Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Taillon.
Hi Gregory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I run an entertainment company called Ultimate Bands & Entertainment. About twenty years ago I started small, gigging on multiple instruments—especially the accordion—while leading a successful Cajun and Zydeco project where the accordion takes center stage. I also play bass, and classic rock (particularly Rush) has always been a passion. About fifteen years ago I posted an ad looking for a drummer to launch a Rush tribute as I was learning the catalog on bass.
A drummer in Ocoee, Tom Apikos, replied. He had his own rehearsal facility and—no exaggeration—ten full Rush-style drum kits plus a trove of memorabilia. We spent a year woodshedding the songs and ultimately formed Ultimate Rush. Around that time I also stepped in as a fill-in bassist for an established tribute called Rushour.
I registered the names Ultimate Rush and Ultimate Rush Experience in honor of Tom after he passed away. His love for Neil Peart still fuels what I do. Tom appears in our show openers on video, and I still revisit our rehearsal footage; his spirit remains a guiding force for every performance.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not exactly—just deeply rewarding. Cajun/Zydeco and Rush live at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, and both demand serious dedication. Mastering intricate arrangements, odd time signatures, and extended solos while also honoring traditional accordion styles takes thousands of focused hours. Building reliable bands, managing production details, and keeping quality high from show to show has been a learning curve—but it’s a labor of love for progressive rock and world music, and I wouldn’t trade it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through Ultimate Bands & Entertainment, I produce and perform high-energy tribute shows and accordion-forward projects. Across all of them, the goal is the same: deliver faithful, exciting performances that celebrate the artists we love while giving audiences an unforgettable night out.
Currently, I perform with:
- Ultimate Rush Experience
- Ultimate Santana
- Ultimate AC/DC
- Ultimate Iron Maiden
- Led-Hed: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
- Okeefe Brothers ( Irish band )
- Plus several accordion-based ensembles
What makes you happy?
Family, pets, and music—always. I enjoy collaborating with great musicians and seeing a crowd light up when a favorite song kicks in!
Contact Info:
