Every great rock and roll story starts with a simple spark, and for bass guitarist John Dwyer, that spark was a deep-seated passion to play. His creative drive ultimately led to the formation of The Del Fossils, a high-energy rock and roll band comprised entirely of local talent. Dwyer proudly notes that all band members are Sun City residents, highlighting the tight-knit, community-based nature of the group.
The lineup came together quickly over a few months in 2025. Dwyer first recruited Mike Atkocaitis (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) in March, an acquaintance he had met at the Sun City Fitness Center. The band expanded its sound when Dave Corbett (lead guitar) climbed aboard in April, and Chris Nielson (Drums) completed the official four-piece lineup by joining in June.
Like many legendary acts before them, The Del Fossils built their foundation from the ground up through raw dedication. Dwyer shares that they started out like every group, practicing a lot in their garages. He also credits a vital behind-the-scenes support system for their early success, adding that they are lucky to have wives who not only put up with their practices but truly enjoy coming to see them play.
The Del Fossils found the perfect breeding ground for their music right in their own backyard, capitalizing on a community built for connection.
“I couldn’t have made this happen anywhere else but Sun City,” Dwyer reflects. “We are all in the same stage of life here, and where else could you find guys living within just a few miles who want to play in a band and a crowd keen to hear them?”
That built-in local support proved powerful when the band booked their first major gig. Dwyer remembers pitching the group to a popular local spot.
“I went to Sammy’s and offered to play, promising them that we would pack them in,” he said. “They had us play, and the place was packed. They had us come back for more performances. From there, we just exploded.”
Since that initial breakthrough, the band’s local footprint has grown rapidly. They have taken the stage at the American Legion in Huntley, as recently as May 27, and regularly perform at vibrant Sun City neighborhood parties inside the community Lodge, filling rooms such as the Birch Room, the Cedar Room, and the Drendel Ballroom.
It occurred during one of these high-profile neighborhoods sets that Dwyer experienced the defining moment of his musical journey.
“Our youngest son, who lives in San Diego, has been interested in the band,” Dwyer shares. “I was telling him about my excitement at performing on stage in the Drendel Ballroom. It was on April 25 for the Neighborhood 36 party. I got an unbelievable surprise; I saw someone walking into the room that looked like my son, and it was him. My wife was in tears when we realized it was him. He flew in just to see me perform, surprising both of us. He flew back the next day. It’s a moment that I will never forget.”
The Del Fossils thrive on delivering a nostalgic energy that keeps audiences on their feet, specializing in classic rock and roll hits from the 1960s through the 1980s. Whether they are performing for a community event like Drinks on the Drive or a private celebration, their musical formula is intended to ignite memories.
“We get people up and moving around,” Dwyer says. “We play their music, the ones we all heard when we were younger, some favorites are ‘Glad All Over’ by The Dave Clark Five and ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by The Rolling Stones, ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond. We play songs that people want to hear.”
This crowd-pleasing approach has made the band a staple of the Drinks on the Drive. They have already brought their high-energy, hour-long sets to ten different neighborhoods, turning everyday driveways and garages into makeshift concert venues. “It’s a lot of fun, I am lucky to play with good musicians,” Dwyer adds.
As they look ahead to their upcoming schedule, the band shows no signs of slowing down. They are set to kick off the new season with a performance for Neighborhood 30, followed by a high-profile community appearance on June 10 at the local volunteer pop-up event.
The volunteer pop-up event is open to anyone who has volunteered in the community, at an event, in their neighborhood, or at a charter club function. Designed specifically to show great gratitude for the community’s volunteers, the event will feature a special live set by The Del Fossils, who volunteered to perform for free.
The appearance fits perfectly with the group’s larger mission to share their music across the entire community.
“Our goal is to play at Drinks on the Driveway in all of Sun City’s neighborhoods,” Dwyer explains. “We have scheduled approximately 20 different neighborhoods by the end of 2026.”
Neighbors can actively help the band reach this incredible milestone. To book the band (at a generous rate of free) and help them perform in every single neighborhood, call John Dwyer directly at 547-774-0919.
