The Illusion was an American rock band active during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed in Long Island, New York in 1967 (originally as The Five Illusions in 1964 by then high school senior John Vinci). The band's lineup consisted of Vinci (vocals), Ritchie Cerniglia (guitar), Chuck Alder (bass), Mike Maniscalco (keyboards), and Mike Ricciardella (drums).
The Illusion gained popularity in the late 1960s with their self-titled debut album, produced by Jeff Barry, which was released in 1969 on the Steed record label. The album featured a mix of psychedelic and hard rock influences, and included the hit single "Did You See Her Eyes". The band's second album, "Together (As a Way of Life)", was released in 1970 and featured a more progressive rock sound.
Despite their initial success, The Illusion disbanded in 1971 due to creative differences and financial issues. However, their music has continued to be influential to later generations of rock musicians. The band's members went on to have varying degrees of success in other musical projects, with guitarist Ritchie Cerniglia and drummer Mike Ricciardella going on to form the band Wiggy Bits.
Trivia: I addition to writing their hit single "Did You See Her Eyes", producer Jeff Barry also co-wrote hits for other groups such as "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Then He Kissed Me", "Be My Baby", "Chapel of Love", and "River Deep - Mountain High" (all with his then-wife Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector); "Leader of the Pack" (written with Greenwich and Shadow Morton); "Hanky Panky" (with Greenwich); "Sugar, Sugar" (written with Andy Kim); and "Without Us" (written with Tom Scott).
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