ABOUT THE LONG RUN
THE LONG RUN - "Colorado's Tribute to the Eagles"
The Long Run, 'Colorado's Tribute to The Eagles', hails from the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. Born in 2009, the band immediately hit the road doing Fairs and festivals all over the Four Corners states-region, including many others.
In April, 2019, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary by hosting a successful concert at the famous Paramount Theatre in downtown Denver, only to be followed by an appearance at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO. that same Summer.
The Long Run continues 13 years later, faithfully re-creating the 70's sound of America's best selling Rock Band in history.
MARK TRIPPENSEE
MARK TRIPPENSEE
Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Mark Trippensee has been establishing his drumming/singing/songwriting skills on the Front Range for more than 25 years. He recorded two CDs with the Denver original rock act 'Hearsay' in the 1990s, as well as compilation CDs from Colorado radio stations and studios. A founding drummer/member of Rush Archives, also long-time drummer with regional act 'Drug Under', he has shared the stage in recent years with national acts such as; Living Colour, Aaron Lewis and Staind, Three Days Grace, Black Stone Cherry, Winger, REO Speedwagon, Blackberry Smoke, .38 Special, Tesla, Lonestar, Parmalee, and many others. Mark launched The Long Run in 2009 out of his love for The Eagles' music, their influence on him and with a large dose of stubbornness and drive. He is also a founding member of one of Northern Colorado's favorite live rock bands, Last Men On Earth. Mark recently released his debut solo CD, Bend Without Breaking, featuring current, and ex-members of Firefall, Heart, Spirit, and The Long Run as well as other prominent Colorado musicians.
In 2020, he performed background vocals/arranging, and a lead vocal on Firefall's last album, "Comet", which put him on the album liner credits right alongside Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, and John McFee of the Doobie Brothers.
STEVE THOMAS
STEVE THOMAS
VOCALS, GUITARS
Steve Thomas is a veteran musician/entertainer who has performed all over the United States as well as a tour of Central America for the Department Of Defense with the band Windfield. Steve has performed as the lead vocalist/guitarist for "Firefall" who's hits include "Just Remember I Love You", "You Are The Women", "Cinderella".
Steve was born in Redondo Beach, California. His family moved to Colorado when he was 5 years old. Steve's musical career started in Colorado, performing with many of Denver's most successful bands. He lived in Nashville between 1999-2004 writing and recording original music. He moved back to Colorado in 2004 and currently resides in beautiful Evergreen at an elevation of 7500 ft.
ADAM REY
ADAM REY
VOCALS, GUITAR
Adam Rey is an accomplished and stylistically diverse guitarist. He has been performing and touring for more than 45 years in original, top-40, rock, and variety bands in the western US. After moving to Denver in 1991, he built a reputation for solid, creative, and reliable guitar playing and found himself in demand playing lead guitar and singing lead and backup on stage, in the studio, and touring with bands here in the Rocky Mountain Region. In 2011 he released his first solo CD of original compositions Meat & Potatoes, an eclectic combination of guitar-driven instrumental Rock/Jazz/Fusion/Blues/World with a little country in the mix. He is now working on the follow-up to that album. He is married to Julie (who has put up with his musical endeavors for 25 years), and has a 22-year-old son, Zakary, who he tries to coerce into being his roadie whenever possible. Adam says, “They will take the guitar away when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Any day with the guitar around my neck is a good day.”
REECE MORSE
REECE MORSE
VOCALS, KEYBOARDS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR
This is a true story.
Reece’s story begins in the jungles of India, where he was found and raised by wolves. When it became apparent that the jungle was too dangerous for him, he was taken to a nearby man-village. Very early on, he showed great musical aptitude and was sent to learn and apprentice with Ravi Shankar. During this time, the Beatles were also in India, and Reece was introduced to the Fab Four. When a disillusioned John Lennon left India, he took the young prodigy with him to carry his luggage. After two years in London, Reece took a job as a merchandising vendor for rockers Led Zeppelin as they headed for the US. When their bus broke down in South Dakota, he was purposely left behind. There, he was taken in by a loving family of modest means, who encouraged his musical aspirations. A year after high school, he set out on the road for two years with a band called Shyboy. With them, he began to develop and hone the skills that brought him to The Long Run, which he has called home since 2016.
His favorite movie is Jaws.
RICK PAPPANO
RICK PAPPANO
VOCALS, BASS GUITAR
Rick grew up Indiana and was hooked as many us were when the Beatles played on the Ed Sullivan show. He got his first guitar when he turned ten and was in a band soon after.
He switched to bass since he was told he was the tallest and most bass players are?
He learned his chops listening to everything from the Allman Brothers to Tower of Power.
Moving to Colorado in the 70’s is what really exposed him to gigging every week in funk bands to country in the Urban Cowboy days.
Rick and his bands have opened up for Orleans, Loretta Lynn, The Bellamy Brothers and many more.
He prides himself on just playing what is necessary for the song and locking the best groove and pocket with the band.
CHRIS STONGLE
CHRIS STONGLE
PERCUSSION, DRUMS
Chris has been one of the most highly requested “First Call” Drummers for both studio and stage for many of Colorado’s top, legendary bands and artists for the past 40 years because of his diverse skill playing all styles of music. A few recognizable artists who he’s played with include Hazel Miller, Chris Daniels and the Kings, Big Head Todd, Richie Furay, John McCuen & Jimmy Ibbotsen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jim Ratts & Runaway Express, Timothy P, Baxter Black, Jon Chandler, Flash Cadillac and the list goes on.
In 2017, Chris had the once in a lifetime opportunity to play with some of the top music artists in music business which included Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Joe Walsh, John Oates, Richie Furay, Kenny Passerelli, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, JohnnySwim, Michael Martin Murphy, and the one and only Garth Brooks. The concert was performed to a sold-out crowd of over 20,000 at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater and can be experienced currently on AXS TV....it’s called Rocky Mountain Way.
It’s an honor to play in The Long Run with Mark, Steve, Adam, Reece and Rick! These gentlemen are amazing musicians and friends! It’s a rare opportunity to have both in a situation like this and I would say that I am truly blessed!