This is a true story of a concept written on a cocktail napkin in Potsdam, New York late one night at a frat party in 1971. The discussion culminated with an idea for a band name. The napkin is long gone but the band has lasted more than 50 years, and their fans still come to hear them. “Cover to Cover: The Double Axel Story” by John Fallon III tells the remarkable story of an enduring core group of three musicians who still play together today.

Fallon was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He worked in higher education for several decades and served seven years as president of SUNY Potsdam.

The author’s research is comprised of one phone call, fans’ memories and emails and texts from band members family and friends. He writes, “what makes this band special, unique and remarkable is the spirit it represents … It brings folks together and creates community. Its essence is pure joy.”

Double Axel evolved from Paul Lee and The Walkers, a trio consisting of Frank Johns (bass guitar, vocals), Paul Parks (vocals), and Frank Messina (keyboards, vocals). Alex Vangellow (multiple instruments, vocals) joined in 1968. Eventually, Double Axel was comprised of Peter Thomsen (drum, vocals, musical arrangements), Frank Johns, Alex and Rob Zolner (lead guitar, vocals). Throughout their existence, the band had “no more than seven members” but mostly performed as a trio. Three of these original members are still in the band: Alex, Frank Johns and Rob.

Alex Vengellow was born and raised in Rochester. He earned an engineering degree then taught guitar lessons at Bronen’s Music Store in Potsdam after first giving Xerox a try. Frank Johns taught biology for 40 years at Lake Placid High School. The band rehearsed in the weight room there after school. He also coached basketball and tennis and authored a biology prep textbook used for pre-med students. His character is described as steady and patient. Rob Zolner grew up in Raven, New York. In high school, he wrote and recorded original songs, was recruited by Frank and Alex once they heard him play with another band, studied economics, and taught himself audio and video engineering to help the Crane School of Music survive during COVID. Alex and Rob opened Northern Music in Potsdam and worked there six days a week even while gigging all over the North Country with Frank, who was teaching full-time.

The band typically played at three types of venues: bars, college events and high school dances. Their first gig was in Potsdam at Frank’s NuBar in 1971. They played in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Malone, Massena, Ithaca and Hamilton. Double Axel was known for its vocal harmonies and energetic rock performances, but no matter how loud, the music’s harmonic vocals, musical arrangements and community connections remained important. Band members’ families were involved and supportive along with lifelong friends who became part of their extended family too.

The band decided together to stay in the North Country and forgo pursuing fame. Their story continues to be “characterized by an ironclad devotion to rock and poll music, a strong desire to be the very best, unbridled determination, and the unwavering commitment to a family orientation.” They influenced young musicians, helped them figure out what equipment they needed to succeed, and provided space for other musicians to sit in and play with them.

According to Alex, DA never tried to be a tribute band. They still play mostly covers and currently range from “the Beatles to Ed Sheeran, from the Stones to Teddy Swims” but they have always strived to arrange the music creatively. With more than 6,000 performances to their credit, the band plays on with no plans to retire and looking forward to future performances.