From left: John Grasso,
There were several groups called the Citations recording in the ’60s including ones from Alabama, Maine, Ohio and, most famously, the band from Milwaukee who cut “Moon Race” / “Slippin’ and Slidin'”.
The Citations I’m featuring today were from Lawrence and Methuen, Massachusetts. Though obscure, their July, 1966 release on Pre-Sav Enterprises has two excellent original songs.
“Long Time Wanderin'” was the A-side, a good upbeat cut, but most garage fans prefer the flip, “The Day That She’ll Go”, a good example of the New England sound – moody and with a dense, almost murky production but plenty of atmosphere and emotion.
I had almost no info on the group until I heard from James DiResta, the brother of guitarist Mike DiResta. He sent in the photo seen at top and gave me the names of the band members.
Gino DiMaio – bass and lead vocals
John Grasso – lead guitar
Mike DiResta – rhythm guitar
John Fichera – keyboards
Bob Oreal, Mike Messineo – drums
James wrote to me, “My brother Mike is on the right playing the single cut-away Guild guitar, and wrote the songs on the record. The Vox amps were the original tube amps from England with adapters to play in USA. The club that they use to practice out of, and were the house band for, was the Raven on the Methuen – Haverhill line in Massachusetts. The record had its debut at Turn-Style in South Lawrence and later they showcased at the Hampton Casino.”
Could be miles of but there is a Mike DiMaio connected to the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford, MA. http://www.cbc-chelmsford.org/Children-Youth.html
According to Google maps this about 15 minutes from Lowell, MA.
Hi there. I stumbled across this site, I happen to have been their Drummer in the late 60’s early 70’s Other members we’re. Mike Deresta,
John Fischera, Gene Dimaio and myself. And we mostly came from Lawrence and Methuen area. I have not seen these guys since we
Stop playing 40 something years ago . I have photo’s of us if you
Ever come across any please let me know .
Thanks , mike m
Johnny Grasso is on facebook he is married and plays guitar with his wife.
Hello: My name is Frank Quinn and I, along with George Grigas were the band aids for the group. I have heard the name Mike Messineo and he might have sat in with the group on occasion but he wasn’t the regular drummer. The drummer in the picture above is Bob Oreal and he was the fifth member along with Johnny Grasso, Mike DiResta, Gene Dimaio and John Fischera. Bob Oreal became a teacher at Methuen High School in Methuen, MA.
John Fichera became a teacher at Bedford Public schools in Bedford, MA and taught 4th and 5th grade. He passed away about a week ago
Hi Frank,
My name is John, I’m the drummer for the current rock band at Central Catholic. Our band was interested in covering your song “The Day That She’ll Go”, but we’re having trouble figuring out the lyrics in the recording. We were wondering if you possibly knew them?
Thank you,
The StudeBops
My husband was in a California based band called the Citation 7. I’ve been trying to find info on that with no luck. Anyone have any? They were based out of North Hollywood and spent time in Canada during the early to mid 1960s. Chris Montez was a member for awhile, he played guitar. Other members were: Jerry, Larry, Oscar, Eddie, Albert and my husband Dennis. Thank you for any info!