Daily Special was formed in February of 2006, consisting of the members Tony Badway, Bill Beggs, Adam MacMillan, and Tony Zisis.

 

Tony B and Bill have known each other since their days in middle school in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton.  Soon after meeting, they formed a band called “The Tide” which recorded two complete albums and performed around the west suburbs.  Tony B played drums for the band; Bill played bass and sang.  The Tide lasted from 1997 to 2001.

 

After high school, Tony B and Bill made their way to the University of Illinois.  After arriving in Champaign, Tony joined the combo, as the drummer, of The University of Illinois Cutting Edge Show Choir.  This is where he met Adam, who had also joined as the piano player.  One semester later, Bill joined Cutting Edge, as a singer / dancer.

These three freshmen would soon become very good friends, as well as bond musically.  Their Junior year, Tony B, Bill and Adam created a 12-piece cover band called “Illini Contraband,” which covered most genres of music, spanning the 60’s to present day.  The band played in the Champaign / Urbana area, including weekly gigs at Kam’s, The Canopy Club, and many official University events including Homecoming and parent’s weekends.  They also traveled off-campus from time to time to play shows at other schools.  Tony B started off on drums, then switched to guitar soon after.  Bill played bass and sang, and Adam manned the keyboards as well as the vocal mic.  Illini Contraband still exists, and plays on, to this day (with different members).

 

After graduating, Tony B & Bill moved back to the Chicago suburbs, and Adam moved to the city.  United once again, they would create another band - Daily Special. With keys, guitar, bass and vocals all covered, there was need for one more instrument; drums.  Using the wonderful website called Craigslist, the trio located a professional drummer looking to join a talented cover band. 

 

His name: Tony Zisis.

 

Tony Z aced the audition, and the band began practicing immediately.  Daily Special’s specialty is 90’s and current rock; however they dabble with the 80’s and prior decades.

 

Bill left the band in the summer of 2007. They are currently on their 5th bass player, Ryan Richko. Bass players in this band are like drummers in Spinal Tap. When they leave, only a green globule is left on their bass amp as evidence that they existed.

 

They currently play around the western suburbs and the city of Chicago, including venues such as McGee’s and Uncle Fatty's.  Check the calendar to see upcoming gigs!