Chris Rewalt: The Man Who Demanded to Be Seen

He came in not knowing how to sing rock and roll. He couldn't really play guitar, and when they handed him a keyboard, he wasn't much better on that either. By his own account, he played with his right index finger while the left one was usually in his mouth.

But none of that mattered in the end, because Chris Rewalt understood something the others didn't yet know they needed.

It was a Civic Center show in September 1980 when it happened. During "Can't Buy Me Love," Rewalt stepped into something larger than himself — sunglasses on, moving with slow deliberate cool, a cigarette between his fingers like he owned every square foot of that stage. Butch Maxwell called it something to behold.

Rewalt himself was never falsely modest about it. "I don't claim to have a great voice," he said, "but lots of brass." He knew exactly what he was doing and exactly why — and he was honest enough to admit the self-serving part too. But then he added what mattered most: "For a good while there, it was for everyone. We were a team. And we had the best music around."

That's the thing about Chris Rewalt. He arrived with nothing but nerve, and he gave Teaser a face — someone to look at while Maxwell and Bontos gave them something to listen to.

He reached out. He went out. He demanded the room pay attention.

Some people earn their place not through what they bring, but through what they become. Chris Rewalt became the front man nobody knew to ask for.

Rest easy, Chris.

Miss you uncle chris. You’ll forever be an amazing godfather and amazing musician. 

Not sure where to begin, but Mr. Rewalt has influenced me in ways unbelievable.  I met Chris through my sister Ann.  She was a student at West Liberty State College in 1981.  I was 17 years old and Ann said you got to see this band Teaser.  I was in Aww !  Looking back Chris had the stage presents of the likes of Richard Butler, Ian McCulloch, and Bowie.  He was a rock god to me.  I just wish I could have told him my wishes.  When I leave this earthy body, I wish to be canonized a saint, the patron saint of rock&roll.  I feel confident that he would indorse me.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Love You Chris and See You on the Other Side,                                                                                                                                                      Aloysius Griffith (Tommy to you Chris) 

Great person. He was always kind and interested in people.

Bless him and his family…

Extremely shocked and greatly saddened by the news of Chris’s passing. All of The Guthrie family is sending much love to the Rewalt siblings and to Chris’s family.  Love to all and prayers for you.  So very sorry for the loss of your brother

My saddest, deepest sympathies to Chris's family and friends. I was so very sorry to hear of his passing. I am so fortunate to have known Chris, whether at our home, at practice, and on stage.  So many wonderful events, and Chris was always smiling that great big beautiful smile, in every one of my memories. May his Soul rest in peace.

My brother Keith and Chris — with Keith Hunter and Chris

Sad to see a 1977 OFHS alumni pass away.  I remember his laugh! RIP, Chris. 

My deepest sympathy to all of Chris' family and friends, especially his children and their families whom I never had the pleasure of meeting, and his sisters and their families.

My heart goes out to Chris's family. He was always fun to hang out with: mini golf, parties, sleepovers, band practices (I'm also a surviving member of Gold Rush). Rest in Peace 🙏 

Way too many stories to tell, but man did we have fun getting into mischief as teens growing up in the 70's.

Olmsted Falls High School Gong Show 1977.  Our band "Gold Rush" got a paying gig from someone seeing it.

Making out with my girlfriend in my parents car in another friends driveway, I look up to see a message written on the window in shaving cream.......

Pushing Chris' parent's Maverick out in the street in the middle of the night so they don't hear us taking it for a ride.

Just hanging out and being friends.  Wish we had been able to catch up after many years.  He'll always be my friend.

Teaser's featuring Chris on lead vocal. Recorded in 1985 at Main Street.