Neal Tillotson (drums and vocals)

Neal Tillotson honed his rhythm and blues chops backing up soul icon Larry Tucker before joining popular regional rock band Bad Sneakers in 1980. He recorded three albums as a drummer, singer and songwriter with Bad Sneakers, including the 1984 release “Beat the Meter” that hit number 25 on U.S. Rock magazine’s national independent-label airplay chart. Throughout the 1990s Neal freelanced with the Sin City Band, Dr. Harmonica and the Roger Girke Band, perfecting the rootsy, funk-infused style of drumming that he brings to the Teletones. He cites as his primary influences master session drummers Steve Gadd and Russ Kunkel, along with rock icons Bill Bruford, Ginger Baker, Levon Helm and, of course, Ringo.