“I’m sad at the end of Abbey Rodeo yet happy to have lived all the memories and good times.

In 2003, two significant things happened in my life:

1. The band Abbey Rodeo was formed. myself along with Fred, Verne, Bob, Debbie and Justin.

2. I met my girlfriend, the love of my life, Rose, at an Abbey Rodeo show.

Both have now lasted 23+ years (of course I hope to continue much longer with Rose). So, for that, I thank you Abbey Rodeo!!! As well as for 23+ years of good rockin’ and fun music & friendships.

So, let’s raise a glass or a guitar for a salute to Abbey Rodeo, past & present, and to all of you, our audience, for always being there when we needed you.

See y’all soon… Love & Peace.

Thank you!”

Chris Butcher – Vocals, Guitar

“23 years ago, I started playing music with Fred Grupe almost every day and eventually we started going to open mic’s, especially the Flying Burrito in Madison where we met Bob Yocum. Fred suggested that he, Bob & I go over to Chris Butcher’s home (who I didn’t yet know) to play music. Fred & Chris had been working for a couple of years on what they called “The Abbey Rodeo Project” and had written & recorded many songs, enlisting many of the area’s best musicians. We later took Abbey Rodeo as the name of the band.

On one of the first nights we went to Chris’s, Bob brought along Debbie Daniels, who played banjo & keys. Justin Butcher then joined us on drums and that was the beginning of Abbey Rodeo with these as the founding members-Chris Butcher, Fred Grupe, Bob Yocum, Debbie Daniels, Justin Butcher & me. Many others joined us over the years as existing members exited the band, and it has been my absolute pleasure to know and play with each of them.

What I will miss most about Abbey Rodeo are the practices where for the past 23 years, we came together about once a week and most every week. The math says it was something around 1000 times, so it had become part of the fabric of my life bringing big joy to my existence.

The camaraderie that develops within a working band is priceless and it’s these relationships I will miss the most.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and to those of you who became close friends over these years. Truly a gift!

Peace & happiness to all!”

Verne McClelland – Vocals, Guitar

“Sadly, Abbey Rodeo takes its final bow after 23+ years, and my heart is full of gratitude, pride, and a little heartbreak.

My thoughts first go to Freddy Grupe, one of the band’s founding members. If it weren’t for him, I would never have become part of Abbey Rodeo. Though he’s no longer with us, his passion and influence remain a lasting part of the band’s legacy, and I will always be grateful for the role he played in my life.

It has been an honor to share the stage with so many talented musicians, past and present. Watching the band evolve over the years and being part of that journey for more than a decade has been a privilege I’ll never forget.

To all the fans who supported us through the years, thank you. Every show, every dance floor, every song request, and every round of applause made it all worthwhile. You were the reason we loved doing what we did.

What I’ll miss most are the friendships, the laughter, and the camaraderie that comes from making music together. Thank you to everyone who was part of the Abbey Rodeo story—I’m grateful to have been along for the ride.

Here’s to Freddy Grupe, to Abbey Rodeo, and to 23+ years of great music.”

Jim Bonfanti – Vocals, Drums

“I am thankful for the laughter, camaraderie, musical talent, and memories created with my Abbey Rodeo band mates. The type of synergy we created is rare to find in bands.

I will also miss the many new friends I made along the journey. I loved performing again with my friend Jim Bonfanti and appreciated his mentorship, support, and our dynamic rhythm section. Maybe if the stars align we will perform together again.”

Chuck Citraro – Vocals, Bass

“I joined Abbey Rodeo at the Zenith of the covid pandemic. We couldn't even be in the same room for a couple months. All we could do is have Zoom meetings. Eventually the pandemic subsided and we got down to it. It was fun, it was challenging and it was amazing!

I will always be ever so proud to have been a member of the back line. Thanks everyone for all your support! I already miss my Abbey Rodeo family.

But then, all things must pass...”

Z – Vocals, Keyboards

“While this band has been around for 25 plus years, I've spent the last four as "the new guy." I can only say that everyone's response has been warm-hearted and gracious. I am wholly grateful. Thank You! Please feel free to look me up on Facebook and stay in touch.

As Groucho once sang....."Hello, I must be going. I came to say I cannot stay; I must be going. I'm glad I came but just the same I must be going."

Let's do this again sometime!”

Geoff Kelleher – Vocals, Guitar

“On behalf of the band, we wish to thank our amazing sound person, Steven Sigl! Steven provided a no-stress, great sound experience-time after time.”

Chris, Verne, Jim, Chuck, Z, Geoff