Action Unlimited: The Band of Gold

In the Sixties, when Rock ’n’ Roll exploded, there were literally thousands of bands. They dreamed of making it big, but most never got past playing in their garage. Some were good enough to play an occasional gig for pay at a wedding, a VFW hall or even a small local club. Even fewer played for pay regularly, with the prospect that music might become a career rather than a hobby. And then, there were those who were talented enough—and fortunate enough to be heard by the right people—who got the opportunity to take their shot at the big time.
One of those talented and fortunate bands called themselves Action Unlimited. Having made a name for themselves in Richmond, Kentucky, the sextet caught the eyes and ears of associates of Dick Clark’s organization, got a spot on the bill of one of Clark’s Caravan of Stars shows, and linked up with a manager who had the connections to book them into the best night clubs on the West Coast and Las Vegas.

The drummer of Action Unlimited, Dewey Pope, tells the story of the band’s ascent to the upper echelon of rock bands in Action Unlimited: The Band of Gold. Pope shares with readers the band’s evolution, their adventures (and misadventures) on the road, their coming-of-age experiences, their brushes with celebrities, and stories about sharing the stage and meeting some of the biggest names in music in the Sixties. Ride along with Action Unlimited in their tour vehicle—a gold-painted funeral hearse—and wax nostalgic as you share in their musical journey that took them to the threshold of stardom—so close that they could taste it—only to be denied entry. Join Dewey and band mates Jon, Kent, Dave, Chuk and Sam and enjoy the story of a Kentucky band that almost made it big.