Meet the Reflex
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Doug Easterly | vocals
Born in California and raised in Roswell, GA, Doug has been performing for over 30 years as a singer, songwriter, and tribute artist. He started as a drummer at 10, picked up guitar soon after, and quickly found his voice performing alongside his sister. Since then, his career has taken him from coast to coast and beyond, playing both original and tribute shows.
For the past decade, Doug has been a fixture in the tribute world, fronting bands that honor artists like Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Petty, Ronnie Van Zant, and Daryl Hall. Fans may also recognize him from his time as the male lead vocalist in Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute.
Now, as the frontman of The Reflex, Doug brings his passion for Duran Duran’s music, energy, and signature sound to the stage. As he puts it, “I just love what I do, and I’m honored to do it for a living.”
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Eric Vassy | Bass
Eric had always been drawn to music, and as a child, he began playing guitar in elementary school. He quickly developed a love for the instrument and spent hours practicing every day. When Eric was in 7th grade, he discovered the band Rush and was immediately drawn to their music. He became fascinated with the bass guitar and decided to switch from playing guitar to playing bass. From that moment on, Eric was fully immersed in the world of prog rock and new wave. In middle and high school, Eric played trumpet in the concert and marching bands, further honing his musical skills.
After graduating, Eric turned his passion for music into a career. He played professionally around the Southeast as the lead singer and bass player for an original band, performing with well-known acts such as Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Sister Hazel. Eric's love of new wave and John Taylor's mix of punk, new wave, and disco bass made him a perfect fit for THE REFLEX. He loves the opportunity to play Taylor's fantastic bass lines and sing the soaring background vocals for Duran Duran fans.
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Jeremy Kidd | Drums
Jeremy Kidd was raised in a family of musicians and was always surrounded by music. He was particularly drawn to the drums and nagged his parents until they got him his first drum set at the age of 10. From that moment on, he was hooked on making music.
As a freshman in high school, Jeremy formed his first band and spent the next few years performing at local events and honing his craft. After graduating, he was determined to take his music career to the next level. He searched for other serious musicians and together, they formed a touring band.
The band recorded an album with a label and spent the next 10 years touring relentlessly. Now, after years on the road, Jeremy is back in the ATL and able to focus on other projects, such as THE REFLEX. As a musician, he has always been inspired by bands like Duran Duran and is excited to bring those songs to the stage.
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Howard Flint | Keyboards
“They were going to kick me out of the band” … so 14-year-old Howard learned how to play keyboards after a new kid moved into town with a nicer drum set. Fortunately, this turned out to be the right move at the right time, as the new music of the 1980s created a demand for keyboardists who had both talent and a strong understanding of technology.
Since then, Howard's love of music has taken him all over the world, performing in various bands and writing his own music. Eventually, he found himself in Atlanta at the start of the internet boom and digital media explosion.
As a keyboardist, he was particularly inspired by the rise of synth-based new wave bands like Duran Duran, who elevated the genre with their innovative sounds and style. Now, Howard is back full circle with this project, using his skills and passion to work alongside a stellar group of musicians in THE REFLEX.
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Ruff Lee | Guitar
Originally inspired by watching Hendrix' Woodstock performance on TV (from the playpen!), Ruff Lee started guitar lessons at age eight. His intense love of music led him to explore everything from Classic Soul to Progressive Metal. By his late teens, he was a sought-after sessionist, sideman, and teacher.
Since relocating to Atlanta in the summer of 2005, Ruff has built a reputation as a live performer, having traveled from London to Los Angeles as a touring guitarist. He has also stayed busy as both a producer and session player on various projects. After all that he still calls the stage home; “It’s where I feel the most free.”
Performing with THE REFLEX has allowed Ruff the opportunity to show a side of his playing not afforded previously: the unique layers and textures of new wave, new age, and new romantic music. “I’m having the time of my life, painting with all these beautiful colors of sound with THE REFLEX.”
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Lauren Wertz | vocals
A renowned multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Lauren has been a staple in the Atlanta professional music scene since 1995. She was featured on American Idol in the late ‘90s as a teen, showcasing her incredible talent on a national stage. Her passion for music led her to a successful career as a touring musician from 2005 to 2011, performing across the country and honing her skills as both a vocalist and instrumentalist.
As a child of the ‘90s, Lauren has a deep appreciation for the iconic sounds of the ‘80s, especially the music of Duran Duran. Their cutting-edge sound and timeless hits have always resonated with her, making her a natural fit for The Reflex. Now, she brings her versatile musicianship, powerhouse vocals, and dynamic stage presence to the band, helping to recreate the energy, harmonies, and magic of one of the most legendary bands of all time.