THE ARGYLES - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE AVENGERS Styled after the Ventures.
BAKER STREET CASE - (Contributed by David McDonald) DM writes: "Baker Street Case was a band that played the canteen 67-68. My memory of them was that they had new Kustom amps and a new double tom Ludwig drum set."
THE BATHTUB RING - (Contributed by Ralph Fritz) RA writes: "The Bathtub Ring consisted for most of its existence of Richard Tondre and Ralph Fritz. Other members over many years, included Grant Heller, Pat Hughes, David Kersh and several others. Tom Kinsey was recorder and sound man. We played many clubs included Mike's site as well as Kelly's Pub on the River, Artist Colony Club in Hemisfair Park, etc. (in)Famous for Alexis from Texas, etc. we were basically a Kingston Trio sound-alike. Contact can be made at bathtubring.com."
BEEFEATERS - (Contributed by Jimmie Randall) JR writes: "I played bass with the Beefeaters (I still cringe at that name!) in '68 and '69. We played at the Pusi-Kat almost all summer in '68 during Hemisphere. What a grand time! I was nineteen and out on my own for the first time. Wild in the streets! We also played Teen Canteen and Love Street (Whatever happened to Brandi?) Later, I played with Gary Myrick from Dallas and we played the Jam Factory a few times opening for Leon Russell. Even later, I moved to L.A. and joined Jo Gunne. We played Sunken Gardens in '74. I wonder if any one has any pictures. I am getting quite nostalgic these days. I have such great memories of my time in San Antonio." (Contributed by Bob O’Campo) BobO’ writes: This is one of the earliest local rock groups I remember watching perform in San Antonio in the late sixties. I don’t remember exactly where they were playing but I recall a large hall with a tall theatrical stage complete with velvet curtains along one side of a cavernous room (High School or University gymnasium?) However, I’ll never forget that strange and unique sounding band name. At the time I figured it was a play on words and it wasn’t until many years later that I stumbled upon the meaning… Beefeaters are the ornately garbed and brightly colored ceremonial guards and tour guides of England’s Tower of London. So finally the name made sense… British Invasion. Anyway, thanks to the Beatles my younger brother Ed and I were intent on forming a rock band of our own. As I was just learning to play lead guitar at the time and had no one on hand to tutor me Ed and I started attending all the local rock shows we could so I might glean a few pointers from seasoned players. We saw a lot of really great bands too, like FLASH, VIRGIL FOXX, HOMER and THE LAUGHING KIND, etc. We also saw many touring national acts as well like IRON BUTTERFLY, STEPENWOLF, JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and even my all-time favorite, Jimi Hendrix. We saw Jimi and his post-Woodstock Band of Gypsy’s play the Hemisfair Convention Center Arena in May 1970. I was three months shy of my fifteenth birthday and I still have the $6 ticket stub and a photo I personally snapped of Jimi playing. Ed had it enlarged for me as a birthday present a few years back. When we attended these concerts I would forgo dancing (probably why I’m now clinically dance-impaired) and position myself in front of the lead guitarist to study playing style and technique. Ed was a drummer so he would likewise intently watch the drummers play. On a good night I would catch a glimpse of an elusive lead riff or an interesting chord progression or pick up some other useful playing technique. I recall many times being very anxious to get home after shows so I could try out something new I had observed that evening. It was a slow process but I thoroughly enjoyed watching live performances, still do, and I actually learned to play, improve and refine my playing skills this way. Getting back to the Beefeaters, I recall that this band impressed me as being very pro (British) looking and great sounding. I recall wanting to hear them play again but unfortunately never did. One humorous side note: I dutifully observed that this particular very accomplished lead guitarist/vocalist would sprinkle talcum powder into the palm of his left hand and then liberally apply it to his guitar neck and strings between songs. This fellow played extremely well and being a rock guitar novice I figured it was what all the pros must be doing to help them play faster. Well, I tried it and it certainly helped me move up and down the neck easier but I found it WAY too messy and dusty and soon abandoned the “secret talcum powder technique”... cough, gag, cough. Boy was I thrilled when I discovered finger ease spray... waaay better."
BLUE VALLEY MILL - ( Contributed by Keith Hinshaw ) Keith writes: "I was a brat at Randolph AFB from 1967-71. Some of us brats put together a band called "Blue Valley Mill" and we were hot at the "Teen Canteen" for awhile in '70-71, It was myself on lead and vocals, Tom Koenig on rhythm, Speedy Moorhead on bass, Bob Hric on keyboard and most lead vocals, and a succession of off-base drummers. One drummer I remember was introduced to us only as "Lightbulb", who we got through Allen Grimm from KEXL_FM who managed us for a short time. We did mostly covers by CSN&Y, Santana, Cocker,etc., and a couple of originals by Bob, ("Iceberg Sea" & "Highway 35"). We were pretty good for our ages (18-20), but my heroes were "Homer"," Pablo's Grove", and "Joker Moon". I was surprised to see the names of Wink Kelso, Tommy Davis,and Phil Arroyo (in these listings). Phil was very kind to me as sort of a mentor. I remember times at "The Canteen" that people up here (Illinois) don't believe when I say names like ZZ Top, Steve Vaughn, and Christopher Cross (I remember him in a band called Blue Jam because we always came in second to them in battle of the bands!). (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "I was one of those "off base drummers" Keith mentioned, and worked with them in what I believe was the last incarnation around 1971. As I recall, we disbanded when Bob joined the Air Force."
BUBBLE PUPPY - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
BILLY BUTTERFIELD & DANNY MEYER - (Contributed by Jim Meyer) JM writes: "My father Danny Meyer played with Billy Butterfield from about 1958-1960. They made 2 recordings: 1."Billy Plays Bix", 2."Jazz Festival". He was in Northfolk Virginia in the late 50's. Danny Meyer had played with many off the greats (he also did 3 years in the west point band) from Louie Armstrong in the late 40s to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in the Greenwich Village Days. He was also at West Point Academy. He was at the Virginia Beach Jazz Festival in 1960 with Billy Butterfield, Tommy Gwaltney, Charlie Bird, Ernie (Stonewall) Caceres. He also played with the Jolly Rogers band with Tommy Gwaltney. He died in 1989 of cancer. I would like to find the 2nd album he and Billy made:"Jazz Festival". Anyone out there have any further info???
CAIN'S CHILDREN - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE CATALINAS - (Contributed by Larry Patton) LP writes: "I was also in a band in high school (Sam Houston High) called "The Catalinas". Larry Patton (Lead Guitar), Ken Schuchardt (Bass), Terry Loper (Lead Guitar), Mike Portis (Drums), John Brown (Vocals). Mike Portis and myself are the only ones still playing music. From what I can remember we lost a lot of talent contests to the Spidels. They were a great band with a huge following. Most of the Spidels also went to Sam Houston High at this same time in the early sixties, Terry Patton, Jerry Osborn, Jesse Samudio, Eugene (Gene) Coleman. Thanks! Larry - my website is: http://www.americanfreedomshowcase.com ." (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "I remember well the Catalina's ...they were neighborhood guys on the southeast side. I believe Mike Portis was the drummer a few houses up the street on Shelburn where I would sit out on the curb and listen to them practice. I also remember Eugene Coleman's paisley topped Ford Falcon passing by my house almost everyday as I rode my bicycle home from school."
THE CENTURYS - (Contributed by Will Bellamy) Will writes: "The Centurys started in 1963 at Alamo Heights High School at the annual Howdy Night Fiesta. ......." Mike Lowell writes: To read this along with many more stories about 'The Century's' and other bands, see the GRABBAG section by Will Bellamy and George Maillot - OR click HERE.
