BIO
"We are saying what HE said,” laughs Matt Vee referring to the one and only Neil Diamond. Matt along with cousins Jeff and Tommy Vee, local music scene veterans and sons of the legendary Bobby Vee, join forces with their family and friends as The Killer Vees to celebrate the music from a timeless catalog. With songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," and "Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond sold over 100 million records worldwide with music that became the soundtrack to one generation after another with hits spanning five decades. As a Tin Pan Alley songwriter in the mid-60s, he penned songs recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Deep Purple and, of course, the Monkee’s classic, “I’m A Believer.”
“This is not a tribute show,” says Tommy Vee. “This is a celebration of an amazing musical icon, one we all love and respect. We have been fans since we were in grade school and first learning our respective instruments and played many of these tunes over the years in various bands. We have recruited an incredible group of singers and players and have gone back to the original records,” he explains, “it is all about the vocals and Matt nails it. It’s a Rockin’ show!”
Joining The Killer Vees will be Matt’s wife Julie Velline on vocals, veteran Minnesota musicians Mark Levandowski, Kurt Rodman, Boyd Lee, Dennis Kennedy, and Dr. Frank Plachecki, as well as a very special surprise for the finale.
Members Of The Killer Vees have recorded or performed with: Bobby Vee, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tim Rice, Ronnie Wood, Mick Taylor, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fabian, The Shirelles, The Chiffons, Brian Hyland, Johnny Tillotson, Nelson, Peter Noone, Bill Medley, The Johnny Holm Band, GB Leighton, and MANY others.
“Matt is the perfect Neil Diamond, and the band was killer…so good, so good, so good! We will definitely present this show again. Thanks Vee Boys!”
Terry Meyer Matier / Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI
“Our audiences were on their feet from the start…..Nobody could do it better. One of the best shows we’ve had this year.”
Bob Johnson / Paramount Theater, St. Cloud, MN
“If you’re looking for a performance that will lift spirits and create energy, this is it. Matt Vee Family & Friends put together a delightful show that is not to be missed!
Amy Sterns / Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes, MN
“The vocals, musicianship, and arrangements are quintessential Neil. If you are a Neil Diamond fan, this is a must-see. Our audiences were raving about this show!
Tamara Erickson, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
“They rocked the house! We had a number of first-time patrons who became sold on the Reif on the basis of this performance. The inclusion of the local choir is absolutely brilliant. We were sold out, of course.”
David Marty / The Reif Center, Grand Rapids, MN
“BEST SHOW EVER!!! It sold out so fast I immediately added a second performance and that one sold out as well!”
Tom Pickard - Le Musique Room - St. Michael, MN
