The tracterz were a highly popular college “new-wave” act that gained fame in the mid-1980s while touring the upper Midwest. They were conceived as an amalgamation of the Rock Rapids, Iowa-based cover band Easy and the Brookings, South Dakota based Fast Eddie. The tracterz mesmerized audiences, filling ballrooms and concert hall with their energetic performances. During their career, they had the opportunity to share the stage with several well-known national acts, including Huey Lewis and the News, the Waitresses, the Tubes, Modern English and the Violent Femmes.

The tracters was founded by Dalyce Dykhouse, hailing from Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Steve McFarland, originally from Armour, South Dakota. Alongside Dykhouse and McFarland, the talented Lynn Pralle, a Rock Rapids, Iowa guitarist, Drummer Brad Roberson from Cherokee, Iowa, and bassist Rich Follen from Heron Lake, Minnesota, were founding members and contributed to the band’s unique sound.

Dalyce Dykhouse and Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy were inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Similarly, Steve McFarland attained his rightful place in the South Dakota Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2022 with the band Destroyer.

As the band evolved, they were joined by other gifted musicians, such as bass players Ken Noecker from Hartington, Nebraska, a member of the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame with the group Quazy in 2008. David Fee, Jr., hailing from Brookings, South Dakota, also joined the band and is known for his work with Fast Eddie. 

The tracterz had an exceptional support crew to ensure their shows were a success. Butch Durlin, the bands road manager and sound engineer, was honored with an induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2021. Additional support crew members included Colin “Mochi” Shulte from Hartington, Nebraska, and Roger Brown from Brookings, South Dakota, who played integral roles in making the tracterz performances memorable.

The tracterz were also the winners of 93 KKRC-FM’s First Hometown Album , with their song “I Like College”!

The tracterz left an indelible mark on the music scene, captivating audiences throughout the upper Midwest and paving the way for many other aspiring artists. Their legacy lives on through the impressive accomplishments of their founding members and the lasting impact they made during their time together. They have undoubtedly earned their place in music history.


All photos credited to: https://chadsconcertpix.blogspot.com/2008/03/tracterz-vermillion-sd.html

Brad Roberson: Drums (lefty)

Dalyce Summers: Keyboard, Vocals, Guitar

David Fee, Jr: Bass and awesome moves

Steve McFarland: Vocals, Guitar

Lynn Pralle: Guitar

Kenny Noecker: Bass, Vocals

Roger Brown: Sound

Butch Durlin: Sound

Awards