CHAYNS - (Contributed by Phil Moran) no info yet. (Contributed by Roger Barnes) Roger writes: "Another band that i recall as being big in the local teen SA scene during that era was "The Chains"....they seemed to rule at all the Battle of the Bands in the area. I could be wrong on the spelling of "The Chains" but could swear it was spelled as I wrote it, maybe they changed it (to 'Chayns') as they progressed. I just remember that they were considered the coolest SA band going around 1966." (Contributed by Stephen Shelfer) SS writes: "A bit of info on the Chaynes (that's the spelling I remember),Charles Eddleman: Rhythm Guitar,Vocals (Edison), Miles Wells: Lead Guitar, Ocarina on WILD THING (McCollum, I think) Bob Tummer: Drums (school unknown), Dale Watson: Bass (Edison) Name of Lead Vocalist unknown." (Contributed by Jim Frizzell) JF writes: "I played guitar/keyboards originally with a band called the "Rel-Yeas". Early 60's to mid-60's. I was also a member of the "Chayns" from around 67'/68' to around 72'. After the Rel-Yeas ended, I started a group called "Applebutter". (weird name selection.. but we got a very popular in a very short period of time... ). Around 1967-8, Applebutter was playing a gig at the Lackland Officers Club and Charles Eddleman and Miles Wells had heard some good things about us and came out to listen. They approach us that night about possibly joining forces with them as the Chayns had recently broken up and were looking for new musicians. With the Chayns popularity already in San Antonio, it didn't take long for us to say yes. Of course only several of us were asked to join but that is how bands come and go... it wound up as follows: Miles Wells-lead guitar/ Charles Eddleman-vocals, hammond organ, rhythem guitar, bass guitar / Jim Frizzell-vocals, hammond organ, rheem keyboard bass, bass guitar, guitar/ John Stephenson -vocals, drums / Larry Milligan-bass, guitar. As it turned out, the harmony vocals between Charles, John, and myself were a good mix and lead us off in doing a lot of songs by Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, Crosby Stills Nash & Yound, etc. Hours could be spent about our musical adventures...." (Contributed by Thom Di Fronzo) TDF writes: "Wow! Some really good details about San Antonio's own hometown group The CHAYNS. I was disappointed that their TOP 45 all time BEST SELLER was NIGHTTIME on one side, and that beautiful instrumental LIVE FOR THE MOON on side two. I have been searching for these two songs since my return from Nam in '73. Do you have these? Also, I noticed, later in years, that the song NIGHTTIME was being used in a Budweiser commercial! I never did find out for sure how they got hold of that tune and used it, but rumor had it that the CHAYNs let the copyright lapse, and Budweiser snapped it up. Both of these tunes were OUTSTANDING! I heard the CHAYNS play at Ft. Sam, Bracken ridge Park (at the old KTSA Lazy days of summer and the Beginning of Summer Festivals they always put on. Back in the days of Bruce Hathaway and Ricci Ware who was my neighbor for years!) So, can you locate these songs? I am a wedding singer (really!) here in Houston, and I'd sure play both of these at every wedding if I had them! Great site, Brother, and keep up the good work! P.S. I can still pick up a guitar and play and sing NIGHTTIME!" (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus) CH writes: "I seem to remember a Chayn member, by the name of Wayne Gustafson, i think. He was an original member I'm sure. The drummers name was Bob Tumblinson. Again, i think.." (Contributed by Skip Mascorro) SM writes: "Mike..noticed reference to the Chaynes instrumental, "Live with the Moon". I heard it played on KSYM a few weeks ago riding down the road and couldn't believe my ears. Immediately tried to connect with the station to no avail, to find out if it was an old cut or a cover. Still don't know. If you were a San 'Antonio musician learning to play a guitar, playing "Live with the Moon" was where one graduated...after learning "Gloria!.... G-L-O-R-I-A!" (Contributed by Matt Farrar) Mike Lowell writes: The following link is an excellent article sent in by Matt Farrar who was around in the early days during the formation of this great band. Click HERE to read. (Contributed by George Callins) GC writes: "If memory serves, Galen Niles was in that band and wrote the B-side Live With the Moon, but I saw no mention of him in the write up. Now, I HAVE been known to be wrong once or twice." (Contributed by Gary Oleson) GO writes: "The Chains (later Chayns) drummer was Bob Tunmer (John Jay HS). I got the group together, but I was too young (& square) to stick with them." (Contributed by Charile Eddleman) CE writes: "Mike, my name is Charlie Eddleman and I wanted to get some facts corrected about our group. The name was copyrighted by me in the 60's. Thru the years there we're 3 separate Chayns. I was invited to hear a group and maybe join by a bass player who's name I no longer remember. That group was made up of the players - Myles Wells (harlandale), Wayne Gustofosen(sp) (sam houston), Bob Tumner (holmes), myself(edison), and the bass player. They did not have a name for this group since they we're just starting up. I honestly don't remember if they had played anywhere before this. Perhaps you we're involved prior to that because I don't remember you. I joined the group and we played a few gigs on the southside calling ourselves the Monarchs. Shortly thereafter, the bass player quit and I got a fellow Edison guy named - Dale Watson. However, the groups name was bantered around for several months before Bob Tumner arrived at practice with black felt boots and a single chain on 1 leg. We liked the idea of "chains", however we wanted something different, not just play the chains so we changed the i to y and the rest is history. This group remained intach, which I call Chayns1 for several years before Dale had some personal problems and we replaced him with Mike Owens (known as Hair). I have tons of pics of these guys and we had NO other guys play with us, period. Myles wrote Live with the Moon and I have the copy of the sheet music which was filed with the music writers association (he did get a few small checks for it's usage). The song Night Time was not written by us but was a rendition of a song I had gotten on a 45. I probably still have the 45 somewhere. Chayns2 was formed as a replacement when Myles when off to college (Texas A&M). We played 2-3 years together. It was - Ronnie Brodeur (drums), me (vocals & organ), John Ramirez (vocals & rhythm), Larry Milligan (bass), and 2 different lead players - 1st was Tommy Milligan (who quit) and then Mike Novak. Chayns3 was formed because of a personal differences between several players. At which point I formed the final group Chayns3. Larry (bass) ask me to go see a group he's was playing with at Roosevelt High School. As Jimmy says in his response, I ask he and John Stevenson to join, which they did. I had know Jimmy for years since we both had gone to Edison Hi. I then contacted Myles Wells, who agreed to commute as our lead player. I managed all these bands and the reason I kept the group together and got replacements quickly was to fulfill all our booking. So we never had to renege on a booking in all the years we played! I was raised to never break an agreement, written or verbal, by my dad. During all these years the only other guys who played with us at all we're: a bass player who quit because of an inter-ear problem and Robert Harris(?) who moved equipment buy when we found out he played drums and sang we had him do a few songs at several gig. The one I remember was a Texas A&M, he sang American Woman and we had him setup his drums and play a few songs with our drummer (John Stevenson). I have pics of us when we played the Love Concert, when we played at the Austin Auditorium, when we backed up Billy Jo Royal, etc. and even a pic of when Myles & I played on the KTSA basketball team against coaches at different high schools all over south Texas, and the only pic of our groups with anyone else in it was when we took a pic of Ronnie Huth (keyboard) at a practice who left to make it big in California, turning us down."
CHICKEN LITTLE AND HIS FABULOUS EGGWHITES - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE CHILDREN - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
CIRCLE C BAND - (Contributed by Bobby Flores) BF writes: "Then there was the Circle "C" Band who was another local C & W dance band that featured some local legend musicians, like Don Pack on steel and the late Cal Berry on fiddle & mandolin. What about the Metheny Brothers? They still perform around here some and were another very popular and talented band. Featured Travis (bass) and Perry (fiddle) Metheny, very talented guys and well respected in the local music scene. Tully Magnum was on guitar and Glen Harden was on steel. All very worth mentioning."
THE COMMANDS - (Contributed by Vic Perez) VP writes: "The Commands with their smash hit "No Time For You" that was recorded at Randolph AFB as this group was stationed there, hence their name the Commands after Air Training Command(Randolph Air Force Base)."
CORNBREAD - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) BAND MEMBERS: Steve Baxter - bass / Cliff Oliver - guitar / ?? - drums / ?? - keys / Mike - vocals. Mike Lowell writes: This was a band consisting mostly of Alamo Heights area guys. Played local cover songs and did local gigs like the Mule Stall as well as others. Good band just short lived. (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "Cornbread just had two Alamo Heights guys, me and Steve Baxter. Our singer was Mike, and drummer was what's his name, came from the Chayns..."
DIVINE, TOM - (Contributed by Bill Lieber) Bill writes: ""The last few times I have seen them (Bepko Santos & Rose) ..who should show up supporting them, but someone that you probably knew in the old days ......Tom Divine! You probably remember his song "Free My Soul Again" (I guess thats the name of the song). He's a real good guy - probably a mentor to alot of us. Talk about country rock and cross ountry/folk/ballads .... he's the man!"
EASTWOOD REVIEW - This band consisted of main guitarist Chris Holzhaus, Bubba Perron on bass, Laurent Perron on drums, and on occasion Ricky Hernandez - on keyboard. Also, Steve Trowbridge (future bass player for JIVA JIVE ) on equipment duties. Late in the band's tenure Jim Newhouse ( Rachels Children, Augie Meyers, Chris H ) would join on congas and drums. (Thanks to Chris Holzhaus for data) Mike Lowell writes: The first time I ever saw them was at the Mule Stall in Alamo Heights. Right off Chris was a standout guitarist. The band played blues and it was the real thing. They released an L.P. which included members in the original lineup. The LP did poorly at the time as the music trends of the era left little audience for the blues. (Chris informs me this CD is still avaliable, I'm currently searching the internet for a copy as it contains some great stuff ). Chris and the Perron's eventually went their own separate ways to form other bands around the area. (Contributed by Steve Trowbridge) ST writes: "I saw my name associated with "Eastwood Revue", wow that's really going back. As you probably already know Chris was Best-Man at my wedding just a few years after the Eastwood days. I miss him."
