Bill Archer - A Good Sport…and a Great Bandleader

Bill Archer

Bill Archer has been involved in the sports music field for the past twenty-five years. In 1978, Bill joined the original BIG BEAR BAND as the drummer, under the direction of Ben Arden. Starting in the “magical” 1984-1985 season, Bill assumed the helm of the BIG BEAR BAND and the Chicago Bears went on to become World Champion's. What a way to begin his tenure as leader of the "Most Dangerous Band in the NFL".

Under Bill's leadership, the BIG BEAR BAND became a very contemporary ensemble playing a repertoire that included arrangements of Hendrix, Springstein, Motown, Led Zepplin, Steeley Dan and Frank Zappa.  Bill succeeded in “modernizing” the on-field entertainment presentation at Soldier Field. In addition to the Big Band sound he expanded the rhythm section to include multiple keyboards, guitars and percussionists.

Both the players and the fans felt the energy that the BIG BEAR BAND generated at Soldier Field. Hall-of-Famer Dan Hampton remarked that, "My Uncle used to come up to see our home games at Soldier Field. He was more excited about seeing the band perform in the pre-game than watching us play the actual game. We could always feel the bands energy and intensity when we had a crucial game situation. The BIG BEAR BAND was the best!"

In 1991, the BIG BEAR BAND toured Europe and performed at the world famous North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festival's. A live recording was produced entitled, "BIG BEAR BAND Live at Montreux."

Bill Archer was instrumental in the creation and execution of the Chicago Bears Fan Club Tailgate parties that were held on site, at Soldier Field, from 1994 through 2002. This up-close and personal pre-game party for 700-1000 Chicago Bears Fans became the "hit" of the Chicago Bear’s die-hard faithful. Additionally, Bill’s instrumental rendition of the world famous Bear’s theme song, Bear Down Chicago Bears, is heard by millions of traveler’s every year at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

In 1993, Bill became the Musical Director for the Chicago Bulls. With his expertise in live music for professional game day events, and his extensive background in the recording business, Bill Archer was the logical choice.  The Michael Jordan era revitalized basketball by appealing to a younger and broader audience, as did the music under the direction of Bill Archer.  His creative editing of recorded music for in-game use has set the standard across the NBA.

At the World Championship Title Celebration in 1998 in Grant Park, Bill launched his current band BIG FUN featuring half-time performers The Bull’s Brothers aka “Jake & Elwood” bringing over 300,000 adoring fans to a frenzied peak game after game.  The BIG FUN BAND is currently one of the hottest national party bands for corporate and social events.

When Chicago hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2003, Bill Archer was selected as the featured entertainment at the opening gala.  VIPs and Baseball All-Stars past and present, were treated to BIG FUN!

Bill Archer is a trendsetter in the field of sports music. He has created and actualized innovative game-day presentations. In 2001, Bill's colleagues voted him into the Sports Music Hall of Fame. He is truly the Dean of Sports Music.