Sic Vikki

Sic Vikki (Sik Viki) began circa 1985 in Philadelphia with founding members: Joe Seabe, Mike Scalzo, Buddy Blanchard, and Steve Sinque. The band made waves in and around the Philly region. In 1987 Singer Buddy Blanchard and bassist Mike Scalzo left to pursue other ventures. Bassist Pat Shoemaker was recruited along with vocalist Rich Cox.

After writing and rehearsing for nearly a year, the band began performing again and recording at The Warehouse Studio in Philly. At this time the band, backed by Vince Salvia (Mouse), met Nick Didia and began working at a studio in Mounty Holly NJ. The owner of the studio, Nash Cohen, became interested in managing the band, and we quickly named the studio “Nashville.” Around that time drummer Steve Sinque left the band and was replaced by Steve Salter.

The band then recorded several dozen songs with Nick Didia and began shopping them to record companies. After a lack-luster response from the record companies, Nash Cohen brought in world reknowned manager Bill Aucoin. Bill had previously managed Kiss, Billy Squier and Bill Idol, and was very used to creating large production bands.

Once Bill came into the picture he recruited songwriter/producer Steve Plunkett (Autograph) and the band began working on a new live show and image. The music went from raw hard rock to a more polished hard rock Glam-band style of music. Bill wanted to add “more sex” to the music, image, and live show. Within several months the band added keyboardist Tony Annunziata and signed with Polystar Records, a then Japanese division of Polygram. In late 1991 Joe Seabe left the band, leaving no original members. However, the Vikki crew moved on and hired guitarist Bobby Enloe from the band “Heaven.”

By Spring of 1992 the Vikki’s began recording their debut album “Kiss Me In French” in Los Angeles. The recording took place during the LA riots after the Rodney King verdict, and made for some interesting stories. Once the record was completed with Producer Steve Plunkett, the album was picked up throughout European territories and the Vikki’s went on their first international tour of Europe. It was an amazing time for the band. They had finally polished their act and were playing sold out shows in the Philly area as well as Switzerland and Germany.

After the European tour, Rich Cox along with drummer Stever Salter and keyboardist Tony Annunziata began another project called Kissing Babies, recruiting long time friend Eric Az on guitar and Joe Bello on bass. While continuing to perform with the new band, the European labels asked for another Sic Vikki album. Rich Cox flew to LA and completed 11 demos with Steve Plunkett in 6 days. That became the basis for the second Sic Vikki album “Streetside Picasso”. The new band then recorded Streetside Picasso at Nashville studios and went back out on the road as a revised version of Sic Vikki.

In it’s day Sic Vikki epitomized the hair-metal, glam-band group, along with outrageous outfits, sex appeal, and power pop tunes with great hooks. Looking back it was a tumultuous time for all of us. We were all dealing with life issues, kids, families, girlfriends, drug problems, etc. It is amazing that we lasted as long as we did. For me personally it was a wonderful time of growth and opportunity, and I am blessed to have had such wonderful people to work with and to learn from.

KISS ME IN FRENCH (1993) line up:
Lead vocal & guitar: Richie Cox
Drums: Steve Salter
Lead guitar & background vocals: Bobby Enloe
Bass guitar & background vocals: Pat Schumaker

STREETSIDE PICASSO (1995) line up:
Lead vocal & guitar: Richie Cox
Drums: Steve Salter
Lead guitar: Eric Azvolinsky
Bass guitar: Joe Bello

A honorable mention to past lead guitarist and background vocalist, JOE SEABE, who remains a phenomenal musician and song writer.