THE REBELS aka BUFFALO REBELS - BMHOF CLASS OF 2002

The Buffalo Rebels aka The Rebels, were formed by Jim Kipler (lead guitar) and twin brother Mickey (saxophone) from a south Buffalo neighborhood organization named “The Panther Club.” The Kipler brothers were 14 years old and decided to escape the boredom of the club meetings by forming a band.

 

They met Paul Balon (deceased) at a local music store and went to school with Tom Gorman (deceased) the other original member of the group. Paul played rhythm guitar and Tom played drums in the group.

 

The Rebels were performing at a record hop with local DJ Tom Shannon and he was very impressed with the group. He suggested they go into the recording studio and record an instrumental version of the vocal hit “Short Shorts.”

 

While waiting for the tape to roll, Jim Kipler started to compose on the spot, an intro to Shannon’s theme song that was his signature opening. Mickey joined in and began to play the melody to this catchy tune and it was then decided to record Tom Shannon’s theme song which was now named “Wild Weekend” and the rest is history.

 

The highlight of the group was its appearance on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in 1960

 

The Kipler Brothers continue to perform locally for weddings, parties and club dates.

 

 

 

The Programs of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame are supported in part by public funds
from the County of Erie New York. You are inspiring and we are most grateful.

© 2021 Copyright Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. All Rights Reserved.

​340 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14207

 Website Design by Grandin Graphics
Hosted by LKPro