David Vittek, Marty David, Teddy Speleos, Billy Batson, and Chris Parker
Earlier this year, we were dismayed to learn from Liza Vittek that David Vittek, her dad, had passed away. He was just 66.
Vittek, the bassist, guitarist, and part-time drummer for Holy Moses left us on February 25. Billy Batson, his old bandmate, said recently that David was the“glue” that held the band together. He was the first one to arrive at a gig. He set up all the gear, plugged all the electrical lines in, and made sure all the cables were properly taped on the stage. In addition, he made sure everyone arrived on time and had everything they needed for their performance.
Mike Esposito, formerly of the Blues Magoos, co-produced the band’s only album, Holy Moses!! with Kim King. Esposito says that “David was a stabilizing force in an unusually unstable band.” He recalls that David had a “great sense of humor and was a wonderful human being.”
Batson noted that Vittek had a “magnificent voice, and he sang lead on ‘There’s No Turnin’ Back.’” He also taught himself to play “old-time fiddle.” Esposito said that David taught him and the band “a lot about country music forms.” Batson says that the band planned to become more of a “classic country” group and incorporate David’s fiddle playing and more of his singing ability on upcoming albums. Sadly, this never happened. Soon after the release of their self-titled Holy Moses!! album, the group broke apart. Vittek never recovered. Billy calls David one of “my oldest and dearest lifetime friends…a brother in mind and spirit. I love him and miss him.” David leaves behind a son, Patrick Vittek.
~ Weston Blelock
Well i lived in woodstock at the time and let me tell youthis band had REAL emotion in its proformance, I miss Marty David & chris parker i lived in a comune with them . I miss those days..