Sam Spear made his name in the early 70s as guitarist and front man for the Secret Sam Band. In 1978 he joined forces with like-minded players to form The North End Rhythm Kings. The intent was simple: Play serious R&B! And over the next three years the NERKs did just that, pulling wall-to-wall crowds at the premier venues of the era and forging a loyal base of fans.

All good things come to an end, but the demise of the Rhythm Kings didn't even slow Sam down. He kept a busy schedule for the next 28 years, playing with numerous acts in Vermont and opening concerts in Florida with The Backtrack Blues Band.

In 2009, Sam battled through a liver transplant and multiple followup surgeries. He did his best, but could not make the encore this time. Sam died in July of that year, leaving family and friends with a void in their hearts.

Please join Rhythm Kings alumni Bob Butterfield, Steven Hirsch, Kevin Healy, Peter Hanson, Rick Boyd, Jeff Salisbury and Mike Cech as they lay it down in Sam's honor with help from their musical friends.