ABOUT THE BAND

Side Effects is a five-piece arrangement featuring acoustic rhythm guitar, electric lead and bass guitars, and conga percussion (additional vocal and percussion available for large shows). The band originated about seven years ago as a full electric band, but followed a classic rock genre to a lighter direction.

Side Effects now offers a mix of light and classic rock cover tunes by artists such as Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Free, Jefferson Airplane, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Allman Brothers, Rod Stewart, Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few.

Collectively, players in the band have over fifty years experience in live performances. The band’s vast musical influences include genres of rhythm & blues, classical rock, country and jazz. Side Effects' acoustic rhythm and conga percussion produce a clean and vibrant sound, but not too overpowering for smaller bars and taverns.

Pat Conover (Vocals, Percussion and Harmonica): Originally from Hot Springs Arkansas, Pat moved to Albany about 1981. Over the past twenty plus years, he has played in several area bands such as the Knight Kings, Mare’s Nest, Hotten Tots, and The Mob to name a few. His numerous musical influences include “all the classical blues artists” as well as being “steeped in R & B, country and gospel.” In addition to playing part-time with Side Effects, you can see Pat with another Albany-based band called Rumdummies.

Willy Welch (Electric Bass Guitar): Willy moved to the Capital District from the Finger Lakes in 1991. He has played 6-string guitar for over 30 years, and made the transition to bass guitar about five years ago. He has played in local bands in both Rochester and Albany markets. His musical influences include the Beatles, Kinks, Stones, The Who, and David Bowie to name a few.

Mike Ardman (Electric Lead Guitar): Mike is a native of the Albany area. He has played guitar on and off for over 20 years. His musical influences include a diverse mix of guitar-heavy bands such as Allman Brothers, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, as well as, more “melodious” bands such as Steely Dan, the Eagles, CSNY, and the like.

George Plopper (Percussion): Born and raised in Northern California, George moved to the Capital District in 2001. Formally trained as a jazz-rock bassist, he has been playing music for nearly 30 years. As a bassist, he played with Hypnotic Clambake, The Jazz Pigs, Lee Tyler Post, and Michelle Shocked. At the age of four, he fell in love with Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” and Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” then settled in for a long exposure to (classic) rock music, culminating with 40+ Grateful Dead concerts, from Chula Vista, California to Oxford, Maine. His current influences include West African and Cuban music, and despite the Dead shows he can still recite Jim Stafford’s “Wildwood Weed” from memory.

Bill Spillane (Vocals and Acoustic Rhythm Guitar): Bill is the 5th of 6 siblings from a large Irish/Catholic family of musicians & performers, born and raised in Saratoga county. His musical "career" began with a pair of drumsticks and pillows piled up into a makeshift drum kit, learning the likes of Led Zeppelin, Rush, Yes, Genesis, Heart and Pink Floyd. He then discovered the vocal range to sing these songs and then his oldest brother handed him a guitar. He trained for years as an actor/singer/dancer and has performed on numerous local, regional and European stages as well as film, TV and radio. Bill also sings lead for the Led Zeppelin tribute band, "No Quarter."

Laura Baboulis (Special Guest Vocals): Laura was previously a full-time member of the Side Effects, and now can be seen (and heard) singing lead vocal with the Albany-based band Mother McCree, as well as special guest appearances with Side Effects. A native of Delmar, NY, Laura's musical influences include the classic rock genre of Side Effects’ repertoire; and she has always been a fan-favorite to perform covers such Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane. Laura also has been involved in writing/producing original material. Give it a listen.