The Direct Drive Band is a musical tribute to the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan, performing two 1 hour sets covering the entire catalog of SRV tunes from the very beginning until his untimely death in August 1990.

Direct Drive, originally formed in the fall of 1988, underwent personnel changes in 1998. Now with the current lineup consisting of George (Pesko) Neske On lead/rhythm guitar and vocals, Bobby Devlin on bass and vocals, and Nick Vara on the drums.

On lead/rhythm guitar and vocals is George (Pesko) Neske, self taught and playing since the early 1970's. He was an integral part of the band "Paralax" which had a very successful run on the club circuit, including The Gemini, Fore N Aft, and Ace in the Hole from 1975-1983. After those clubs closed their doors, the lack of venues featuring live bands forced the band to go off the road.

After a brief hiatus George formed Direct Drive in 1988, and began playing various motorcycle functions as well as area clubs. To his credit he has opened for headline acts such as: Johnny Winter, Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule, Foghat, The Outlaws, Johnny Van Zandt, Blackfoot, and Cry of Love as well as studio work with local musicians.

Bobby Devlin is a veteran of the NYC & Westchester music scenes playing bass and singing in dozens of cover bands such as Crazy Train, Master Force, and Nemesis and filling in on bass with the elite of tribute bands Facelift (Alice in Chains), Hindenberg (Led Zepellin) and of course Direct Drive! Playing bass since the age of 11, his biggest influences have been Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Mark King, Geezer Butler, Steve Harris, Jack Bruce, Billy Sheehan, Tony Levin and John Wetton. He has found a home with his friends George & Nick in Direct Drive contributing his musicianship, obsession with detail, and intuitive feel to completing the greatest tribute to the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Keeping it all on time is Nick Vara on drums. Adept at many styles including funk, jazz, fusion, blues and even country and western, Nick has performed with many area bands including: "The Well Dressed Blues Band", "Southland", "Stratus". "Kathy Watkins and Wild Time" and "Ace of Hearts" to name a few. He has also done many studio sessions with area musicians as well as teaching drum at "Backstage Music" in Mahopac.

Everytime Direct Drive takes the stage they treat the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan with the dignity of respect it deserves, trying their best to give the listener an accurate recreation of Stevie's guitar mastery, from the soft and beautiful "Lenny" to the loud and rambunctious "Pride and Joy". Simply put, this is a band which will not disappoint. So next time they're in your area, come and check them out for an evening of all your Stevie Ray Vaughan favorites.