Gerry Polci was in my graduating class of 1970 at Passaic High School in NJ. He was so talented back then. I was thrilled when I learned he was the new drummer for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I reunited with him in Maryland when he was with his successful band The Hitmen. Gerry is back performing and killing it!
I can think of many drummers who sang and they all have great voices , one example is the drummer from " paper lace " the song (Billy don't be a hero) ..
I saw these guys when I was 17. Frankie got me up to dance with him. Unfortunately I was about 6 inches taller than him. I don’t know who laughed the most. Bless him!
His name is Gerry Polci. He did a great job on that one, and he also does a great job singing "Silver Star," a later Seasons hit. But look at Valli up there acting like he's the star of the show! Another point ... in the 1980s Polci played drums and sang harmony in a Los Angeles band called "20X," which was led by the late songwriter Eric Lowen, best known for writing the Pat Benetar hit "We Belong." But I think Lowen's best song was one called "The Angry Man," which he sang in 20X. I'm not sure if it's on RUclips, but it's worth looking for.
@@ElliottMichaels56 I don't think he's acting like he's anything he isn't, he's just in the front, why do you think so? Because he IS the frontman. Listen, i love Gaudio, i love Ciccone, i love Polci, but don't downplay the importance of Valli to the group, he is a legend.
@@BeeMarzipan Oh, believe me, I know what a super-talent Valli is. I just believe in giving credit where credit is warranted. But whenever and wherever "December 1963" shows up on a compilation album, they always credit it as "The Four Seasons featuring Frankie Valli," when I believe that in this case it should be billed as "The Four Seasons featuring Gerry Polci."
Gerry Polci had a tough act to follow, but did so effortlessly. He could also sing while playing drums live, so he should have been a big star in his own right. It is not a just world.
Someone saw him as competition for lead ... did you see his harmony in 1974 Midnight Special to Frnkie's My Eyes Adored You, damn, it's hard not to notice it - he gave the song that kick and punch - best rendition of My Eyes Adored You was when he did the harmony
I've often thought the same about bass players, as the rhythm they're singing at can be (and often is?) quite different from what they're playing on the bass. That's one of the things I've always admired about Geddy Lee's bass playing, for instance. So many others who could be mentioned as well....Paul McCartney is yet another.
Wow, actually live performance. No lip singing, no autotune... people playing their own instruments. That was so cool of the Midnight Specials. Today's performers would crap their pants if they were told to sing it live.
Jon Lanier The Midnight Special was great...live performances and a wide variety of music. More bands could do play live now but most would suck with vocals or sound.
@@robertroudi5879 All I know is I forgot all about past lovers - and every other man on the planet too - the second I laid eyes on Gerry Polci 💞 Va va voom!! I've been mesmerized ever since lol😍. He's such an immensely talented and gifted musician...love everything about the guy!
Love this song. Gerry is really rocking it out here. He a fabulous drummer and singer. Could watch him play the drums all night. What a talent!!!!!!!!!!
No question that Gerry Polci was great as the prime lead on this monster hit, but, I would bet that it was Frankie who made the decision to put him in that position. It was an excellent decision, of course, and Gerry deserves all of the many kind comments made here!
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, etc,..., my favorite artists of all time. My favorite song of all time ---> this one, "December, 1963." Man, Bob Gaudio and his wife Judy Parker wrote a fantastic pop song. The Four Seasons putting out this classic, couldn't be any better. Love it.
This always cheers me up..brilliant arrangement, talent & the drummer so adorable and great! The song reminds me of when I was a child buying my first pair of "bell bottom" jeans-this was playing in the shop!
When I listen to the drums - the hi-hats, syncopations etc (not an expert, not sure if that's right) - my brain is in awe of anyone who can do that so effortlessly AND sing at the same time. Flawlessly. Live.
Another drummer that sang a song while Drummond was from the eagles when they did hotel California the drummer also sang that song check it sometime you'll love it Vicky it's really cool
I watched it that night. The guys were interviewed onstage before they performed. Frankie and the group were so nice and gracious. I will never forget.
I think this is my favorite live performance ever caught on video by The four seasons funky drumming and singing,..l love it, and Frankie's voice & unique face are awesome as always. 😎👍🇺🇸
None of the original seasons are in the disco song. Only Frankie who was made to stand around while Polci sang. And Ciccone was singing out of pitch. No Gaudio, no Devito and no Massi. This is not the 4 Seasons.
I'm shocked! I never realized Frankie Valli had so little vocal input in this classic song! I thought the verses were all him and definitely the falsetto part. 😮
If I was born when I was 'supposed' to be, when my mother was younger, I would have done anything to be with Gerry. He is so alluring. I can't help but stare at him and hit repeat several times every day.
I remember seeing this ! RIP, Don Ciccone ------------& any & all other " 4 Seasons " who have left us. ------The 70's Rule. --------------------------------MJL, 74 y/o
Gracias Bob.. Solo conocía el video oficial.. estos videos nos ayudan a disfrutar a las bandas de nuestra juventud y de presentes juventudes aun más y desde otros ángulos. Thanks Bob. I only knew the oficial video. . These videos help us enjoy the bands of our youth and present youths even more and from other angles. I just loved the Four Seasons back then .. and still do
Just for the record also: singer - Don Ciccone singer - John Pavia Don sings lead on the "I felt a rush like a rolling ball of thunder" part, and John actually adds a fourth solo vocal on the high "Oh what a night" as Don is ending and Gerry is about to start again, and throughout the fade while the others are doing the "doo doo doos", it's John alone singing the line "Oh what a night" all by himself. It's that way on the record as well as the live performances. So actually four lead vocalists on this song!
frankie vallee rocks in my book, nothing but respect for him. made this band what it was and IS and paid off a half million in gambling debt that belonged to his band mate rather than let the guy get messed up -or killed -by loan sharks. if what's in the movie "jersey boys" is true then frankie's awesome.
And don't forget Bob Gaudio's writing of all the hits-he's a musical genius; Frankie would not have gotten where he is. Saw Jersey Boys, and the story is in the musical, about his friend's debt. I enjoy his talent, and without Frankie, Bob Gaudio would not have had the success either.
The movie does not tell the real story!!!!!! It's a MOVIE!!!!! But for you info. The debts weren't all the result of Tommy's gambling. Yes he got into trouble. But THAT is only PART of the bands woes. The movie (forgot) to mention GILG. A record that upset the PHILLIPS record contract. Bob Gaudio's BOO BOO. That is why they left PHILLIPS records. When Barry Gordy of MOTOWN records took them on. It was then Tommy moved on.
Gerry Polci was in my graduating class of 1970 at Passaic High School in NJ. He was so talented back then. I was thrilled when I learned he was the new drummer for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I reunited with him in Maryland when he was with his successful band The Hitmen. Gerry is back performing and killing it!
One of the best drummer/vocal combo's ever, Not an easy task... :)
Yeah hard. 🙄
He is sooo beautifuuull and smart
I can think of many drummers who sang and they all have great voices , one example is the drummer from " paper lace " the song (Billy don't be a hero) ..
Karen Carpenter was better looking.
He's brilliant, but no one sings this part like Tim Stone
1:30 RIP Don Ciccone.
Gerry is amazing
Was Don related to Madonna?
Gerry Polci rocks! What a drummer,singer. Great musician, artist.
That is a why marriage is a top decision to make!And regret is always comes last😔oh!, what a life!!!
@@nicoladollard1845 Where did you see/hear that?
Gerry Polci on lead vocals on drums and The Critters Don Ciccone on bass singing the falsetto.....
Gerry is so adorable! I love his expressions when he sings :)
Gerry was my classmate at Passaic High School in NJ. I crushed on him then and I am crushing on him now even if he's 69 years old now.
@@carolynstewart2062 It looked so very handsome and sweet 😍😍
I agree Kristin! I have had a crush on Gerry for years, I know I would have in high school! I am 68 yo now and I love his drumming and singing videos!
I saw these guys when I was 17. Frankie got me up to dance with him. Unfortunately I was about 6 inches taller than him. I don’t know who laughed the most. Bless him!
That guy playing drums and singing made every note his bitch. The money he spent on that training was well spent. Wish I could upvote this one again.
His name is Gerry Polci. He did a great job on that one, and he also does a great job singing "Silver Star," a later Seasons hit. But look at Valli up there acting like he's the star of the show! Another point ... in the 1980s Polci played drums and sang harmony in a Los Angeles band called "20X," which was led by the late songwriter Eric Lowen, best known for writing the Pat Benetar hit "We Belong." But I think Lowen's best song was one called "The Angry Man," which he sang in 20X. I'm not sure if it's on RUclips, but it's worth looking for.
That guy is Gerry Polci
@@ElliottMichaels56 I don't think he's acting like he's anything he isn't, he's just in the front, why do you think so? Because he IS the frontman. Listen, i love Gaudio, i love Ciccone, i love Polci, but don't downplay the importance of Valli to the group, he is a legend.
@@BeeMarzipan Oh, believe me, I know what a super-talent Valli is. I just believe in giving credit where credit is warranted. But whenever and wherever "December 1963" shows up on a compilation album, they always credit it as "The Four Seasons featuring Frankie Valli," when I believe that in this case it should be billed as "The Four Seasons featuring Gerry Polci."
Anyone who can play the drums keeping a beat while singing is incredible. And to do it that well is mind-blowing.
Gerry Polci had a tough act to follow, but did so effortlessly. He could also sing while playing drums live, so he should have been a big star in his own right. It is not a just world.
Someone saw him as competition for lead ... did you see his harmony in 1974 Midnight Special to Frnkie's My Eyes Adored You, damn, it's hard not to notice it - he gave the song that kick and punch - best rendition of My Eyes Adored You was when he did the harmony
@@MsLinjohn beautiful harmony on My Eyes Adored You.
@@MsLinjohnMarrying and divorcing Mr Valli's daughter didn't help either.
Gerry carried the vocal load here and was the Drummer ! What a top Guy
Simply fantastic!!!!
As much as I love Frankie, Gerry is the Four in the 70s!!!
Agree
Got married in 63 and this song reminds me of my first Christmas together we still love this song
Godbless u both loved the song from day one think i was about 14 then ❤
I've always admired drummer/singers...that is a special talent, seriously!
Oh yeah it's hard enough to play any instrument and sing at the same time It's harder for drummers to do both.
I've often thought the same about bass players, as the rhythm they're singing at can be (and often is?) quite different from what they're playing on the bass. That's one of the things I've always admired about Geddy Lee's bass playing, for instance. So many others who could be mentioned as well....Paul McCartney is yet another.
@@rickmontgomery3037 Don't forget, Peter Cetera, and later, Jason Scheff.
@@jnadle1 Yes that's true, two more very good examples!
Karen Carpenter. Dunno if she ever did them both at the same time.
Awesome drummer and what a voice
Wow, actually live performance. No lip singing, no autotune... people playing their own instruments. That was so cool of the Midnight Specials. Today's performers would crap their pants if they were told to sing it live.
Jon Lanier
The Midnight Special was great...live performances and a wide variety of music. More bands could do play live now but most would suck with vocals or sound.
Jon Lanier amen brother!!
What is lip singing?!
Ironic since Frankie relies on auto tune 100% these days.
@@GetRekt-bw6pu Now be nice, you know what he meant, LOL.
I love that the drummer is singing!
My friend, the one and only Mr. Gerry Polci !
What becomes a legend? One of the greatest acts in U.S. history. The Four Seasons.
Gerry is amazing
Brings you back to first time you made love am I right ??
@@robertroudi5879 All I know is I forgot all about past lovers - and every other man on the planet too - the second I laid eyes on Gerry Polci 💞 Va va voom!! I've been mesmerized ever since lol😍. He's such an immensely talented and gifted musician...love everything about the guy!
@@katialea13 your funny katia Lea
Love this song. Gerry is really rocking it out here. He a fabulous drummer and singer. Could watch him play the drums all night. What a talent!!!!!!!!!!
I read somewhere that the drummer/lead later became a college professor of music.
If you watch his interview, he actually taught at a middle school for 20 years.
No question that Gerry Polci was great as the prime lead on this monster hit, but, I would bet that it was Frankie who made the decision to put him in that position. It was an excellent decision, of course, and Gerry deserves all of the many kind comments made here!
I'll bet that Bob Gaudio had significant input as well. Maybe the most.
I think it also had something to do with Frankies's hearing why he had Gerry sing.. Read it somwhere.. Gerry was amazing.
That was most likely up to the writer of the song and his wife
Lee Shapiro is great as musical director and piano player, his contribution is under rated.
You just read my mind.
@@dumfriesspearhead7398 And he is a very nice sweet man today!!
Great live version! Particularly impressed with that bass riff at 2:49 while he's singing along with it...not easy!
Rick Montgomery awesome catch!
Not even easy to play, let alone sing on top of. Then again he wrote it, so it's probably easier for him than for the rest of us.
I’ve always said this. You hit the nail on the head. Very tough to play a fill like that and sing at the same time while keeping the groove.
Such a damn catchy song. Always makes me move and puts me in a better mood.
Yep
Mr.Gerry Polci....how absolutely incredible he is...I love this videos with him...awesome performer....great song indeed‼️‼️‼️
Impressive! each musician sings, plays very well, voice, choirs, a powerful band still today, in 2022!
Great song! Great drummer '
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, etc,..., my favorite artists of all time. My favorite song of all time ---> this one, "December, 1963." Man, Bob Gaudio and his wife Judy Parker wrote a fantastic pop song. The Four Seasons putting out this classic, couldn't be any better. Love it.
So proud to be from new Jersey with these guys they were the beach boys of the east coast
Don Ciccone great friend. RIP
Love this song!! My favorite of all the Four Seasons tunes. Gerry is so good!!
This always cheers me up..brilliant arrangement, talent & the drummer so adorable and great! The song reminds me of when I was a child buying my first pair of "bell bottom" jeans-this was playing in the shop!
Great job on this one Lee Shapiro... love it...
Love,love this song.What a drummer so cool,great version of the song.👍👍
Gerry Polci was one of my first crushes and this remains one of the best 4 Season songs to me.
Did you have a crush on Fish from Barney Miller?
@@stumarston6812I can barely remember that tv show, lol.
When I listen to the drums - the hi-hats, syncopations etc (not an expert, not sure if that's right) - my brain is in awe of anyone who can do that so effortlessly AND sing at the same time. Flawlessly. Live.
Another drummer that sang a song while Drummond was from the eagles when they did hotel California the drummer also sang that song check it sometime you'll love it Vicky it's really cool
I watched it that night. The guys were interviewed onstage before they performed. Frankie and the group were so nice and gracious. I will never forget.
What year? Thanks.
@@bgaming181 1976
One hell of a song to do in a studio let alone live and they pull it off, true musicians!
They were tight weren't they? Damn.
Great performance from gerry lead vocals he is cute
I think this is my favorite live performance ever caught on video by The four seasons funky drumming and singing,..l love it, and Frankie's voice & unique face are awesome as always. 😎👍🇺🇸
OMG, Gerry Polci, I'm dying with that smooth voice and epic drumming. ❤
I never missed this show on Friday nights . the best show for music ever cuz it was really live . awesome !!!
the original 4 seasons. Absolutely brilliant music
They're not the originals, but I prefer them to the 60's originals.
None of the original seasons are in the disco song. Only Frankie who was made to stand around while Polci sang. And Ciccone was singing out of pitch. No Gaudio, no Devito and no Massi. This is not the 4 Seasons.
Perfect show for slumber parties. The Midnight Special takes me back memories. Slumber parties are gone!!!
Gerry Polci
this song just puts you in a good mood
The short but sweet Electric guitar solo is a perfect addition
I'm shocked! I never realized Frankie Valli had so little vocal input in this classic song!
I thought the verses were all him and definitely the falsetto part. 😮
🎷🎷🎵🎵Remember have all this vinyl at home if bring lot memories those days 70'🎺🎺🎷🎷🎻🎻🎶🎶🎵🎵🎧🎧📼📼🎸🎸
If I was born when I was 'supposed' to be, when my mother was younger, I would have done anything to be with Gerry. He is so alluring. I can't help but stare at him and hit repeat several times every day.
Sii, su hermosa mirada 😍😍
The bass player is spectacular. Great band
RIP to bass player/singer Don Ciccone..
Take me back to these years
Just great song and great preformance
Don Ciccone hits his falsetto breaks nicely. "And I felt a rush like a rolling ball of thunder / Spinning my head around and taking my body under"
Don era genial!!
1:30 RIP Don Ciccone.
😭😭👏👏
Simply awesome!
Such a special live performance.
I remember watch this live when I was a kid. It’s 2022 and it still stands out in my memory.❤
I think Gerry was one of the sexiest men I've ever seen when he performed this. innocent, cute boy looks with amazing strong voice :-)
Amy Carter I agree!!!
I aint gay or anything, but if he were to tell me to give up my ass, I definitely would
I agree with you Any....quite sexy indeed💕💕💕💕💕
@@oscar9876543 lol
I couldn't agree more. I adore him.
Fantastic live version.
Outstanding performance, boys!!!
Simply fantastic!!!!
Rest in Peace Don Ciccone!!! We miss you
I actually still remember playing that gig.
You were great!
Excellent song with three people on vocals
I never get tired of this song and video.
The times when the TV was really TV!
Thanks for share this wonderful video.
I remember seeing this ! RIP, Don Ciccone ------------& any & all other " 4 Seasons " who have left us. ------The 70's Rule. --------------------------------MJL, 74 y/o
Five of the greatest and five of the nicest.
Gerry Polci. My childhood crush.
This is such a great song
Food Wars! The Fifth Plate visual. Broadcasting begins April 10th!
Great song! Great drummer '
"Hypnotizing" - Gerry's with the song
"Why'd it take" - Gerry's IN the song
Really love this song!
A very rare live performance of this song..... totally awesome!!
Another premier I can Hardly wait for. Yet a long time before that happens.
Days of my Youth !
Frankie Valli, great singer, I always hoped he would do an impromptu song on the "Sopranos " wishful thinking
Creo que todos los contemporáneos de ése año vivimos ; un 1963 ¡ que noche !
What a great song
Don Henley is on that list too . .
Oh man. I love this.
Sweet surrender gerry..Oh whata night!!
#sexy drummer and singer :-P 3 3
Sweet and mysterious look. Very handsome.
Fantastic
I wish I could I could've watched midnight special.
This is the good shit!
Maravilhoso 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Gracias Bob.. Solo conocía el video oficial.. estos videos nos ayudan a disfrutar a las bandas de nuestra juventud y de presentes juventudes aun más y desde otros ángulos.
Thanks Bob. I only knew the oficial video. . These videos help us enjoy the bands of our youth and present youths even more and from other angles. I just loved the Four Seasons back then .. and still do
The biggest hit The Four Seasons would have is with drummer and Passaic, NJ's own Gerry Polci singing lead!
they are the best...:] good video god blees for the 70' tx...!
Frank you are brilliant
him on drums is a wicked singer ...hmmmm
Gerry polci
They were tight weren't they? Damn.
They were tight in their infancy.
Yep. And the most impressive for me is Gerry Polci singing lead and drumming with a lot of energy at the same time. Not easy to do
Polci was a big PLUS for the group, yes. Excellent singer, excellent drummer. However he was young and we all had that energy then lol :o)
The only minus was the guitar solo. Pretty bad. Everything else gets an A+
Love the music.frankie valli is cute
Always remembering: Dec. 20th, 1963....! Met a wonderful girl!
All of this is great, but shout out to John Paiva. I think he is the most tasteful guitarist I've ever heard.
Brilliant !
Guitar john pavia
Bass don ciccone (rip)
Keyboard lee shapiro
Drummer gerri polci
Singer franki valli
Singer gerri polci
Writer ...me
No...song writer bob gaudio and his wife judy parker (rip)
Just for the record
also:
singer - Don Ciccone
singer - John Pavia
Don sings lead on the "I felt a rush like a rolling ball of thunder" part, and John actually adds a fourth solo vocal on the high "Oh what a night" as Don is ending and Gerry is about to start again, and throughout the fade while the others are doing the "doo doo doos", it's John alone singing the line "Oh what a night" all by himself. It's that way on the record as well as the live performances.
So actually four lead vocalists on this song!
frankie vallee rocks in my book, nothing but respect for him. made this band what it was and IS and paid off a half million in gambling debt that belonged to his band mate rather than let the guy get messed up -or killed -by loan sharks. if what's in the movie "jersey boys" is true then frankie's awesome.
He did, then he and Bobby paid Tommy DeVito to leave the band in 1970 when the "Half & Half" album came out.
And don't forget Bob Gaudio's writing of all the hits-he's a musical genius; Frankie would not have gotten where he is. Saw Jersey Boys, and the story is in the musical, about his friend's debt. I enjoy his talent, and without Frankie, Bob Gaudio would not have had the success either.
The movie does not tell the real story!!!!!! It's a MOVIE!!!!! But for you info. The debts weren't all the result of Tommy's gambling. Yes he got into trouble. But THAT is only PART of the bands woes. The movie (forgot) to mention GILG. A record that upset the PHILLIPS record contract. Bob Gaudio's BOO BOO. That is why they left PHILLIPS records. When Barry Gordy of MOTOWN records took them on. It was then Tommy moved on.
Gerry Polci 👏👏✨💫💥👍😷😷18/4/2021 👍👍💞💞