Michigan Rock Band, The Frost: 1966-1971

For years – decades, in fact – one of Michigan’s top rock bands of all time was widely believed by fans to have been a Detroit group. But no.

The band that gave us the 60s classic “Mystery Man’ and albums like “Frost Music”, “Through the Eyes of Love” and “Rock and Roll Music” was from Alpena. They were The Frost.

The band had its genesis in the mid-1960s as Bobby Rigg & the Chevelles. The group was in demand as an opening act for performers such as The Byrds, Jay & the Americans, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Sonny & Cher, The Young Rascals and others.

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Another band, The Bossmen, was led by Dick Wagner of Owosso. After catching a Chevelles performance in 1966, Wagner introduced himself to Rigg and proceeded to introduce the idea of joining forces and starting another band. They came to an agreement, and soon The Frost lineup was in place: Bobby Rigg on drums, Dick Wagner on lead guitar, Don Hartman on rhythm guitar, and Gordy Garris on bass.

Now known under their new name, the band continued to be the opening act for many big names: The Amboy Dukes, Animals, MC5, Pink Floyd, Rush, and Bob Seger..

They appeared at the 1970 Goose Lake Festival, Cobo Hall, the Grande Ballroom, and all over the midwest states at various festivals and venues.

In 1971, Wagner had already split and formed the band Ursa Major, with keyboard assistance from Billy Joel. In the early/mid 1970s, Wagner teamed up with Alice Cooper, whom he met during his days with The Frost. Wagner co-wrote such Alice tunes like “Welcome to My Nightmare”, “Only Women”, “Department of Youth” as well as partnering with Alice on the concept of the “Welcome to My Nightmare” album.

The remaining members of The Frost broke up in 1971, with sporadic appearances for the next few decades.

Original members Wagner and Garris have passed away.
Rigg and Hartman have retired.