Vini was born January 22nd 1949 in Neptune, New Jersey. He got into music at the age of 6, when he heard Elvis. He played the valve bugle in the Shoreliners Drum and Bugle Corps in Neptune NJ.
While in 8th grade, Vini became interested in the drums. Vini met Buzzy Lubinski in 1964 who showed Vini how to play Drums. Soon afterwards, Vini was introduced to Sonny Kenn and Vini joined “Sonny and the Starfires” in 1965. Soon after this Vini was in “The Moment of Truth” with Garry Tallent in 1966. Also in ’67 Vini played in “The Downtown Tangiers Rockin’ Rhythm and Blues Band” with Bill Chinnock and Danny Federici.
When he met Bruce Springsteen in 1968, Danny Federici and Vini asked Bruce to form a band, which they did. Vini introduced Bruce to Carl “Tinker” West when they decided to make this band. It was called “Child” at first then they had to change the name to “Steel Mill”. After “Steel Mill” was no longer, the band became “The Bruce Springsteen Band” and then it became “E Street band” with Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons, Danny Federici, Garry Tallent and Vini Lopez. The rest became history.
On April 10th, 2014 the E St. Band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Myself and all of the fella’s are very proud of this..!!
Vini has played with all of the musicians from the shore area and is one of the driving forces of the music at the Jersey shore and a true legend of his times.
He has played countless charity shows and will always be there if someone asks.
Vini “Maddog” Lopez
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
NJ Hall of Fame
E Street Band
Steel Mill Retro