ECLECTIC - (Contributed by Don Moore) DM writes: "The Eclectic (1968-1970) came in second at a battle of the bands at Randolph AFB in 1968, and, as a result, obtained a contract with the San Antonio military base clubs, as well as the USO. Ricci Ware, Sr. was one of the judges, the others fade in memory. The Shades of Night won first place. One of the judges told the band that they would have won first place if they had all been dressed alike, which was the fad at the time. The Elcectic were Jorge Parra (drums), Baxter Wolfe bass/vocals), Mike Smith (lead guitar), Guy Stubbs (guitar/vocals), Don Moore (vocals), with short stints from Kent Carpenter (organ/vocals) and Billy ???? (lead guitar). The band enjoyed the military circuit and only deviated from it twice once to play at teen canteen when it was just off Bandera and another time to play a private party in La VIllita. Favorite songs included "7 and 7 Is," "Little Red Book," "House of the Risiing Sun," "Summer in the CIty," "My Generation," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Gloria," "Under My Thumb," "Get Off My Cloud," "Heart of Stone," "You Gotta Run," and "Tired of Waiting." The band had one original, "Lisa," written by singer, Don Moore. The Eclectic did not ever record, and they broke up in 1970, with a short revival as the "Society of the White Rose."
ELECTRIC PRUNES - Mike writes: "I found some great photos of the 60's band The Electric Prunes playing not only at the Pusi-Kat club but also at Hemisfair 68'. The photos are over at Shadwells Tripod site located ** HERE **.
THE 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS - (Contributed by Bob Galindo) Mike Lowell writes: This is by far one of the most legendary of the South Texas area musical groups. Damned near icons of the region. Since I was to young to speak of this group with any authority, I approached Bob Galindo for his memoirs on the subject. Bob's brother Danny was a bass player in the Elevators, so I knew Bob could add some trivia. The following page was kindly contributed by Bob Galindo for all to share. (Contributed by Jay Cox) Jay writes: "Here's a weird Roky Erickson story for you: Our band did a weekend gig in Houston, backing up Roky Erickson and a couple of the International Artist big dogs. As we were about to record, we were in the dressing room getting dressed and Roky was starring at himself in the mirror. A fly started buzzing around him and he intently watched it as it flew around him. It landed on the mirror in front of him and he starred at it for the longest time. All of a sudden he spoke to and for the fly...he said in a high weird voice, " Hi Roky" and he responded in his regular voice, "Hi Fly". It was so weird, but he was pretty much brain-fried at this time of his career. I heard he was doing better...hope so." (Contributed by 60sMan) 6man writes: "I once had to score for a show with the Elevators down in Padre Island. It took some old felonious connections to find enough weed in Corpus to get that many people high on such short notice. John Ikes and Stacy were really friendly and got stoned with us, but Tommy wanted to make the Elevators a "closed" experience and kept Roky at a distance. That all changed later."
THE END - (Contributed by Joe McDuffie) Joe writes: "Ive been "hacking" a guitar since about 1965,out on the southside of San Antonio. Anyway, summer of 1983, I hooked up with Stan Teel, one of the original members of "The End" and we revived the name. Personnel were Stan Teel/Bass,Gordon Hasdorf/guitar cals,Bigboy/drums(cant remember his real name) and Joe McDuffie/lead guitar/vocalist.We had some fun out at Ferdies on 281 and a few other spots like Marty's Veranda. One time some of us flew a small plane to the gig out there and landed in that field south of Ferdie's.We were so heavy taking off that we almost clipped those power lines by 281 !!! Stan runs a private detective agency now,and I think Gordon(Butch) is a Real estate broker. I went to work for Continental Airlines as a pilot in 85.Rock on !!!"
DENNY EZBA - (Contributed by Tom Kinsey) TK writes: "Denny Ezba and the Goldens was a popular San Antonio group around 1959-62 or so, and produced at least one record. Lead singer was Denny Ezba and (among others) included Harvey Kagen, Marty Kagen, Jack Trinklebach, Rocky Hill, Danny Segovia, and Tom Kinsey. There was much cross over of personnel Sammy Vaughn and the Starmarks, so some of these may have been with only the Starmarks."
FEEL, GENE COLEMAN AND - (Contributed by Spencer Drake) SD writes: "The name of the Band: Gene Coleman and "Feel" This band was originally a trio featuring former Swiss Movement drummer Gene Coleman, former Union Jack lead guitarist Butch Denny and bassist Joe Sarli. In early September of 1970 former Union Jack rhythm guitarist Spencer Drake joined the group. The group played mostly around SA and the south Texas area. Around the first of October of 1970 Gene Coleman moved out of town and was replaced by the former drummer of the Outcasts, Ricky Wright. At that point the band became known simply as "Feel". Although the group was only together until the spring of 1971, they had one heck of a lot of fun playing some wild rock -n-roll gigs in this area!!! Among them was a series of "wood-z's" which were organized by a small group of students at SA college. These "wood-z's" were held off fm 3009 near IH-35 as well as the old Domino Ranch off Moursand Blvd and south loop 410. One of the band's specialties was taking 50's rock-n-roll songs and playing them with a 60's sound. Spencer Drake left the group in March of 1971 to join the Air Force and the rest of the guys evenutally went on to other things. As mentioned earlier, "Feel" was not together for a long period of time but you would be hard-pressed to find a rock-n-roll band with a tighter sound and 4 guys who had more fun at what they were doing!!"
FEVER TREE - (Contributed by Monica Domingue) MD writes: "A friend just mentioned the band, Fever Tree, to me; however, I don't remember them. Anyhoot, one of their members, Michael Stephen Knust passed away and is buried at a cemetary in my neighborhood, so obviously he was from this neck of the woods." Mike Lowell adds: "I remember hearing about Fever Tree out of Houston. Seems they were very cutting edge and one of the leaders of the 60's movement out of Texas along with the 13th Floor Elevators. Very ahead of their time and a bit profound and dark in a world that was embracing the lighter sounds of the Monkees at the time. These guys had a huge cult following and the old records are being kept in high regard by collectors."
FIVE CANADIANS - (Contributed by Don Moore) DM writes: "I was surprised not to find them in the list. I remember them from the late 60s. Louie Stelecky (sp?) was their lead singer." (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "If Don was surprised not to find the Five Canadians listed, there's a good reason for it, and I guess it's time for the truth to come out. We hated the name, and didn't use it when we played in Texas. Not one of the dozens of musicians I've worked with in South Texas since then knows I played with that band. In fact, my wife didn't even know it until it started popping up on the internet, and we were the cover story of the first edition of a punk magazine called "Brown Paper Sack", which claimed we were the great-grandfathers of what later became known as "punk music". Apparently there are people who study that kind of thing, and we were surprised to find out that the Five Canadians were considered one of the great mysteries of the genre until publisher Andrew Brown cracked the case. My band-mates and I just got in the habit of avoiding the subject, because we loved Texas and didn't want to be seen as disassociating ourselves from it. In fact, when we played here, we didn't perform any of our own music even though it was on the radio. The original band was called the Hangmen, but producers and managers changed it without our consent in the spring of 1966 in an attempt to market us as being from any place but here. These were the same handlers who changed Bobby Jenkins and the Jades to Rob London and the Rogues. The Five Canadians got good airplay with several originals, "Writing on the Wall" being the biggest. It did well in Canada of all places. I guess if we had really been from Canada, someone would have forced us to call ourselves the Five Texans. The record also did well in the Los Angeles market. I've heard covers made by bands from various parts of the country, so apparently it got around. We toured in the summer of 1966. Tour may not be the right word, as we slept on floors, under-ate, and came home with less money than we had when we started in spite of some live TV and other interesting experiences. I was only 16 at the time, so it was a good education for me. We also got a fair amount of airplay with other originals, "Never Alone", "Don't Tell Me," and a fast version of "House of the Rising Sun" for which Classy Belou and the Orlandos provided a horn section. Our songs have appeared on numerous compilations put together by various pirates, and are better known in Europe than in the US. And no, we never made any money. Writing this was therapeutic. Thanks for letting me come clean after all these years."
FLASH - Chris Geppert - guitar,voc / Dubby Hankins (later replaced by Andy Salmon)- bass,voc / Keith Rubinstein - keys / Phil Glosserman - drums. (Thanks to Rob Meurer for data) Mike Lowell writes: This band was a favorite around SA in the late 60's and early 70'. Known primary for Chris Geppert's leadership (Later known as CHRISTOPHER CROSS),other band members were no slouches themselves. Every gig Chris and bandmates would have a wall of amps. At one gig he used 6 Kustom brand cabs with three amp heads spread out to make a long wall. This was in the days when most players had only a single little Fender. Later on, he switched to three Marshall stacks. In the early days he used Rickenbacker guitars, later on he got a Gibson reverse Firebird during his OH-SO-GOOD BAND stint. He and the band used this little gray ford van to get around in. On bass guitar was a guy named Dubby Hankins (later replaced by Andy Salmon) and Dubby always had a wall of amps to match Chris's rig. A Fender bass was his main axe. A great vocalist and bassist. These days Dubby runs a recording studio in the SA area. (Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D) Phil writes: "Later incarnations of the core members were included in the bands MR. MOOSE featuring Dubby Hankins on bass and Cliff Oliver on guitar and the OH-SO-GOOD BAND featuring Geppert & Dubby Hankins. I seem to recall that Rob Meurer played drums for MR M and OSG. Rob is notable for being the BEST double kick drummer in SA. Earlier, he was the powerhouse rhythm keeper for the VIRGIL FOXX GROUP. Later, he was the piano player on CHRIS CROSS'S albums. Rob also co-writes material on CC CD's. Pretty talented!" (Contributed by Andy Salmon) Andy writes: "I quit The Laughing Kind around 1969 to join Flash, Chris Geppert's band, taking over the bass duties from Dubby Hankins. That was a great band. Chris had some cool tunes and we jammed a lot, often refining the jams into tunes and set pieces. We opened a few shows for acts like Taj Mahal, Steppenwolf, and Leon Russell. After we broke up, I took a gig in a San Antonio night club house band with a guy named Danny Segovia. I took over for Harvey Kagan of the Sir Douglas Quintet. Danny was at one time the lead singer in an early incarnation of the Bubble Puppy - (I was at their first gig in San Antonio!) Chris and Rob Muerer had various groups until we all moved to Austin with the addition of Tommy Davis. We starved for a while, then Chris & Rob got a gig in a Houston band called Heather Black. I went back to San Antonio and played at the Garter on the River with Ricky Hernandez. Chris got me an audition with a guy named Dean Scott in Houston. I played with him until they could get me into Heather Black. This is around 1973-4. We stayed together until the original Christopher Cross band disbanded."
