Band Members

SticksNick “Sticks” Flaim was born in Chicago and grew up in an entertainment household. His mother was an actress and dancer and his father was a piano player and singer who toured with Elvis Presley. They always encouraged Nick’s love of music, especially his drums. Nick’s musical career spans over 35 years of touring, recording and playing in clubs and casinos with some of the finest bands in the country, and he presides over the Faded Jeans rhythm section with his drums (and additional vocals!).
Smilin' Big DaddyKeyboardist Glen “Smilin’ Big Daddy” Hadley started his musical journey in Southern California and Utah, studying classical piano from age five. By high school, he  found his home playing his Farfisa portable organ in bands, and soon after, a stint with 60’s rockers, The Strawberry Alarm Clock. He later served as a district manager for Roland Keyboards, configuring keyboards for major recording studios across the USA. Now, Glen’s piano, organ, and synthesizer round out the Faded Jeans sound.
Levi RippingtonA native of Northeast Ohio, vocalist “Levi Rippington” (a.k.a. Erik Hendel) has molded his vocal and instrumental talents since the early nineties. His former band, Raul, took him to stages and studios throughout the Northeast. In 2003 he began a solo act in Phoenix, performing classic rock hits at clubs and resorts, as well as playing three years in the folk-rock combo, Haiku Rd. In the stage persona of “Levi”, Erik makes the audience part of the Faded Jeans show with dancing and sing-alongs.
Axe WranglerMichael “the Axe Wrangler” Norris came from the cornfields of Illinois to the desert of Arizona (“the land of opportunity”) in 1975 and found what he was looking for … he’s been rocking the Valley ever since. Killer Beeze, Black Widow, The Wett, and Goldbrick were just some of the bands he has fronted on lead guitar and vocals over that time.Now he’s flaunting his stuff with Faded Jeans, continuing his love of playing great music in Arizona’s Party Band!
Ron RonStarting in Denver in the late 70’s, bassist and singer Ron “Ron Ron” Parker quickly transitioned to touring the western US with top 40 cover band, Portrait. Since 1982, he has been in a variety of highly successful bands in the Phoenix area, and his resume includes performing with rock legends like Chuck Berry and recording with such artists as Michael Bruce (Alice Cooper). Ron’s motto – “It’s all about playing good music and having fun!” – perfectly describes any Faded Jeans performance!

14 response to "Band Members"

  1. By: Sissy Posted: October 10, 2024

    Erik I did not no you are from Ohio I was born in Cleveland been in Phoenix since I was three like all my life sure going to miss you

  2. By: Jenna Rasmussen Posted: September 30, 2021

    Hey, question for Nick! Did you play in the band Goldbrick in the 90’s? Looks like Michael played with them too!

    • By: Erik Hendel Posted: October 4, 2021

      Hi Jenna – Sorry, Nick wasn’t in that band.

  3. By: Judy Gilmore Posted: June 6, 2021

    You guys rock! Had so much fun rockin out with you all in Sun City at Bell. Can’t wait to hear you again!

  4. By: Tony "Dirty Handz" Flaim Posted: April 30, 2021

    “Are you the police? No ma’am, we’re musicians” – Dan Akroyd

    You guys ROCK!!

  5. By: Happy Anderson Posted: April 11, 2021

    Just found you guys. Been hearing a lot about you from the Copper Penny crowd.in Sun City. Looking forward to catching one of your shows!

  6. By: Rhonda Coombs Posted: February 22, 2020

    Michael what part of Illinois are you from? Which cornfield!!

    • By: Michael Norris Posted: February 23, 2020

      Macomb, Ill.

  7. By: Joan palmer Posted: April 22, 2019

    great show in sun city last nite hope to see you soon”

  8. By: Rhonda Posted: January 26, 2019

    Hey guys! Thanks for the great night at Sun City West last night! Ron, it was fun rocking to These Boots Are Made For Walk-in! I am going to be watching for where you guys play and will be coming to see you again for sure!! Your awesome!!

  9. By: laura workman Posted: September 29, 2017

    Erik, what part of Ohio are you from? I’m from Cleveland!!

    • By: Erik Hendel Posted: September 30, 2017

      Hi Laura! I’m from Youngstown, Ohio … not too far from Cleveland. Go Tribe!

      • By: Wes Tenn Posted: October 15, 2018

        I live in Mifflin now and work about 10 miles north in Ashland. Tabitha works in Mansfield. We love it here, please let me know next time you visit Ohio!

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