Died On This Date (July 10, 2013) Peppie Marchello / The Good Rats

Peppie Marchello
1948 – July 10, 2013

Peppie Marchello was the front man of the group Rolling Stone once called “the world’s most famous unknown band,” Long Island, New York’s the Good Rats.  Formed while Marchello was in college during 1964, the group, originally called U-Men, achieved moderate success but remained largely a cult band throughout their run.  In 1969, now going by the Good Rats, they released their self-titled debut which was followed by their most popular album, 1974’s Tasty.  Meanwhile, the band built a sizable following thanks to their live performances fronted by the charismatic Marchello.  More solid albums followed throughout the ’70s and ’80s along with key opening slots for the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Rush, and KISS, but none of that was quite enough to push the band beyond cult status – to the amazement of many.  Since then, Marchello continued on with one variation of the band or another right up until the time of his passing.  He also spent some years performing, writing and producing with his son, Gene Marchello under the band name, Popzarocca.  On July 10, 2013, Peppie Marchello suffered a fatal heart attack.  He was 68.

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