FLASH CADILLAC - (Contributed by Hunter Harrison) No info yet. Comments welcome.
GLASS ONION - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
SPUD GOODALL - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
GRAVEN IMAGE - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
GRIM REAPER - (Contributed by Rob Meurer,Bob Galindo,& Andrew Brown) RM wrote: "I knew these guys (The Grim Reapers - they never could decide if it was Reaper or Reapers) Most went to Antonian. Alex was one of my good high school buddies, a very funny guy. We got in trouble together, frequently. Gene Kirby was a grade school buddy of mine. This band got by on enthusiasm...no great players, but quite a conglomerate of humans. Jerry Arnold was a classic nerdy smart kid that got stoned and took a left...then he OD'd. Alex died a few years ago, '92 or '93. Lotsa drinking. I have their single somewhere, too." BG wrote: "Glenn Hobart-bass / Alex kinsel-vocals / Gene Kirby-guitar? / Jerry Arnold-keys / Chester Slimp-drums. By the way, Chester Slimp is an architect in san antonio...he could tell you all sortsa stuff about the grim reaper. Several years ago he videotaped Phil Arroyo and I doing a schtick called "little junior and the giants" - music for macho pigs. but that's another story!" AB wrote: "I pulled the Grim Reaper 45 from the shelf to see if there were any names on it. The writer's credit goes to "G. Kirby-A. Kinsel-G. Hobart."
THE GROUP - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob Galindo - guitar / Roy Cox - guitar,voc (and bouffant hair-do) / ?? - drums / ?? - bass / Bobby Trevino - organ. Bob writes: I can't remember the drummer or bass player's name. The drummer was cool, he was a lounge cat that wore shark skin suits, a razor cut hair-doo and a neck tie - has was always yanking on the necktie cause it was too tight. We would play lots of Don Couser KONO promo gigs. Roy Cox was heavy into the TEENTIME scene and was always seen on screen dancing with her highness, Sherry Adcock.....they pushed BIG RED like there was no tomorrow." ( addition by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris writes: "In reference to what Bob Galindo wrote about Teen Time...it was called "Swingtime" (kono12), not TeenTime. Ricky Ware had a tv show on kens 5 called TeenTime. Swingtime aired at 11:00am and Teentime aired at 4:00pm. The 2 shows were heavy competition."
HAMBURGER MARY - (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "Hamburger Mary was put together to play as house band at the old AT&T pavilion at Hemisfair in '69. We practiced once, learned 11 or 12 tunes and hit the stage. AT&T featured us every night, plus the Water Brothers, Virgil Foxx, and a few other regulars. Even The Children did one memorable gig there, before the city closed it down. We unfortunately ended our gigs at the exact same time as the shit-kicker club in the ex-Budweiser pavilion next door, so there would be 150 drunk cowboys and 150 stoned hippies thrashing it out at 1:00 a.m. Not a pretty sight. The hippies always lost. Personnel were: Leon Turbowitz - vocals, rhythm guitar, Pat Garrett - lead guitar, Jack Barrett - drums, Kurt Linhof - bass, No idea what happened to any of these guys, although I'm sure somebody has a story about Leon. Crow? Jay? Anybody?"
HATFIELD - (Contributed by Cathie Fuller) Cathie writes: "There was another band around in the late 60s/early 70s, playing places like the Jam Factory. Please correct me if the lineup isn't right, but I think it was: Jimmie Fuller & Mike Friedberg - guitars, Robert Miller - bass and Joe Chavanell - drums. The band's name was Hatfield. They also had a male singer but I can't remember his name. Maybe someone out there knows."
HEAVY HEART - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
HOMER - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
HOODLUM PRIEST - ( Contributed by Joe McDuffie ) Joe writes: "The Hoodlum Priest Bass player was a guy named John Simpson (late) that went to Alamo Heights back in the late 50's or early 60's. I think they formed in college. I believe it was Texas Tech up in Lubbock. They wore these cool outfits like white Priest outfits (very cool at the time)."
INNERSENSE - ( Contributed by Phil Moran a.k.a. OKIE D ) Glenn Smith - guitar,voc / David Adams - bass / Don Johnson - keys / Jay Cox - drums. Mike Lowell writes: This band played locally around 69'-70'. Song list was basically cover tunes, lots of Grand Funk which Glenn pulled off quite well. I always remember Glenn had this great Gibson Les Paul Jr guitar which was a real classic. The keyboard player used a Hammond B3 w/Leslie cab I think. Had a great sound. The members were mostly from the Alamo Heights area. Glenn Smith was the heart and soul of this outfit. NOTE: I previously had this band listed as "Axis" in the listings in error. Read the following from Jay Cox. (Contributed by Jay Cox) Jay writes: "Thought I'd give you the scoop on (not Axis), but "InnerSense". We were the second best band at Alamo Heights during 1969 & 1970. Flash of course was the best. We played mostly Military Bases' NCO & Officers Clubs. (The $ was pretty good...at least it was steady.)"
THE INVADERS - (Contributed by Roger Barnes) Roger writes: "Their leader and lead guitar player was Terry Laughlin, rhythm guitar was Roger Keys; bass, John Mullins; and drummer was Rick Tate. They played alot of gigs around town to include the Battle of the Bands at Teen Canteen. The Invaders were a very good band but were more clean cut...played covers mostly but were damn good at it. Anyway...thanks for posting my stuff...maybe some of the other guys will see it and feed more stories into your site."
KENNY AND THE KASUALS - (Contributed by Kenny Daniels) KD writes: "I cannot believe you have nothing on the best and greatest 60's Texas band ever,,,I'm here to fix that." www.kennyandthekasuals.com
THE KONFIGURATIONS - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE LATIN BREED - San Antonio, Jimmy Edwards.
