The Cyclones

Seven-piece classic rock band of Anoka High School classmates from the early '80s, back on stage since a benefit show three and a half years ago.

The Cyclones is a seven-piece classic rock band made up of Anoka High School graduates from the classes of 1981 to 1983. The name nods to the school's Tornadoes mascot without copying it. The band came together about three and a half years ago when a classmate who used to book guitarist Pete's old band Riverside at the Anoka American Legion asked for a band for a February benefit. Pete called drummer Mike, singer Rob and bassist Phil, and in about a month and a half the group pulled together three rough sets. The show was so much fun that the band met a week later and decided to keep going. The Cyclones play six or seven shows a year, practice on Sundays and add four to six new songs before every gig, moving from Old Time Rock and Roll to songs like Roll with the Changes and Reelin' in the Years. Members do their homework before practice, so new songs come together fast, and the band picks songs that fit everyone's strengths.