Frank Pupillo arrived on the New England music scene over thirty years ago as a drummer and vocalist. Performing in original and cover bands spanning all genres of music including heavy metal, '80s hair bands, country, and more recently the '90s tribute band How Bizarre. He has traveled to and from Nashville performing with up-and-coming country artists. These include Ashley Jordan and his own band, Trigger, which once opened for Kenny Chesney, and was also voted the #1 unsigned country band in 1999 and 2000 by Worcester Phoenix Magazine.
Frank's love of music and entertainment led him beyond performing, expanding into management and promotion, as well. His Octo Rock Cinema Productions has been booking acts and promoting shows throughout New England since 2010. Frank says, "Starting Octo Rock Cinema Productions has given me an amazing opportunity to work with some incredible musicians and entertainers, not only locally but nationally as well." Frank has worked with both small venues and large, up to and including Hanover Theatre and Indian Ranch Amphitheater, where he has produced multi-band CountryFest and HairFest concerts.
In addition to mastering his Bret Michaels skills, Frank also performs as half of the acoustic duo, Deuces Wild. If that weren't enough, Frank is co-owner and talent buyer of the central Massachusetts rock club Rascals, which brings both local and national touring acts to the area.
Bruce Bennett has worked with thousands of musicians throughout New England doing recording, production, mastering, live sound, and digital duplication. As a businessman and entrepreneur, many musicians know Bruce as the owner of New England's largest CD/DVD factory - Superdups/New England Compact Disc. These companies have manufactured over 30,000 CD orders for bands and artists including locals like Godsmack, Staind, Recycled Percussion, WBCN, Brad Delp & Barry Goudreau and countless more nationally. As a musician, he has played with several local cover and national bands including Witch Bonnie, Star Collector, Jet City and The Gary Hoey Band. With the latter, Bruce toured as the fourth guitarist on the Stars of Guitars tour with Gary Hoey, Craig Chaquico, and Vernon Reid. More recently, Bruce founded the tribute to Foreigner, Cold As Ice. Bruce is also an author. His book Spirits in the Radio (available at the Bruce Bennett Online Store) tells uncanny tales of his personal experience with after-death communication and encourages people to watch for spiritual and energy-based signs around them.
As a sound architect, Bruce conceptualized, invented, designed and implemented Clear Channel/Live Nation's Instant Live Concert series, where a band would play a live show that was recorded on the spot and CDs of the show were ready for purchase at the end, within minutes. From 2002 through 2008, over 700 titles were recorded and released, from national acts like The Allman Brothers, KISS, Peter Frampton, Jewel, The Black Crowes, Hall & Oates, Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead, Charlie Daniels and many more. One of his favorite memories was mixing and recording KISS live for several shows during their 2004 world tour. One of his favorite musical accomplishments was doing the soundtrack for Sony's Playstation Nascar Racing, which was an audio hit and sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. In November, 2021, Bruce released his 11-song album Thank You, featuring all styles of songs he has written, recorded and produced over the years in collaboration with his large group of talented friends. This release features Right Here, Right Now, the debut original song performed by Shot of Poison [Listen here].
Phil Cefalo has been on the New England music scene for thirty years, performing first as a drummer in original hard rock bands. He later spent many years behind the skins for the topmost Aerosmith tribute, Draw the Line, and then with Bon Jovi tribute Wanted Dead or Alive before landing his current role with Shot of Poison. Phil also hits the skins for local hard-rock cover band Creature Rock Feature does recording session work for a variety of rock artists.
A veteran of the music scene, Deano has been involved in many projects over the years, most notably Rising Sun recording artist, Platinum. With the 1990 release of their full-length album Ice Man Platinum's popularity prompted a promotional tour of the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, the album's 30-year anniversary re-release paved the way for their second album, Vanitas, The Lost Recordings, on Heaven and Hell Records.
Hailing from New Jersey, Deano is still a big part of the ongoing evolution of Jersey rock. Appearing in several publications such as NJ Metal Vol. 1, Steppin' Out magazine, and various fanzines throughout the United States and Europe, he has always been a big supporter of live music venues and events. He is no stranger to the club circuit playing with many cover and tribute acts over the years. Since 1998 he has made his presence known as Izzy in the Guns & Roses tribute band, Get Your Guns. Along with his club experience, his credits include: 2006 Quadrapane indie release, guitar & vocals; 1998 Crossfire release, bass & vocals, and countless studio sessions for semi-national artists.
A solid "in the pocket" player, Deano brings his low-end groove, driving sound, and wild enthusiasm whenever he's on the stage. Proven talent, raw professionalism, and pure passion make Deano an important part of the Shot of Poison experience.