MAX RANGE AND THE LAUGHING KIND - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE LAUGHING KIND - Phil Bepko - voc / Andy Salmon - guitar,voc / Bob Geisler - bass / Sol Casseb / Jerry Frank - keys. (Thanks to Rob Meurer for names) Mike Lowell writes: Due to my age and restriction to 21 clubs at the time, as well as recently arriving to the area, I didn't have a chance to hear this act for myself. The folklore I've heard about them is powerful, however. I could not go a week without hearing ads for them on the radio. They were known on the scene as a band who projected the image of being the best of the best. The band consisted of seasoned members who would later fan out to future bands of high caliber and popularity in the area. ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) Chris writes: "Now here's a story...The Laughing Kind name was re-used by Sol Casseb / Andy Salmon / Phil Bepko ( I think Sol played with Max one summer and maybe owned the name?). I don't recall the rest of the group... after the original band broke up in Port Aransas 1966, (not the same band), the last true Laughing Kind was created in 1967 and put together by Max Range / Bill King for one final run. The original band was named Max and the Laughing Kind and wasn't even the same band as the one in San Antonio. The line up for Max's band...Max Range (vocals and keeping the tourist women pregnant ), Bill "alligator" King - guitar ( it is said that Bill invented the dance "The Alligator" while playing the Port Aransas summers with Max). Mike Marechal (bass), Sam Allen (drums), Chris Holzhaus (guitar/vocals), Ronnie Huth (vox organ). Maybe someone can send more info on the other laughing kind?". ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "Max Range called us out of the blue sky. His band quit on him. They were going off to Kerrville to become the 13th Floor Elevators! We showed up on a very cold January day. "We", being The Loose Ends - myself, Dan Galindo, Bill King and Buddy Toscano. To the best of my knowledge, we were the ORIGINAL Max and the Laughing Kind. It should have been about jan.1965. It was very cold". Mike Lowell writes: Bob elaborates on this story on his trivia page located HERE . Look at the heading "Max and the Laughing Kind". (Forwarded to Mike Lowell from Bob Galindo) Andrew Brown wrote: "Talking to Chris Holzhaus the other night, I finally found out what happened to Max Range. His ex-wife shot him in the head circa 1970. According to Chris, he survived the blast, but has been a vegetable ever since, and has resided in a Kerrville rest home for the last 30 years."(Contributed by Andy Salmon) Andy writes: "I remember the Laughing Kind horn players, Jim & John Eagan and the guitarist was Keith Miller. Jerry Frank started on organ with this line-up.When I joined The Laughing Kind they were a horn band playing lots of Stax type R&B. This was the first time I played bass. A guy named Tommy Smith was the lead singer, Sol Casseb played drums. He was also in the Piplines. I forget the names of the two brothers who played trumpet & sax and the guitar player.(Sad isn't it?) After some personnel changes I went back to guitar. Leon Turbowitz took over as singer. Bob Giesler came in on bass (he was also in the Pipelines). Leon was eventually replaced by Phil Bepko. This lineup held together for several years and is the one probably most remembered in San Antonio. We opened shows for Iron Butterfly, Three Dog Night, Led Zepplin, Jethro Tull, the Byrds & others. Near the end Willie Ornelas took over on drums. Phil Arroyo was one of our roadies. We used to call them Goons." (Contributed by Margaret Moser ) MM writes: "You have done a spectacular job on this site, and given your excellent input (Meurer, Sahm, Holzhaus, etc), it is very accurate. It was a thrill to read all those names and all that trivia, some directly from the sources. It sent me back to my teen years and all day I have been singing alternately the Laughing Kind's "I'm Gonna Put Some Hurt On You" and Sweet Smoke's "Mary Jane's To Love." Try explaining *that* to someone who wasn't there." (Added by Sol Casseb) SC wrote: "As to the various names of members who came and went through the years, the ones I can remember are as follows: Andy Salmon, Jim Meekin, Jim Egan, Leon Turbowitz, Keith Miller, Bill Smith, Jerry Frank, Phil Bepko, Bob Geissler, Johnny Schwertner, Kent Liming, Pat Welberg, Mike Lasley, Bob Trevino, Roy Cox, Tommy Smith, as well as those other members who have been mentioned in the various emails and, certainly, those that I can no longer remember. (Contributed by Keith Miller) KM writes: " To fill in the gaps for The Laughing Kind of 1965: Tom McTaggert (drums), Bill Smith (bass) and Keith Miller (lead guitar) were playing in a band called The Mysterions with the legendary Roy Cox. We had an opportunity to hook up with Max Range from Port Aransas and play the entire summer of 1965 at The Dunes restaurant (on the covered patio) next to the pier. We took the opportunity but Roy stayed back in SA. We added Bill “Willie” King (guitar) to the group. Max named the band “Max and The Laughing Kind”. We had a free place to live during the summer gig. We painted the walls with black and yellow stripes and called it the “Laugh Shack”. During that summer, we had lots of folks crash there, pretty much every night - surfer dudes, shrimpers, strays off the beach, and lots of women (most of them looking for Willie). We never locked the doors. No reason in the 60s. Tom, Bill and I went back to SA after the summer and hooked up with Bobby Trevino (keyboards) and Tommy Smith (vocals) late 1965. We continued to use the name The Laughing Kind. Never heard from Max again. Last word we got, he was in jail. The name wasn’t registered or anything fancy like that. It was just a good name that stuck around and had lots of great musicians associated with it. The Laughing Kind of 1966/67 (Bill, Tom, Bobby, Keith and Tommy) cut a record called “ I Could Have Showed You The Way”. It did pretty good locally in SA. Made #12 on KTSA/KONO hit lists. Tom McTaggert got drafted and we got Sol Casseb on drums. Roy Cox came back and played guitar for awhile on his way to hooking up with Rod Prince of The Bad Seeds and starting The Bubble Puppy. Bill Smith left and was replaced by Andy Solman, who is a great guitar player but decided to play bass for awhile. We picked up a couple of horn players (the Eagan brothers), did some soul stuff. Tommy Smith left the band and one of our fellow San Antonio College Delta frat brothers Leon Turbowitz started singing with us. Jerry Frank joined when Bobby left. It wasn’t easy playing lead guitar when the bass player in the group was 10 times better than you at lead guitar. But Andy was cool and I survived a little longer before moving on to UT in Austin. Andy started playing lead guitar when I left. That took us through late 1968. The next set of musicians that kept The Laughing Kind going were some of the best of the local SA music scene."
LEMON RINDSTONE - Marius (Bubba) Perron - bass,voc / Laurent Perron - drums,voc / Meli Perron - keys??? / unknown - guitar. (Thanks to Chris Holzhaus for data ) Mike Lowell writes: I remember catching this band at the Mule Stall in Alamo Heights around 69' or so. It appears that it was a real family affair featuring 3 members of the Perron family plus others. I remember the song list as being nothing flashy, just good dance tunes of the times. The band members were dressed well but nothing outrageous or dangerous. The place was filled with older (non high school girls) so they must have been doing something right. Shortly after this gig the Perron Bros. joined up with Chris Holzhaus to form the powerhouse group EASTWOOD REVIEW (see listing). Chris and the Perron's whipped themselves into shape as this new group was a top notch blues outfit. The Perrons would have a long career in many bands around the area for years to come (see PERRONS, JIVA JIVE, STARDUST, MAX).
LIBERTO, RAY - (Contributed by Bill Lieber) Bill writes: "Remember Ray Liberto? I was involved with him a while back in his quest to make another come back. After three strokes its tough for him. Augie Myers came to one of his gigs to lend his support."
THE LOOSE ENDS - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob Galindo - guitar / Dan Galindo- bass (later with the 13th floor elevators)/ Bill King - guitar,voc (also in the ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE LAUGHING KIND, but that is another story) / Johnny cunningham -voc / Mike Soderstrum (original drummer), Buddy Toscano (2nd drummer), Gary Crabster (3rd drummer). (Contributed by Stephen Shelfer) SS writes: "I remember the Loose Ends did some GOOD Roy Orbison stuff."
LORD AUGUST AND THE VISIONS OF LIGHT - ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) BAND MEMBERS: Augie Meyers - vox organ/keys/leader / Harvey Kagan - bass/vocals / Danny Segovia - lead vocals / Publio Casias - guitar/vocals / Pineapple Marconie - drums/vocals. House band at the Pussy Cat club 68/69, (old Granada ballroom) downtown San Antonio...played 6 nights a week at this light show hot spot!The band had a great regional hit titled "I'm just a gigolo". (Contributed by Publio Casillas) PC writes: "I was playing guitar at the Pussycat Club with Lord August and the Visions of Light and I think that we went to the concert, at which Jimi Hendrix played. As I remember, we went back to the club. I happened to be talking on the phone at one of the public phones, when someone asked me for change for the cigarette machine. It was Jimi. I recognized him and so we talked for a while. He turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met. He was very friendly and polite, and I never forgot that. I remember , he commented on our band and was very complimentary. I don't know if anyone remembers me, but my name is Publio, and I played with Augie Meyers during most of the time that club was in existence."
MALE BACHS - (Contributed by Gary Oleson) GO writes: "Later I got Phil Bepko, Bruce Safley, Doug Reinicker (sp?) together and we gigged under the name "Male Bachs. But that was 40 or so years ago. Wow, brings back all kinds of memories." (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "I never could spell my name either. I enjoyed working with the Male Bachs. We pushed ourselves. We started including radio commercials in our song list, and toward the end we were doing an opening set that had not one second of dead air, just one song fading into another song, then fading into a Coke jingle or the ABC Pest Control song. We were basically live radio. I wonder what we were thinking."
MCRAE AND THE INVICTAS - (Contributed by John Fonte) JWFonte writes: "Paul (McRae) Frizzel (owner of Crazy Darrels on Fred Road) and Augie Fingar (keyboards extroidinaire)..were part of my fist rock and roll band HOPE. Way back (as MacRae and the Invictas) when touring meant eating they had a nasty car wreck and Augie experienced death and it turned him into a spiritualist. He was the first B3 player I ever saw who used the wah-wah better than most guitar players. I will try to find more on this ancient combo. They were the First Wave in San Antonio. These 2 guys, plus Leon Oehlers and I did a concert with SMITH at the Auditorium downtown."
MERCHANT STREET BAND - (Contributed by Freddy Carrillo) Fernando? - (lead voc) / Crow (real name?) - (lead guitar) / Chuck Booker (trumpet & arranger) / Freddy Carrillo ( tenor sax) / ? - Drummer / ? -(rhythm guitar) / ? - (bass) / ? - (hammond B3 w/Leslie Tone Cabinet) - "This band played around San Antonio in the late 60s and early 70s. I believe Louie Bustos was the original sax player and I filled in in 1968." This band came after the Royal Five.
