THE MUSICIANS

Bruce Whitaker

Lead Vocals/Percussion

I have been rocking in bands since my early teens. My past bands include, Stage Seven Detroit, Kickstart, and Icarus; and have taken me throughout the Southeast Michigan area, and drifted as far as northern Michigan on occasion. My stage presence is what I consider one of my strongest tools in performance; interacting with the audience to create as much fun for them as possible.

Beginning as a drummer, I began singing lead vocals simply because the bands way back when had no one to sing, but could typically find a drummer. I came onboard with the Fossil Band because they too sought a singer, and already had a fine drummer ready to rock.

Mark Kesson

Guitars/Keys/Vocals

I have been playing guitar since my teenage years, and played in a heavy metal band (flying V and Marshall Stack) in high school. In my mid 20’s I decided I wanted to gig more frequently, and joined the “Sea Cruise” band performing Classic Rock, Oldies, Motown, with an occasional Country song for shows every weekend. We played regularly in clubs and summer festivals in Wayne and Washtenaw counties for quite a few years.

In my 30’s I joined “TheNumatix” band for a couple of years, as well as an acoustic duet group.  Then, for a bit of my life my job required extensive travel, and live-performance music was kind of on the back burner for me.  Recently my time has freed up and I joined The Fossil Band, and am having a blast with this group of guys.  I currently perform with the Fossil Band as well as play an occasional solo & duet acoustic show. 

For more information on my solo music please visit www.markkessonmusic.com or look me up online.

Wayne Cornett

Guitars/Synth/Vocals

After hearing my uncle play guitar when I was a kid I got the “bug”. I received my first guitar when I was 12. It was an Airline from Montgomery Wards. Over the years I have moved from the Airline to a Gibson, Brian Moore, Fender, Ovation and Taylor. I have played in bands since I was in high school. Some of those were Roze, Clockwork, Coverup, Deep Freeze, Thrust and the Harrison Street Project. There were a few dry spells when I was not in a band, but I always played guitar. Music is my passion and since I have a little extra time from my day job, I can pursue that passion even more. I recently joined the Fossil Band. We hope you will enjoy the band as much as we enjoy playing for you.

John Burhop

Bass/ Vocals

I’m a native Michigander and Tool maker by trade. I’ve been playing in bands for over 40 years. Notable bands include Amnesia, Numbers & Harrison Street Project. I’ve also played
many benefits with Chip Kipps and ||: What A Band :|| also Rod Stewart cover band featuring David Wayne Parker (Daba)

Paul Rogers

Drums/Percussion

I’ve been playing drums on and off since high school. Nothing fancy, just trying to hold down the bottom end and give people something they can stomp their feet to, or get up and dance. I’ve been in several bands over the years, but what makes Fossil so unique is that we’ve all been there and done that; and there are no egos or drama… just fun!! If we’re not enjoying what we’re doing then the crowd isn’t going to either.

I’m kind of a gear-head and collect a lot of things drum and cymbal related. I’ve also made (assembled really) several drum sets, which can be quite the expensive hobby ! Music inspires me, as do drums, and our hope is that when you come and see us we’ll inspire you to have a great time !