Tom Kriss obit

THOMAS KRISS Obituary

 

He was not on the list.

THOMAS KRISS, age 63, passed away on May 6, 2013 after a 2.5 year battle with cancer. He is survived by his brother, Richard, who now resides in Puerto Rico. Tom spent most of his life as a musician, notably as the original bass player for the "James Gang." For the past 20 years he worked for Tri-County Painting. His crew supported and treated him like family until the end. Per Tom's wishes, future royalty earnings from his recordings will be donated to the local Animal Protective League. Friends are invited to a MEMORIAL LUNCHEON CELEBRATING TOM'S LIFE on SATURDAY, May 18 at 2 P.M. at Mavis Winkles, 5005 Rockside Rd., Independence (Crown Centre, West of I-77). ARRANGEMENTS BY RYBICKI & SON, A GOLDEN RULE FUNERAL HOME.

James Gang was formed in 1966 by Phil Giallombardo, Ronnie Silverman, Tom Kriss and Jimmy Fox, who worked with a succession of lead guitarists. Before the end of 1966, Glenn Schwartz had taken over lead guitar duties. The next summer, Silverman left to join the army and was replaced in the group by Bill Jeric. At the end of 1967, Schwartz left to relocate to Los Angeles, California where he formed Pacific Gas & Electric. Schwartz was replaced in the new year by Joe Walsh. On the eve of a show supporting Cream in June, Silverman left and the group became a trio, with Walsh taking over on lead vocals.

The lineup of Walsh, Kriss and Fox released James Gang's debut, Yer' Album, in March 1969. Just before recording the follow-up James Gang Rides Again that November, Kriss was replaced by Dale Peters. James Gang Rides Again was followed by Thirds and the band's first live album Live in Concert in 1971, before Walsh left at the end of the year to pursue new projects, later claiming that "I was frustrated just being the only melodic instrument [in the band] ... I wanted to expand and try something else." Early the next year, Peters and Fox were joined by two new members – vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano, both formerly of Mandala and Bush.