DANNY MEYER - (Contributed by Chuck Belcar) CB writes: "The South Side is a BIG SMALL TOWN. Danny Meyer was sort of the catalyst for a lot of southside musicians. He moved back to Texas in about 1962 (he was about 35 I guess) after a few years with Billy Butterfield. Billy moved to New Orleans and joined "The world's Greatest Jazz" band with Ray Coniff. Meyer been playing union gigs in New York City and was in the CBS studio orchestra (often seen on the old Gary Moore show). Meyer had played with many off the greats (he also did 3 years in the west point band) from Louie Armstrong in the late 40s to Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in the Greenwich Village Days. I have some great small photos of the Newport Fest from 1959-60 that his wife took.He was sorta of the "doc Severinson" on a locally produced syndicated TV talk show called the Ed Dunn Show on channel four (later called Studio four) playing different instruments and showing off animal tricks he had learned from animal trainer Cylde Beatty when he was a 16 year old in the Circus Orchestra. Mr.Meyer's next door neighbor was a very young Bobby Jenkins at the Hotel Wells Trailer Park on S. Presa. When I was in elementary school I can remember him telling Jenkins that he had to play more than three chords (they played outside under a big pecan tree while eating spiked watermelon. When the show went off the air he became the musical therapist at the State Hospital on South Presa and was reunited with several old tour mates when they came through for alcohol or drug treatment (confidentiality forbids I name them, but you can guess) Anyway he led many a jam session in the 60s and early 70s that we cut our teeth on..I guess that is why St. James Infirmary, House of Blue lights and DeKalb Blues popped up in some of the southside rockers play lists. LOL. He had a house band at a private club on Main that later became the wet and wild..Pre LBTD days when you had to be a member. He taught Spacek and i a lot of chord progressions that were unknown (Augmented? say what?) to teenage rockers and Jimmy and Danny Cowan ended up playing together for a few years. Danny moved toward Roy Bucannan stuff and he is superior at it."
THE MINUETS - ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) David Frazier - vocals/ Larry Murphy - rhythm guitar,voc / Galen Niles - lead guitar / Charlie Shoenfeld - bass, keys, (touch bass) Chris writes: "The band known for the longest hair in San Antonio in 65, (girls went crazy when David stepped on stage, waist length hair..had alot of girlfriends ...heheh!) ...played alot of animals/yardbirds etc". ( Contributed by Jim Ryan ) Jim writes: "Galen knocked me out the first time I heard him play with the Minuets in 65. This was a group that had great 17th century French style blue costumes with lots of velvet and lace. They also had David Frazier (vocalist) who had the longest hair in town. Galen was playing a great Chet Atkins Country Gentleman(orange) and tuned before every set by just listening to to open strings( no fifth fret plunking). They opened a show for us in Austin and almost stole the show. He joined a band called the Pandas in 66 that had an affiliation with Mel Adcock (Swingtime producer) and cut a 45 in Houston at Gold Star called Walk. He then joined our group (The OutCasts) later that year and worked with us through late 67. He switched to a vintage Les Paul in late 66 and recorded with us on our last single, 1523 Blair/ Smokestack Lightning". (Contributed by Stephen Shelfer) SS writes: "Re the Minuets: Anyone remember the takeoff "As Queers go By" with Fisher and their rhythm guitarist simpering at each other??"
MOVING SIDEWALK - Very early Billy Gibbons band years before ZZTOP. As the story goes, Billy's prized stratocaster was a gift from Jimi Hendrix received backstage after the Sidewalks appeared as Jimi's warmup act. That strat can be heard on many of ZZ's recording."
MURPHY AND THE MOB - (contributed by Oktay Gurbuz) OG writes: "I just discovered your website, is very very cool ! Im looking for ages about the story and infos about one of the best and rarest garage punk single ever : "Murphy and the Mob" from Tyler Texas (1966 or 1967) born loser / because you love me - talisman records 1823-1 - thunderball music / bmi: credits : (t.murphy-d. murphy-s. brewerton). It's easy to find their single as a repro bootleg or on cd "Back from the grave Vol 2). There is no picture known of the band, and no solid story about them. Have you got by any hasard infos about them, I'd love to write their real story and autographing my record cover. little link.... http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/murphy_and_the_mob . Thank you very very much in advance."
NAZZUR BLUE - (Contributed by Cliff Oliver) Cliff writes: "Phil Glosserman, Mike Godowns, Tommy Lovelace, bass was hmmm!, can't remember and me...this would be '67-'68. Just remembered the bass player in Nazzur Blue was Doug Becker. I ran across a picture we had taken. '66-'67 then I was going to TMI, very short hair..ha, ha. This was an all Alamo Heights band. I think we did a couple of gigs and an assembly at Alamo Heights. I remember we did some great renditions of some Yardbird songs. Tommy Lovelace was a great guitarist." (Contributed by Tommy Lovelace) TL writes: "I got the name from a Yardbird's song called The Nazz are Blue.....a Nazz was some British car. We played it. It was our opening number for each set."
THE ONES - (Contributed by Neka Scarbrough) Neka writes: Don't forget the ONES. (Contributed by Tommy Lovelace) TL writes: "Mike.....I need to get a few facts straight about The Ones before we close this. Ronnie played lead guitar and sang lead vocals. I played rhythm and lead guitar and sang backup. Coyle Stoffel played bass guitar. Mike Godowns sang lead, played great Yardbird Keith Relf style harmonica leads and Memphis style sax. Jay Miller was on keyboard (remember the Farfisa?). Jack Walker played drums. We had a great variety of dance music from the Mersey Beat to The Byrds to The Yardbirds to the Beach Boys to just plain ol' rock n roll dance music. We were a good all around dance band that played the Dump, Teen Canteen, TAG, and a zillion private gigs. All good things must come to an end, and so did The Ones when we all graduated from Alamo Heights in 68. Mike, Cliff Oliver, Doug Becker, Phil Glosserman and I went on to form The Nazzur Blues, focusing mainly on Paul Butterfield, Clapton, Yardbirds, Iron Butterfly, and many songs from The Ones. NOW.....let's close this page in one of the most WONDERFUL chapters of my life. I hope Mike and the others felt the same." (Contributed by Mike Godowns) MG writes: "I think Tommy’s summary is fairly accurate. Ronnie Wied and Mike Godowns split lead vocals. Mike also played sax, percussion and blues harp. Tommy Lovelace was Lead Guitar player and sang back up. The other members’ roles are accurately described. The Ones repertoire was eclectic and reflective of the dance music played during that era. The band, primarily Ronnie Wied, eventually added a few originals to The Ones Play List over time. Two of these arrangements became the A and B sides of a record that was released on the Satin label during the summer of 1967. The song, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” received modest air play and actually made it onto the KONO Hit List."
THE OUTCASTS - (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus) Jim Carsten - guitar,vocals / Buddy Carson - guitar,vocals / Denny Turner - lead guitar / Ricky Wright - drums / Jim Ryan - bass. Chris writes: "The band had one regional hit titled: "I'm in Pittsburgh and its raining". All were air force dependents...Buddy's dad (a major in the AF) was their manager. They always put on a great show and would always seem to win the Battle of the Bands competition at Teen Canteen. I remember that their show clothes were tiger stripped as well as the drums...cool in those days!". ( Contributed by Jim Ryan ) Jim writes:"I was a Bass player for the Outcasts, a group that played regionally from 1964 through 1968 out of San Antonio". Visit Jim's web site dedicated to the band at www.angelfire.com/tx/braindanceink/page2.html ( Contributed by Denny Turner ) Denny writes: "The Outcasts, which included our support personnel and close friends (ALL of whom were The Outcasts), ... and the countless Musicians and Audiences from that period ... along with the many concert halls, good venues and smokey Dives; ... will always occupy an exceptionally dear part of my being." Visit Denny's web site for a detailed Bio http://www.dennysguitars.homestead.com/bio2.html . DT adds: "ps: You might want to also link to my slide guitar web ring page, which would provide a portal into the slide guitar web ring; Pretty cool stuff in that web ring: http://www.dennysguitars.homestead.com/slide1.html ."
THE PARAGONS - (Contributed by Roger Barnes) Roger writes: "I read the stories by and about Bill Ash with great interest as Bill and I were good friends from the 7th thru 10th grade and reunited at our last two McArthur Class reunions. When I first met Bill, who had just moved to SA from Germany, all of us were blown away by his virtuoso guitar skills and his Rickenbacker guitar. We all had Silvertones and the like and had never seen a Rickenbacker much less heard a guy our age play like he could. What we loved about Bill is that he never let any of it go to his head. Later on when I was playing with a SA garage band called "The Paragons" (members included Tony and Rusty Degges, Court Thielman, and myself..Roger Barnes, rhythm guitar) Bill was playing with the Stoics at big gigs around town to include the infamous Teen Canteen."
