THRUST Classic Rock Show

Classic rock show 70’s style

THRUST is a genuine, hard hitting 70's Classic Rock band formed by keyboard man and vocalist Ron Tortu. He performed in popular bands Savage and Thrust throughout the 70’s in eight states in the Northeast. Ron also co-founded a classic rock band called The Burners that performed from 2002 to 2007. The members of Thrust are all seasoned 70’s rockers. In a world of “tribute bands”, Thrust has decided to take a slightly different approach by covering several different artist that fit their sound and style such as Cream, Foreigner, Bowie, Deep Purple, the Stones, and more. And the Thrust Classic Rock Show is delivered with a full production of lights, sound, and effects reminiscent of what occurred in the 70’s at a variety of venues.

Ron Tortu (keyboards/lead vocals) Ron’s desire to play a musical instrument began at a very early age and was influenced by his father’s love of music, Broadway plays, etc. By age 9, after pleading with his dad for a year to buy him an accordion, he began studying classical music transposed for the instrument. At age 17, Ron purchased a Hammond Organ and Mini Moog and began his professional career in the business, forming several bands (one of which was called Thrust. 2014, he was invited to record on a benefit CD “From the Heart”. And now, the time has come to do it again, forming an unbelievably talented team of classic rock musicians.

Mike Pagano:(drums/vocals) As a South Jersey boy, Mike has loved rock music since he heard The Beatles on WFIL in fourth grade. While in grade school he played clarinet and in high school started playing drums. In the 70's he played in quite a few rock bands, original and cover bands alike. And he declined an offer to play with original artists Bon Jovi in the late 70's. In the '80's he continued to play in original and cover bands and later joined up with Christian contemporary bands which he played in up to 2002. From there he played in a few club bands until 2012. He then did studio work only until 2018. His main influences are Ian Paice, Tony Williams, and Neil Pert.

Richie Mahn:(guitar/vocals)Richie starting playing guitar at a very young age and has never stopped. He is sort of a local Philadelphia/South Jersey legend, playing with a variety of popular bands including the legendary Dead End Kids. His sound and style of playing are a perfect fit for Thrust as he emulates that 70’s rock sound like no other. 

Jim Hines(bass) Jim has been playing bass since he was 13 yrs old and is a veteran of bands going back to the 70’s such as Gatsby and Auburn and eventually auditioning for and joining the U.S. Navy Music program in 1981. Tours with the Navy had Jim stationed in Com7thflt Band Yokosuka Japan, Navy Band Seattle, Navy Band Charleston and finally as Electric Bass Instructor at the Armed Forces School of Music. After leaving the Navy in 1989 he joined the 63rd NJ Army National Guard Band in Sea Girt, NJ and retired with just over 22 years of service in 2003. In addition he has had the pleasure of working with the Carl Granieri Orchestras as well as working as a sideman for Atlantic City Shows featuring, The Golden Boys (Bobby Rydell, Fabian and Frankie Avalon), Al Martino, Joan Rivers, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Martha and the Vandellas, Don Rickles, Debbie Reynolds and others.