Old rockers never die

Lynchburg is a city that loves history — and that apparently extends to music.

Certainly, the Revised Edition Band has made a living (OK, a decent part-time income) out of cranking out hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, and shows no indication of calling it quits.

In fact, says guitarist and vocalist Richard Hawkins, “I think we sound better now than we ever did.”

The band’s name is, in a way, an oxymoron. When Revised Edition performs at the Elks Club on Graves Mill Road to celebrate its 20th anniversary this Saturday night, the lineup — Hawkins, singer Darrell Stewart, guitarist/vocalists Jackie Lucas and Jerry Brammer, keyboardist Terry Stinson and drummer Glenn Miller (no, not that Glenn Miller) — will be identical to that which played the first gig.

So the band hasn’t been Revised at all, just mellowed and tightened.

“I remember our first job,” Hawkins said. “We played at Al Stroobants’ farm for a cattle sale. Under a tent.”

For the most part, Revised Edition’s members have followed a familiar pattern. They played in bands in their youth, then set music aside to earn a living in other fields (Brammer is a real estate agent, for example, Hawkins sold medical supplies), only to feel the familiar itch again in their later years. And they’ve proven that it’s possible to have an AARP card yet still rock.

“We’ve cut back a lot over the last few years,” said Brammer, “not so much because of age, but because everyone is busy with family obligations and so on. There was a time when we had all the jobs we could handle, and then some.”

According to Brammer, the band’s longevity stems as much from personal relationships as musical chemistry.

“I don’t remember a real disagreement between us in 20 years,” he said.

“We genuinely like each other,” Hawkins added. “When we add new songs, we talk about it together. I can tell from the reaction if I suggest one that somebody doesn’t like, but we don’t argue about it.”

The only real change over the years has been that the musical selection keeps edging forward to keep up with the demographic.

“We don’t do as many ’50s songs anymore,” Brammer said.

What they still do, out of necessity, is set up and take down their equipment.

“The setup isn’t bad,” Hawkins said, “but the tearing down, when you’re tired after playing, can get old.”