THE PIPELINES - (Contributed by Andy Salmon) Andy writes: "I played lead guitar in The Laughing Kind and bass with Flash (with Chris Geppert, later Christopher Cross) and Christopher Cross on the first two albums. (But) Before that I played lead in a Beach Boys type band called The Pipelines during high school. I met Chris Holzhaus, Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers and Roy Cox (Bubble Puppy)around that time. The Pipelines were Johnny Gross, Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitar; Bob Geisler, Bass & Vocals; Craig Moody, Vocals, percussion, some guitar & organ; Sol Casseb, Drums; and me on Lead Guitar & Vocals. We used to play a regular Surf Night at the Teen Canteen when it was downstairs in the Wonderland mall. Vocals were our thing. We played mosty Beach Boys then gravitated to a lot of Hollies, Monkees, Mamas & Papas, Blues Magoos,Beau Brummels, Kinks & whatever else was on the radio that had a lot of vocals. We all went to Robert E. Lee High. I graduated in 1967. The band broke up about that time. Sol went on to play with the Laughing Kind & that's how I ended up with them. He's now a judge in San Antonio, like his dad was. John is a choir director for a church, Bob is a lawyer somewhere & no one's heard anything about Craig as far as I know. Originally Galen Niles was the lead player. How I got in the band was that Galen lived across the street from me. I used to hear him practicing w/his amp on ten. He used to hear me too & one day he came over and introduced himself, so we went back to his house & picked a bit. He was a couple of years older & waaaay better than me. He had an Echoplex and could do this Chet Atkin's thing. Really impressive. I used to go over when they were practicing, nobody called it rehearsing back then. Galen got a Ford Mustang. I think it was a graduation present. One day not long after he got it he drove it over an embankment and broke his back - really bad. He was laid up for months. So, they said why don't you play with us. Also, vocally I could hit really high notes in those days, so it worked out great - except for Galen. After he got better he got into the Minuets, then Homer."
PUBLIO AND THE VALIANTS - (Contributed by Publio Casillas) PC writes: "Your web site was brought to my attention by some friends I hadn't seen in many years. I browsed through your collection of bands and brought back some very fond memories. How ever I noticed that there was no mention of my group, Publio and the Valiants, which has been in the mix of bands in San Antonio, continuously since 1962. We were the first band to play at the Purple Onion, Purple Eye, Frisky A Go Go which were the same club, owned by Guy Linton who also owned the Green Gate and the Orleans Room. In fact it was from there that Augie Meyers hired me in March 1966 to take Doug Sahm's place in the Sir Douglas Quintet,along with Harvey Kagan, Danny Segovia, and David Brown, while Doug Sahm fulfilled some court mandates after his encounter with law enforcement authorities in Corpus Christi, Texas. We toured through out the Midwest, East Coast and Canada, for the next couple of years. We then became Lord August and the Visions of Light and played The Blue Note for a while until we began playing at The Pussy Cat Club, downtown, during Hemisfair. We were co-house band along with Spot Barnett's band and then after a few months, were the house band. We were very fortunate, that in that venue we had the opportunity to open up for or work with bands such as The Yardbirds, when Jimmy Page was with them, The five Americans, The Electric Prunes, The Grass Roots, Roy Head, Spencer Davis Group, Spirit and many others. However, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. I started Publio and the Valiants in March 1962 and released OUT OF TOWN and IMAGE OF LOVE, which became local hits during that spring and summer. As result I wound up travelling on a road show with Ray Peterson, from which I learned a great deal. I played local clubs, while I was in San Antonio, and then in December 1962 I went to work for Guy Linton at the Purple Eye.The place was an instant hit. It was packed every night. That summer, I bought the club from Guy and operated it for several months during which time I brought in Ray Peterson for a show and hired Doug Sahm to play the late shift, from midnight to four in the morning. I decided that club ownership was not for me and sold it back. However, after a few trips to California and the East Coast, I settled down at the Frisky A Go Go, until March 1966 when Augie Called me. Later on I'll send in more of the story and up date some things. Publio and the Valiants is still operating in San Antonio; still gong strong." (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "I also worked several years with Publio and the Valiants."
PULSATIONS - (Contributed by Mike Cunningham) MC writes: "I play bass for the Pulsations. We formed in 1966 and have played pretty much continuously to the present in and around Midland. I would like to add our band to your listing. We started as jr. high students, played high school dances and clubs, some of us played in college and then all returned to Midland by the mid 70's and began playing again. we now all have families, etc and enjoy the music more now than ever. many tales, many stories...is this something worthy of your site?"
RACHELS CHILDREN - (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "Rachel's Children, founded in '66, might have been the best psychedelic band in the country. Sounded like a cross between Crosby, Stills and Nash (but 3 years before them) and Moby Grape, but with a more cosmic drive. I came along to play bass later, in '68, did a lot of gigs at Hemisfair, then we moved to L.A. to take a shot at Elektra records. Lenz disappeared for some reason. Bellamy went from bass to guitar, to replace Don, who was in the Air Force and couldn't make it to L.A., but it eventually all fell apart, no contract. As I remember the original band, it was: Don Harding - lead guitar and vocals, Will Bellamy - bass and vocals, (Ten years later these guys would become Will and Earl, of Joker Moon), Rex Foster - acoustic guitar and vocals, Jim Newhouse - drums & tympani, Bob Lenz - lead guitar, Clay Stewart - bongos and God knows what, Phil Krumm - management & psychic counsel." (Contributed by George Maillot) George writes: "I was sitting innocently in my dorm room at U of H, looking to get........... " Mike Lowell writes: To read this along with many more stories , see the TRUE LIFE STORIES section by Will Bellamy and George Maillot - OR click HERE.
THE REL-YEA'S - (Contributed by Jim Frizzell) JF writes: "I'm not sure if you remember a band called The Rel-Yea's. I was with that band before the Chayns."
RHYTHM KINGS - ( Contributed by Chris Holzhaus ) Andy Reil - vocals / Henry Alfaro - guitar,voc / Little Roger Gonzales - guitar,voc / Carl Alfaro - bass / Oscar Centeno - drums. Chris writes: "This was another band from the Jefferson area. The "Rhythm Kings" played basically the same gigs the ARGYLES played. They played from about 67 to 70...did a great "Hang on Sloopy!". Their mgrs were Jack Orbin and the late Carl Swartz. Jack is the owner of Stone City productions in San Antonio." (Contributed by Richard Contreras) RC writes: "And the Rhythm Kings mgr. was more Carl Schwartz then it was Jackie Orbin."
THE RIPTIDES - ( Contributed by David McDavid and Bob Galindo ) Cool neato late sixties surf band.
ROCKSAND - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE ROYAL FIVE - ( Contributed by Sondra & Tony ) S & T writes: "And then the Royal Five - Leonard Perez (brother of Johnny Perez who was drummer for The Sir Douglas Quintet), Rick Favela on drums (later to go on to greater fame with Giant Smiling Dog), Fernando ? was lead singer, and a guy named Roland ? who played trumpet with them for a while, and later went on to the Royal Jesters. Does this ring any bells? Remember when the Sir Douglas Quintet played at the Teen Club in Wonderland basement? "
ROYAL JESTERS - see entire photo and comment collection HERE
THE SERFS - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob Galindo - guitar / Al Glasscock - guitar / Dan Galindo - bass / Phil Savoy - vocals / Gary Crabster - drums.
SHIVA'S HEAD BAND - (Contributed by Spencer Perskin) Spencer writes: "Yo dude, been perusin your site. Please check out and/or link to http://www.outlawforpeace.com/spencer/. (Shiva's Headband) We have a new cd 'The Temple of Rock and Roll'. Am working on a solo project and one by my duo partner, Jerry Rigged. Free cuts, true outrageous austintaciousness, all former vinyl available on cd, photo album, bios, and discog. Adding another story every month."
SID FISHER - (Contributed by Brenda Hutchison) BH writes: "Sid Fisher - blind solo keyboardist who played in the lounge at the Menger Hotel (I went there a time or two with Billy Gibbons, who LOVED him)."
SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET - Doug Sahm, Augie Myers. Classic historical SA band.
SMOKE - (Contributed by Michael Clark) MC writes: "Are you familiar with a band called, Smoke, that opened a lot of Elevator shows in Houston and Galveston?"
SPIDELS - (Contributed by Sue Ohman) Sue writes: "I was wondering if you had any information on the Spidels? I didn't see them listed...I've kept in contact-sort of-with one fellow that played with the Spidels and a few other bands at the time-Kurt Linhof-while we were in High School at Randolph High School. What a great time to be in San Antonio" (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "The Spidels were a great Stones cover band, from late '64 through '66, the original lineup was: Sammy Vilnes - vocals, percussion, Jerry Osborn - lead guitar, Jesse Samudio - rhythm guitar, Gene Coleman - drums, Terry Patton, then Kurt Linhof - bass, Terry was the best bass player I ever heard in San Antonio, but left near the end of '65, I think to make real money with a country band. I played with them from late '65 through '66. We had a fan club in Seguin with about 75 high school girl members, and played LOTS of gigs there. We always came in second to the Outcasts in Battles of the Bands, but were a good band, Sammy had the look (and the lips) to do an amazingly good Jagger. Jesse got drafted in '66, Gene was still playing, in Dallas, a few years back, but the rest of their stories are a mystery to me."
THE STARLIGHTS - ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob Galindo - guitar / Billy Wyatt - bass / Roland Parga - guitar,voc / Mark Calderon - drums.
THE STOICS - (Contributed by Bill Ash) Bill writes: "A Lisa in Austin contacted me several years ago and said that our 45 record "Enough of What I Need" was selling for around a $100 to $200 if you can get a copy. She also said that about a dozen Austin bands had made recordings of the song which she sent me a tape of . What a trip to hear our song done in a bunch of different versions. By the way, the record was banned by Ricci Ware, the "Boss Jock" at KTSA, a pop radio station in San Antonio in 1966 - the banning immediately made us one of the top bands in the area and our bookings sky rocketed. The words: "Remember all the nights you kissed my lips and the pleasure of my finger tips" was too much for the times). We re-released it on the back of the Children's first 45: "Picture Me" a year later, but that was the summer of 67' the Beatles released "Sgt. Peppers" and the Doors "Light My Fire" and the world changed overnight."
