookings.
Ken Oemig - Sound Engineer
Ken is a dedicated professional with a formal education and 20 years of experience who takes great pride in the work he does. He studied audio engineering under John "Chopper" Black (Paula Abdul, Loverboy) at Music Tech - which later became McNally Smith College of Music - in Minneapolis, where he graduated with honors in 2001. Ken ran sound for Phoenix on the main stage at Rock Fest in 2003 and 2004. For the next decade and a half, Ken would continue to hone his craft, twisting knobs for many local bands such as Radio Drive, Cat's Ass, and Twisted Rhythm to name only a few - all on his beloved analog - before finally going fully digital in 2019. Since making the transition, Ken has quickly evolved into one of the area's most sought after live sound engineers, becoming the top choice of several bands in addition to 2nd X-it, and he has even mixed several national acts to date. Ken also pushes faders at EveryBuddy's Bar and Grill - which features original music from local, regional, and national touring artists - where he has manned the board for Tantric and Texas Hippie Coalition to name a couple. Ken will no doubt continue to great things in the future, and we look forward to following his career, but for right now, we are very honored to be working with Ken, a true Professional!!