Reckless Abandon

This page is a tribute to Reckless Abandon. A band that entertained the masses in Oregon's Willamette Valley communities between late 1983-early 1987. The band was founded as The Hi-Tops in 1983 by Andy Hunt as a vehicle for his songwriting, with his brother Chris playing bass and friend Peter Adamy playing drums. Mike McCaa joined the group in early 1984 as the second guitarist, and after Peter Adamy left to go to school at Stanford in the Fall of 1984 and Bob Johnson joined as the drummer. The band name was changed to "Reckless Abandon" in late 1984.

Jon Sherwood briefly filled in for Chris Hunt on the bass, while Chris was studying abroad, and then Mike McCaa moved to Southern California in 1985. Mike's role was filled by Peter Norman on guitar and keyboards, and shorty afterward Bob Johnson's sister Karen Johnson joined the band as female lead vocalist as sax player. When Peter Norman left the band in 1986, he was replaced by Rick Langlitz on keyboards, guitar and vocals.

After Rick Langlitz and Karen Johnson left the band due to conflicting priorities, the group disbanded in early 1987. The band members remained friends despite the geographic distance that grew between them over the years.

Reckless Abandon was a regular multi-night performer at Cedars Inn in McMinnville, Oregon throughout 1986, and reportedly had the largest single night payout in the history of the club. The played other nightclubs in the Willamette Valley and multiple private functions at Linfield college. The band played in Portland at The Last Hurrah and Eli's, both of which were highly respected original music venues at the time. The band opened for several well known local acts including The Crazy 8's, Dan Reed Network, and Boys Town.