Band Bios

Elton Dan is Elton John super-fan, Dan Gasser. With the encouragement of his grandmother, Dan started playing piano at the age of 10. It wasn’t long before he discovered Elton John. The music spoke to him and he was hooked. And it was a welcome respite from the classical music he was learning in his lessons!

Dan first saw Elton John perform live at Caesar’s Palace and has since seen him 26 more times, including seven concerts during Elton’s final, “Yellow Brick Road Tour.”

Elton John’s humanitarian efforts over the years further endeared Elton to Dan’s heart. Dan and the band follow Elton’s charitable example and have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Kansas City charities.

Dan formed Elton Dan & The Rocket Band in 2015. He has since retired from his day job and moved to Florida. His time is spent with his wife, on the water, fishing, and playing his favorite music for fellow Elton John fans. Dan’s a happy man! And very energetic.

Dean Christopher grew up with a love for music. He was born and raised by a first-generation Italian family just outside New York City. There he started playing piano at 9 years old, but the rock sound of the late 70’s inspired him to take up the electric guitar. It was then he knew music was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. 

He had an original band all through high school and college and kept writing songs and honing his skills. In his early 20’s he was invited to play with a classic rock band called The Good Rats who at one time had been signed by Warner Brothers. This experience gave him the confidence to start a solo career and produce his first album. 

Dean is a multi-instrumentalist and a singer/songwriter and he would need all those talents to produce his album, “Mutton Chops”. He wrote all the music, lyrics, sings all vocals and plays all instruments, including the drums. It is available on Amazon.com and on Apple iTunes. He has just finished his second album, “Here & There” with an April release date.

Currently living in Kansas City, he has also jumped into the Tribute band scene, previously singing for a Led Zeppelin tribute band. Dean has always loved Sir Elton John’s music and he was very impressed by Elton Dan’s recreation of it. When there was an opening to join the team as the synth/keyboardist, he jumped at the opportunity. This season Dean will be moving to lead guitar where his emotional, animated personality will bring electricity to the stage.

Wes Faulconer has had an impressive career as a drummer and percussionist, deeply rooted in the Kansas City music scene. His experience spans multiple genres, from blues, jazz, rock and pop to theater performances, showcasing his versatility on both the drum set and hand percussion.

As the founder of Explorers Percussion in 1984, he has contributed to the local music community for decades. His collaborations include performances with Barry Cohen & Destiny, Jessica Meuse from American Idol, and even a sit-in with Tool on djembe. He has also played with well-known Kansas City bands like The Nightcrawlers and Salted Blue.

Beyond music, Wes is a fan of motorcycles and fast cars. He brings this same high energy to Elton Dan & The Rocket Band. His ability to perform live, creating the many diverse sounds and background enhancements of the legendary music of Sir Elton John, are second to none.

Wes is a musician with a deep passion for performing music, bringing rhythm, energy and color to every project he is a part of. He is dedicated and devoted to playing Elton John’s music and “loves performing with Elton Dan & The Rocket Band!”

Paul Greenlease is a KC native who seems to always have a bass in his hand. After deciding to make music his life’s work, he traveled to California to perfect his craft. In 1993 he graduated from the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles. During his time in LA he became a studio musician where he performed recordings for various clients needing tracks laid down.

Since then he has toured around the world and across most of the United States, playing with several different bands. One of his most proud playing opportunities was being a part of the Armed Forces Entertainment Tour in 2010. During this time he was playing with Phil Vandel while supporting our troops in Kuwait and Iraq. “I never served in the military, but I am glad I was able to help entertain the troops. I have the highest respect for the men and women that are in the US Armed Services and our Veterans.”

Paul’s abilities on the bass are truly incredible and he has a mastery of every kind of music from Rock to Reggae and Jazz to Pop. This level of talent has earned him the respect of most KC area musicians. He is in high demand to sub in other bands when their bassist has to miss a gig.

Paul joined Elton Dan & The Rocket Band in 2019 as its bass player, where he helps keep the band on point when changing songs. Playing gigs is a big part of Paul’s life and when the band tours, he enjoys himself. “Being on the road with the band is always an adventure. We go to some awesome venues, meet new people, see new places, eat great food, but most of all we have fun doing what we do.”

Bill Graham is in his fourth year with Elton Dan. “I am very blessed to play with some super talented musicians in the Rocket Band”. He studied music at Missouri Western State University and completed a music performance degree in percussion. He is a fan of writing drum music and is currently working on writing a drum set book, with backing charts, for musicians of all ages and abilities.

Over the years Billy has been influenced by various other drummers and he still loves attending percussion clinics and watching fellow drummers whenever possible. “My time playing in the Rocket Band has been a learning experience giving me unbelievable opportunities to grow as a musician and meet people from all over the world”.

Deb Cordero became a member of Elton Dan and The Rocket Band in August of 2023. “I love all the guys! Everyone in the band is easy going and total pros on and off stage. They are the best!” She thrives in the back up vocal role, which requires both integrating and supporting Dan and the band on every song. She is also featured on two Kiki Dee songs, as the lead singer and in a duet. Deb is excited to take on any challenge where her talents can be spotlighted.

Deb, a local KC native, began her professional vocalist career at age 13. Her passion for music was the motivation to become a band leader and front person for several  groups. She then took her vocal talents to Las Vegas to perform. There, along with trips to Atlantic City, she was able to work at the finest casinos, sharing the stage with top acts. Her strong and soaring vocals are often compared to some of the iconic soul and rock singers of the 60’s – 90’s that influenced her. She especially resonates with R&B, top 40 dance, rock and jazz. A fun fact about Deb is she has done extensive studio jingle work for some national and local accounts including Pizza Hut and the KC Royals Baseball organization.

Deb is looking forward to more gigs and adventures while traveling with the band. Some favorite destinations include Las Vegas, Colorado, Chicago and Deadwood, SD. “Deadwood was so cool, but sadly, I was the only one who was singing “The Windy City!” IYKYK

Ben Eisiminger has been a professional pianist since age 16, playing in 45 states over that time, at countless venues. He is a graduate of the prestigious Shigeru Kawai Technical Academy and a long standing member with the Piano Technicians Guild. During his career, he has been privileged to play with many great musicians like; Jimmie Van Zant, Toby Keith, members of the Blue Man Group, Tim Alexander of Primus & Rodney Adkins. 

Ben has graced many stages including Carnegie hall on 4 different occasions, the Metrodome and the Monterey Blues Festival. While performing, he has also shared billing with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Darius Rucker, FogHat, Dolly Parton, David Allen Coe, Alan Jackson and many others.

In 2021, Ben was honored as a Kawai Gold Medallion Educator and was awarded a studio grant. When not playing the piano he is busy working as a Piano Technician and giving lessons in the KC Metro area. Ben said, “I’m excited to get back to touring. Getting to go on the road with Elton Dan & The Rocket Band was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”