Upside - Down Town
Upside-Down Town
At the end of 2017, Mario sent Rob a WhatsApp message asking: “Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something together around the legacy of Greg Trooper?” They quickly connected over this idea and, despite busy schedules both professionally and privately, the plan emerged to create a tribute performance. Over the course of 2018, the concept took shape: Upside-Down Townwas born — not as a Greg Trooper album, but as the name of the band of musicians who wish to honour him with a tribute.
We would like to introduce ourselves to you.
Rob Steneker
(vocals / gitaar)
In addition to Greg Trooper, Rob draws inspiration from the music of artists such as Johnny Cash, John Hiatt, The Jayhawks and Jimmy LaFave. Artists like The Honey-cutters, Steve Earle, Slaid Cleaves and The Band also hold a special place in his musical interests. For many years, he was part of the Americana formation Americana Unlimited.
“Through our music, I really want to convey something meaningful — something with ‘three chords and the truth’. Greg did that like no one else. It would be wonderful if we can reach our audience through his music, and in doing so, truly celebrate him.”
Mario Kieft
(leadgitaar / slide / ukelele / vocals)
The Boss— Bruce Springsteen — is Mario’s greatest inspiration. In addition, he is a fan of artists such as Ian Hunter, John Mellencamp and REO Speedwagon.
His musical taste and experience are broad, as is evident from the repertoire of the band Steady as She Goes, of which Mario has been a member for many years.
“I’ve had the chance to see Greg perform several times and was deeply impressed by his voice and his beautiful lyrics. It’s wonderful that, together with a group of guys, we’re able to interpret his musical legacy.”
Rienk van Marle
(bas/ ukelele bas / backing vocals)
With a steady hand and a sharp ear, Rienk provides the stable foundation of the band. His musical taste is quite broad, ranging from bombastic to fragile, and from age-old to modern, with a clear preference for simplicity and recognisability. One of his great heroes is Johnny Cash, who in the final years of his life mainly recorded covers of other artists’ work. Rienk would have loved to hear how Cash might have interpreted Greg’s compositions — especially “Might Be a Train.”
Rienk also plays in the pop-rock band Steady as She Goes.
Aad van Stijn
(drums / percussion / backing vocals)
By far the greatest amount of musical experience is brought in by Aad. For over 40 years, he has been the regular drummer of the country formation Colonel Hammond Four/Five. He is widely known within the world of country music.
He finds artistic expansion with Upside Down Town, and his enthusiasm shows just how well this suits him. His contribution goes beyond tight drumming and percussion; with his vocal abilities, he also makes an important contribution to the rich, multi-part harmonies that Upside Down Town aims to deliver.
Marcel Pijnappel
(keys)
In 2025, Marcel joined the band. He has a broad musical taste, with Americana playing a major role. As a keyboard player with experience in various bands, he feels right at home in Upside Down Town.
“The life I love is making music with my friends”(from “On the Road Again”by Willie Nelson) certainly applies to Marcel as well. Ultimately, it’s all about conveying the joy we share on stage to our audience — so that, just like at Greg Trooper’s own performances, it is experienced as a true celebration.