Convictus to Play 'Happy Rock' Music in March Concert in Springfield

Mark Ellmore, lead vocalist for local rock band Convictus, has been drawn to music like a moth to a flame since he was a kid. In the '90s, Ellmore received a record player from his dad the Christmas before he passed away, and Ellmore has been hooked ever since.

"I remember sitting under the dining room table with this record player and listening to 45s with the record player at the lowest volume because my dad wasn't doing well and we had to keep quiet," Ellmore said. "I was raised in the church, but I have to say it was really The Beatles that did it for me."

And from there, Ellmore's passion for music continued to blossom, and he became a part of the well known band Savage. His love of music, like his bandmates', is eclectic, ranging from rock bands to major Motown artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Temptations.

John Patrick, the drummer for Convictus, said his musical influences also began with his father although he didn't take it seriously until later on in life.

"The main influence in my life was my dad. He played the drums, and it was mostly classic rock," said Patrick, who owns Rock of Ages Music School located in Del Ray. "I got my first drum set at 16. At the time, I was all about playing the music but not exactly studying it."

Patrick and Ellmore said music has changed a lot over the years. Ellmore said he enjoys "good, happy rock music" and said Convictus brings that back to the forefront in their performances after they've all witnessed and endured what Ellmore referred to as the "early '90s grunge transition."

"I was hooked when I was young, and then the music started to change and I noticed some of the rock music became a little depressing. I love music that's happy and passionate," Ellmore said.

Patrick agrees with Ellmore, saying radio is not the same, but noted that listeners are slowly hearing some bands and artists getting back to the roots of good music.

"Radio is not what it used to be, but there are groups out there, like The White Stripes and The Black Keys, that you can tell are paying homage to real music," Patrick said.

Patrick and Ellmore's other band mates Rick Irby (vocals/guitar), Peter Larkin (bass) and John Bevans (guitar) were either teaching music lessons or fighting the flu at the time of this Patch interview. But the two band members spoke highly of their talents and their contributions to the band's sound.

Ellmore, who writes most of the band's music, said he often comes up with a melody and lyrics before he goes to Bevans, and hums the tune for him to give Bevans an idea of what he wants the song to sound like. Bevans then works with Ellmore to clean up the rough melody and make it performance-ready.

"We are a major rock band in the Springfield area," Ellmore said. "Take me out of it. I don't matter. These guys [Bevans, Irby, Patrick and Larkin] are amazing, and they know real music."

Convictus is currently preparing for their show with '80s rock band Kix on March 29 at Empire in Springfield. Ellmore and Patrick said Convictus plays great music and fans should expect a great show. Ellmore described the band's sound as "raw, powerful...real classic rock."

"With metal and hard rock, you can put it on the table and be loud and powerful," Patrick said. "It's raw human aggression."

See also:

Convictus to Perform with '80s Rock Icons Kix in Springfield

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