Member Bios

Gary Shook
(Bass, Guitar, Vocals)

Gary started out on violin before eventually transitioning to guitar and bass. The left hander is primarily self taught, playing his bass strung right handed (upside down). In the early 1980's, Gary formed the group Rubber Soul, playing many venues in the Clifton area and eventually landing a track on WEBN's album project (Video Attraction). Following the disbanding of Rubber Soul, Gary performed acoustically with Rubber Soul guitarist Larry Ford as "Lary and Gary" until another opportunity arose. This opportunity came about when Pete called Larry to ask if he might be interested in being a part of a new group Pete and Lou were putting together - the group that would later become The Remains. At the time, Larry's musical interests were not in line with the vision for the new group, but he suggested that Gary might be interested and would most likely be a perfect fit. Gary's knowledge of British material was most impressive, and his "Lennonesque" vocal quality proved to be the ideal ingredient that would round out The Remains' signature vocal sound. Gary has also managed to stay quite busy with musical projects outside of The Remains. An accomplished songwriter, he released his first solo CD in 2002. He was also a part of LPG - a three piece acoustically-oriented group consisting of Pete, Gary, and former bandmate Larry Ford - for 5 years. Gary's influences include The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Crosby Stills and Nash, and The Byrds.

Kirk Dupont email
(Keyboards, Bass, Vocals)

Kirk is the band's vocal arranger/director. Aside from a year spent as a composition major at the UC College Conservatory of Music, he is entirely self-taught and has "perfect pitch". Kirk began on guitar at the age of twelve and was working steadily in bands by the age of fourteen. Around this time, he began to teach himself piano and was immediately drawn to the music of Chopin, Bach and DeBussy. In the ensuing years, he developed a strong interest in jazz and focused intently on jazz guitar as well as jazz and classical piano. He eventually began teaching private lessons. While teaching piano, he was approached by Pete who asked if he would be interested in filling in for former keyboardist/bassist Michael Bany for a two week stint. The unlikely pairing ended up working out so well that when Bany later chose to depart to pursue other musical interests, Kirk was immediately asked to join The Remains as a permanent member. Kirk is also very musically active outside of The Remains. He is a freelance acapella vocal arranger and composer/songwriter. For the past two years, he has been a finalist in the international Shure Musical Roots songwriting competition. His musical influences are very diverse and include composers Chopin, Bach, Debussy and Rachmoninoff. More modern influences include Brian Wilson, Clare Fischer, Roger Kellaway, Joe Pass, Steely Dan, Robert Farnon, Rob McConnell, and above all - Gene Puerling.

Lou Aielli
(Drums, Vocals)

Lou began his band career at the age of 12, forming the group "Rigusloo" with his brother Rick and school friend Gus Kaiser. Lou and Rick had both been classically trained in piano at an early age. Lou later decided to focus his efforts on drums while Rick opted to stay with keyboard instruments. Rigusloo was a highly successful local Cincinnati band for over 20 years. Despite their demanding performance schedule, Lou managed to attend the UC College Conservatory of Music and earn a degree in broadcasting. During the final few years of the band's existence, Gus decided to voluntarily retire from the busy performance schedule and Pete was called on to fill his shoes. In 1987, Lou and Pete conceived The Remains to allow the opportunity to achieve a higher level of musical sophistication and quality, and also to take advantage of the burgeoning demand for quality live entertainment in public venues; Rigusloo had focused mainly on private engagements. Vocally, Lou is responsible for the silky smooth highs that are an integral part of the Remains' distinctive vocal sound. Lou's influences include The Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Byrds and The Monkees.

Pete Ellerhorst
(Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals)

After studying classical guitar for 8 years, Pete began to diversify his ability by taking up the saxophone in high school. In 1981, after jamming with a few garage bands and running sound for his brother's band "Borderline", he was asked to join the group to add musical flexibility. His guitar, keyboard, sax and vocal capabilities added a new dimension to the group which was a significant contribution to the band's success. After Borderline disbanded in 1986, Pete took some time off before meeting Lou through a mutual friend. He then joined Lou in Rigusloo in 1986 and, with Lou, formed The Remains in 1987. Pete also performed with Gary and guitarist Larry Ford for a five year stint as "LPG", a three piece acoustic act playing a variety of clubs around town. Pete's influences include The Beatles, Jellyfish and Pink Floyd.