Missing Links (Rockford)

The Missing Links formed in the mid-1960's in Rockford, Illinois.  The band members included Russ Caltagerone (drums), Jim Smith (guitar), Allen Bell (vocals), Dick Campbell (bass) and Steve Distefano (organ).  Their music was advertised as rhythm & blues, rock and soul.  By the end of 1967, they were one of the more popular teenage groups in northern Illinois.  They performed regularly at the YMCA 220 Club in Rockford as well as many area dances and events.

By early 1968, the band went through a lineup change with Jim Smith leaving the group.  They added Pat Piper on lead guitar and Nick Pumilia on saxophone.  Both were still in high school at the time.  Most of the other members of the band had already graduated and a few were attending area colleges.

By February of 1968, the band released their first single which included covers of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb" and the Temptations' "Get Ready."  The 45's noticeably "thin" sound was due to the complete lack of bass.  According to Jeff Lind's History of Chicago Rock series in the Illinois Entertainer, bassist Dick Campbell was sick on the day of the session.  Rather than cancel or replace him, the band went ahead and recorded without him.  The single was released on Marek Records.

 

Despite it's uneven sound, the record was a hit in Rockford.  Both songs topped local radio station WROK's "mini hits" chart in early February, beating out the Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye."  

Unfortunately for the Missing Links, another Rockford group, The Iron Gate, also recorded a version of "Get Ready" at the same time.  Their take on the tune would soon knock the Missing Links' version out of the top spot.

A friendly rivalry between the two bands would continue to play out in the regular "battles" held at local venues such as the Sherwood Lodge.

The Iron Gate's version of "Get Ready" :

In 1970, the Missing Links released their second single.  This time it included two originals:  "Should Have Done Better" and "Can't Take It No More."  The record was released on the Mare (Brand) label, which listed a Chicago address.  On the record, the band name was written only as T.M.L.  It is unclear who exactly was in the band during this period.

 

A pared down version of the Missing Links continued to perform in Rockford into the early 1970's before calling it quits.  In the early 1990's however, the band was resurrected, at least in name.  With Dick Campbell as the only original member, the Missing Links were reborn as an oldies / classic rock cover band.  By 1992, the band was awarded "the best of Rockford."  They would continue to win the honor multiple times and would eventually go on to be inducted in the Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Hall of Fame in 2000.  Despite a number of lineup changes, the Missing Links are still performing in 2026.