Where are they now?
October 22nd, 2010 by www.biginiowa.com
Formed in 1995, rising to prominence during the late 90′s, particularly in the Cincinnati area, Big in Iowa enjoyed not only local success but tours across Europe, surprisingly popular across the pond. Unfortunately, shortly after their return from the second Eurotrip, guitarist Rick House decided to leave the band to pursue more time with his family, and the sound was never quite the same. The band’s name would carry on comprised of mostly new membership over the next few years, but never recapture the same magic that propelled the group to early success. Here’s a look at where the original members are now, almost a full decade after the first fracture.
Bob Burns (lead vocals, acoustic guitar) Today Burns calls Washington, DC home, far from Ohio and Iowa, working for the Transportation Security Administration. Now a family man, he dedicates more time to his wife, kids and career than the music scene, but has been rumored to be working on a solo album, though no specifics are currently known.
Rick House (guitar, slide, mandolin, vocals) House is still involved in music, still playing for his Cincinnati fans with the self-titled Rick House Party Band. The band has yet to amass the same following as he enjoyed during his time with Big in Iowa, but it can be tough to catch lighting in a bottle twice as it’s not easy for even talented musicians to find a uniquely inspirational chemistry.
Jeff Wilson (drums, vocals) Wilson joined House for a while as part of the Rick House Party Band, and remains active in the Cincy music arena.
Ken Glidewell (bass guitar, vocals) Glidewell was the last remaining member of Big in Iowa, keeping the band together as long as possible as various disputes and other interests sent original members their separate ways. Sources say the original band would eventually patch things up but their days of playing together as Big in Iowa were over. Glidewell kept the band’s banner and replaced the original members with new talent, even releasing a new CD titled “Geezil Pete.” Sadly, Glidewell passed away in 2008 as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident.