Pat Mcloughlin
Pat Mcloughlin of The Cyrkle on the US rockers’ first studio set since 1970
How come you’re back now? We were approached by photographer, Daniel Coston, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was very passionate about a new album and willing to invest his own funds. We did everything we could to talk him out of it [laughs]. But he wouldn’t give up, so, we agreed, and began recording March 2020. Don Dannemann is the reason that The Cyrkle sounds the way it does, a solid songwriter, and he sings four of his own compositions, and nine of the 14 tracks in total. Mike Losekamp, for the first time, has a pair of original songs included, and he’s a powerful vocalist on three of the songs. Dance With Me Tonight has a wonderful, magical feel and sound. Even the producer and Daniel surrounded the microphone and sang on it.
How long did it take?
Two days in March 2020, before Covid, then Don worked on new material at his home on the East coast. We downloaded his recordings in Columbus, Ohio, where the band is based, and we returned to the studio to add our contributions, finalising the album in summer 2023. What happened during the albums interregnum?
We disbanded. Don Dannemann and the sadly departed
Tom Dawes wrote jingles, including Don’s 7-Up Un-cola campaign, while Tom did the “plop, plop, fizz, fizz.
Oh, what a relief it is,” for Alka Seltzer. They became CEOS of advertising companies. Marty Fried became a lawyer and passed from cancer. Earl Pickens became a surgeon and retired 2020.
Mike Losekamp formed Green Light Sunday and released an Atlantic album in 1970. They disbanded and he worked for AT&T until retiring in 2009. We met there and played in local bands, including The Gas Pump Jockeys from 2014. Dannemann joined, and the band played their first show in 2016, filmed and recorded as Full Cyrkle. What was the standout moment?
Going on the Flower Power Cruise.
Who’s been the biggest help along the way?
Promoter Joe Merrione, and Daniel Coston, nonperforming member of the band.
What do you put your longevity down to?
Red Rubber Ball inspired millions, and there’s the band’s deep ties to The Beatles on the ’66 tour. There are few that have first-hand knowledge of John, Paul, George and Ringo. We want to be the first act to return to the Top 10 after an absence of 50-plus years, and the oldest band to appear on Saturday Night Live.
What’s next?
Until we stare down the Grim Reaper, we’ll go down fighting. We could end up the first band to perform with its members all over 100. Now that’s a goal to strive for!
The Cyrkle Revival is on Big Stir.