Chastity keeps rockin’ for two decades
For Pete Yezbak, a founder and current leader of the “metal that’s melodic” band Chastity, it’s not just playing music. “We are original,” said Yezbak of the group that calls Uniontown home. “We write our own stuff and perform our own music. Paul Lancaster is the main writer, but we all contribute.”
Chastity is fresh from “Puffalooza” a successful concert to benefit the family of the late bass player David “Puff” Lancaster, brother of Chastity’s guitarist.
“Overall it was a great success,” said Yezbak of the event.
Yezbak said the band is now lining up shows for the coming year.
Represented by Lou Hetzer of GlamSlam Productions, the group has opened for national acts Jani Lane’s Warrant, Quiet Riot, Jackyl, SteelHeart, Bullet Boys, Ron Keel and Bang Tango.
The band’s next gig is headlining a benefit for the Pittsburgh Rock Press on March 31 at the RPM Rock Club in Bridgeville. On April 14, they will open for Funny Money (formerly known as Kix) in the same venue.
Yezbak began playing bass in the ninth grade at Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville.
“Kiss changed my life,” he said of the heavy metal group that formed in 1970.
In 1984, after graduating from Robert Morris College with a degree in management, Yezbak pulled up stakes and headed west.
“L.A. was the land of opportunity for rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “In 1986, Chastity was formed, and we played many clubs up and down the Sunset Strip.”
On Jan. 17, 1994, everything changed.
“You could say the Northridge earthquake convinced me to leave,” Yezbak said.
By 1996, however, he was once again heading west. This time to Las Vegas, Nev. This time, his new wife, Vicki, accompanied him on the trip.
“Las Vegas is close enough Los Angeles that Chastity could once again reconnect,” he said. “We did an 18-song CD that we released in 2000.”
But a family crisis at home moved the family back to Fayette County.
He brought the “Chastity” name with him.
Yezbak played locally with both Krave and RedFum for several years.
But when he joined forces with guitarist Paul Lancaster in 2002, Chastity came out of retirement.
“Paul said, ‘It’s an established name and it has an existing fan base, let’s capitalize on that,”‘ said Yezbak of their decision. “People actually remember the name.”
Yezbak and Lancaster worked with several drummers over the years, including Eddie Adams and the late Andy Lackemacher.
Chris Lincoski, a vocalist, signed on.
Yezbek and Lancaster took on singing backup vocals. Finally, in 2005, Armand Minghi, a percussionist, joined. Chastity was complete.
Yezbak of Perryopolis is employed by Jutope Realty, Inc. He is a project manager for the commercial builder.
Both Lancaster and Minghi, who live in Uniontown with their families, work with cars.
Chris Lincoski of Brownsville is the owner of Sub Zero Services.
“We haven’t reached a point yet when we can quit our day jobs,” said Yezbak, with a laugh. “But our popularity continues to grow throughout the tri-state area.”
The reason? Yezbak feels it is the band’s high-energy show.
“We use special lighting, some flash pots and more,” he said. “If you give people their money’s worth, they’ll keep coming back.”
Yezbak said that the band continues to develop and incorporate new things into their shows.
“We are continually growing,” he said.
“We truly enjoy what we do and it shows,” he added. “People really ought to come out and see us play sometime.”
For more information about Chastity, visit www.chastityrocks.com.
Hear a sample of their sound by going online to www.myspace.com/chastityrocksu.
Tickets to the upcoming shows are available by contacting band members, calling 724-332-3091, stopping by RPMs at 1020 Washington Pike (Route 50), Bridgeville, or calling 724-221-7808 during business hours from noon to 2 a.m.