In 1973, Three Guys named Peter Kruse(Drums)( (Kevin Purcell and the Night Burners ,Steve Arvey and The West Side Heat), Jim Reach(Bass),and Dave Westrom(vocals) teamed up in a Jam session with Mario Massi (Guitar ); Phidget, Ghost Ryder, Reckless Cowboys, Bananas) and Pal, Michael J Kurtz(guitar)(Kevin Lee and The Kings, Haf Bitten Moon, Bombs Away, Holy Moses ) to form what would be “Madfox’, The Original Rock N Roll band that would bring The Chicago area music scene to its knees.
Soon after forming, the band added Rich Forty on percussion . The band members would later became what was called a close knit ” family” who continue to be close today and resided together in what was known as the infamous “Madhouse in Oakbrook” and moving to the “Madfox Farm” in later days with their Beloved Dogs named Chaka(Sun and Ben).(See Below photo).
In late 1975 and early 1976 , Madfox began recording at the Chicago Recording Company and were managed by Chuck Stremski . In 1976, The Madfox members added Jan Robert Richardson on Keys, (vocals, guitar, harmonica )(currently with WD Gas, ) formerly with Phidget, Ghost Ryder, Reckless Cowboys, Bananas and Joliet Jakes ). The band “Madfox”as it stood for the next five years ,would soon be Crystallize! The Band was steadily writing and recording when in 1976, Peter Kruse left Madfox to pursue a successful career as an electrician. Westrom also left the group to open a branch of Soundz Music in Florida. Replacing Peter on Drums was incoming George Baumann (drums)Currently (WD Gas , The Smiley Tilmon Band, Mike and Mike )on the throne . The band would also add power vocalist Tony Gagliano (Star Trooper, Thief, Zendrummer).
In 1975-76 ,Madfox began to record their first Album with management of the band by Chuck Stremski. The LP was in progress at Chicago Recording Company when Tony Gagliano and George Baumann would join to finish the LP. Hits such as Disco Trash (1977), Hölly -Would, Better Days Are on the Way, (madfox on YouTube ) https://m.youtube.com/watch… and Only Alone were among a few favorites of the crowds. Not only did the songs rock ,but would capture the audiences and the Bands genuine love for music and each other. In 1977-78 The band flourished under the management of Barry Fox, (Twogether Productions) and played with heavy hitters such as the international and famous artists UFO in December of 1978. The band went on to play successful shows and venues all over the national circuit with artists Edgar Winter, Spirit , John Cougar Mellenkamp, The Outlaws, Rick Derringer, Iron Butterfly, Cheap Trick ,and headlining the 1978 Chicago Fest “Rock around the Dock”.

The band went on to prove their Original music was worthy and enjoyed , while their massive following demanded their presence in the greater Chicago scene . The group played venues and favorites such as B’Ginnings, Rush West, Park West , Huey’s and the infamous Haymakers ! Songs such as Disco Trash, Better Days are on the way, Hölly Would , add are just some of the Original music from this Rock Sextet.(see video below)
Madfox would come to an end in May of 1981 when the band made an agreement in January 1981 that they would move forward if they weren’t signed to a major Record Label by May of that year .
In May 1981,The band would break up as agreed , but the family would continue. Madfox re united In 2014 and again in 2016 for a Benefit concert at Durty Nellie’s supporting a dear friend and local supporter of the music scene . The Madfox family continue to be close friends , and talented Musicians that are still rocking at present. The music and professional world continues to flourish from each and every member of Madfox. Check them out on
https://m.facebook.com/madfoxband/
https://youtu.be/tWzZSLA