FBI

Funky Blues Institution

Rodney Bickel  -  Bass & Vocals

“Steady”

My interest  in music began when I was 13 years old. I took bass lessons for a while and listened to the radio all the time. The first time I was on stage was at an FOP lodge in a 3 piece Country Rock and Swing band. A cheering audience encouraged me as I pushed forward. That led me to a band with my cousin and some buddies from school. For the next 10 years or so we played at all the local joints we could. The crowds loved our “classic rock style”. ZZ Top and John Melloncamp topped the charts and filled our song list, among others.

Later I was persuaded to join a Country Band. I stayed with them for 3 years or so, and then I tried my hand at Pop Rock. We had a lead female singer who had a great voice. She was without a doubt, the best singer I had ever played with, and our harmonies together sounded sweet. For a year or so I was in 2 bands at the same time running from stage to stage with each of them. I was having the time of my life.

Then in ‘89 I had an accident at work which left me with a short index finger on my right hand. My career stalled and I considered selling all of my equipment. I reluctantly held on to my Fender G&L and an old amp. I played only now and then and had little interest of ever being in a band again. Then in July 2002, I heard about a Blues Band in Union, Mi that was looking for a bass player.

I was itching to play again, so I auditioned for the Funky Blues Institution. It didn’t go very well the first try out, but they decided to give me a couple of weeks to get my chops back up and see what would happen. (They didn’t have anyone else to try out anyway). I began getting the feel for the “Blues”, so Greg and Denny kept me on and haven’t regretted it. I had “earned” my spot in the band!

My sound was lacking a good punch with my old amp, so I bought a new Hartke 410 amp, and just recently bought a 5 string Washburn to add to my equipment list.

My wife and soul mate, Donna, has supported me for many years in my music career, and for that I thank her. The rest of my family has also been a great support. God has given me the gift of music and I thank Him, and intend to use it as long as I can.

Influences include Stu Hamm; Stanley Clark; Johnny B. Gayden.