STRAY DOGS - (Contributed by Margaret Thibert) MT writes: "There was a band called Stray Dogs, with Tudy Taddi. Tudy was from San Antonio, but he played mostly in Fort Worth, in The Cellar."
THE SUEDES - need info.. anyone know anything bout this band???
SUNNY AND THE SUNLINERS - San Antonio, Classic West side sound featuring Sonny Ozuna of "Talk to me" fame.
SWEET SMOKE - See a full photo and comments page located HERE .
THE SWISS MOVEMENT - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Gregg Cheser - vocals / Gene Haines-guitar,vocal / Bob Geisler-bass,keyboard,vocal / Kent Limeing-guitar,vocal / Gene Coleman-drums. Robin writes: "These guys put on a great show and were a top draw around 67'68'. Their show was often climaxed by a tremendous drum solo by Coleman that included standing on top of his drums while playing. They once had the opportunity to open for The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio. Gene still has the great photo of he and Jimi with their arms around each other backstage and to this day looks like Hendrix's twin brother." ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "I do remember them. They used to play at the Teen Canteen quite a bit. They played well, but did not have any genuine charisma (like the Outcasts, or the Chayns....)" (Contributed by David McDonald) DM writes: "Regarding the Swiss Movement, they had a light show run by a guy named Willie who drove about a 37 Chevy." (Contributed by Steven Haynes) SH writes: "This is a picture (see the Photo in the Gallery) of my father Gene Haynes when he was in the band The Swiss Movement. They did open for Hendrix. He also played bass for Easy Money from 82 to 92. The band was Bob Giesler (bass), Kent Lyming(Rythm Guitar), Greg Cheser(vocals), Gene Haynes(lead Guitar) and Gene Coleman (Drums). I thought Gene Coleman was Jimi hendrix until I was about five, when my dad broke the news to me I was crushed. I think my dad is still in touch with Gene. I think my father is playing bass with Rusty Martin at the sarasota blues festival in August." (Contributed by Gregg Cheser) GC writes: "Mike,a friend just turned me on to your site. What a blast from the past. The name of the "joint" is Teen Town. It was run by a, soon to be retired policeman who wanted to get us kids off the streets. It was a dump, but a lovely one. It was there I started listening to another great local band, The Spidels. January 1st, l966-67 was The Jagger look-a-like, Sammy Vilnas`s last nite. You would know more about the exact than me, even though it began my career(?) as lead singer of that band. After some personnel changes, a name change, The Spidells, a little more personel change, another legally forced name change, We became The Swiss Movement. We opened for a lot of names, Spirit 1910 Fruitgum Co. Animals, War, a few others, as well as Jimi Hendrix on his first stop in S.A. He had a ragged night at Municipal Auditorium. Not to mention it was only about2/3 full. Unbelievable. What was that date? Thanks for your time. If there`s anything I can help you with, just let me know. Sincerely, Gregg Cheser, Lead singer Swiss Movement"
TC REVIEW - DL writes: "I heard them twice, once at the Jam Factory or Pusikat downtown and again at La Villita hall during the Thomas Jefferson high school prom of 69'. It was a multi-racial band. The lead singer was African-American, a couple of anglos and a couple of Mexican-Americans. They had drums, bass, guitars and a horn section. They played Rythym and blues, Soul and did a mean version of Blood, Sweat and Tears and top forty."
TEXAS BOOGIE BAND - (Contributed by Rose Ann Green) RG writes: "Also, you should have Alan Haynes' band listed - Texas Boogie Band - where it all began here in Houston! Alan, Linda, Adrian and Brian - I think that was the drummer's name, I'll have to think about that one - all Boogie Band members."
TOUCHSTONE - (Contributed by Robin Overall) Robin writes: "This was one of singer / songwriter Suzie Jensen's best bands around 1970. This was the first time San Antonio got to see the great bassist Bill Rowe who I think later moved to Houston and played in some of the jazz / rock fusion bands there. I don't remember the other members names." (Contributed by John Fonte) JF writes: "First configuration lineup: Louis Siedlecki-vocals / Suzi Jensen-vocalist extroidinaire / David Poehlmann-guitar / Leon Oehlers-drums / JW Fonte-student bassist. I was the bassist for Touchstone from it's origin until the Summer I got drafted in 1970. I escaped to Florida, beat the draft (but later joined USAF in 1977) and kept playing music in Tampa until returning to Texas in 1973, whereupon I fell in with a group that became regulars at a funky bar named CRAZY DARRELL'S at the old Fred Road shopping center. Galen's group Homer and Touchstone opened a disastrous Sunken Gardens BLUE CHEER show and we later played there as openers for the MC5. In those days it was hard to get on concerts, but somehow we kept the pressure on and while I was still bassist we opened for Zappa at the Muni Auditorium in the months preceding my getting hooked by the draft. I still maintain contact with Leon Oehlers and occasionally with Louis Siedlecki but have lost contact with David Poehlmann and Suzi Jensen. One particularly fond memory is the night we returned to the Jam Factory and really had it on. Another weird memory was the beginning of our run at The Spook House and we had to deal with a bunch of Bandido's who thought it was a "Free Gig". Texas was good to me and I met the best people in my musical endeavors."
TRAYDWINDS - (Contributed by Brad Jowers) "Click HERE to read an in depth history of this band contributed by Brad Jowers. Mike Lowell adds: To anyone who has read the article link above.. keep in mind that Brad may have confused the year in which the events he described occurred. Several posts have come in disputing the year. See the next several posts.. (Contributed by Ann In Dallas) Ann writes: "Sorry but I have to correct Brad Jowers. The band at the Dunes in Port Aransas in 1967 WAS Max, Mike Marechal, Ronnie Huth, Bill King, Sam Allen and Chris Holzhaus. I WAS THERE!!! And when I wasn't in Port Aransas with them, I was at Bill King's house watching them practice. I know plenty of San Antonio girls that were there, also." (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus) CH writes: "I guess Jowers memory is off a year or two. He claims that they were the house band at the Dunes in Port Aransas in 67'. I was in Max and Plumleys Pirates that summer, & don't remember Thailkill's band playing there that summer. Here is the lineup, Max Range -vocals, Bill King -guitar, Ronnie Huth -vox organ, Mike Marechal -Bass and me on lead. The year before we played at the Dunes in 67, it was Max and the Laughing Kind (66), Bill King was always in the band with Max from 65-67. In 65, it was Max and the Lingsmen. The Lingsmen broke up because 2 of them joined the 13th Floor Elevators in 65." (Contributed by Elizabeth Moon) EM writes: "The article that Brad Jowers wrote on The Traydwinds, he mentioned that the band moved to Austin in 1967 and later became the Luv Light, with John Moon on bass. John Moon was my oldest brother, and though he died in a car accident in 1977 (as mentioned in the article), he remains the most influential person in my life. I can't tell you how happy I was to see the article on your site; it is like John is still alive, at least electronically! Thanks so much for your web site, and for posting the article; it truly made my day." (Contributed by Peggy Hicks) PH writes: "My brother, John Moon, was in a band called the Traydwinds, which became known as the Luv Light when it moved to Austin. John was also in a band called The Texas Starmen & he died tragically in an auto accident on August 20, 1977, while he & the band were on their way to a gig in or near Victoria, TX. He signed a recording contract just 3 days prior to his death, & it's a tragedy that his life was cut short when he was on the verge of maybe making it big. He is survived by his band mates, his wife, & his stepson, whom he was attempting to adopt at the time of his death.
THE TROLLS - (Contributed by Kurt Linhof) Kurt writes: "The Trolls (mid-late '65) were from Randolph. We played our first gig as the warm-up for the Sir Douglas Quintet at Teen Canteen, Doug's first gig after their English promo tour for 'She's About A Mover'. We were good at Stones tunes (who wasn't?), but that was about it. We would come in 3rd at best in the big Teen Canteen Battles of the Bands, behind the Outcasts and Spidels, and if any other decent bands showed up, then we'd be 4th or 5th. Not much to talk about. Personnel were: Dave Orwell - vocals, 'Reverb' Ralph Climer - lead guitar, Lex Akers - rhythm guitar, Jimmy Newhouse - drums, Kurt Linhof - bass. I have no idea what happened to any of these guys except Newhouse, who is playing a little in Houston." (Contributed by Lex Akers) LA writes: "It was great to see the write-up by Kurt about the Trolls. I was living in San Antonio when Doug passed on and recalled the fun night we had playing warm-up for the Sir Douglas Quintet. The band later broke up when the bass player than came after Kurt was drafted. I don't recall his name." (Contributed by Ralph Hooper) RH writes: Hey, I played lead guitar in The Trolls. At the time I was using my step-father's last name (Climer). When I went into the service I had to use my legal last name (Hooper). I still remember all of the guys and the bass player's name who got drafted was Mike Hunt. Those were very good times and I hope some of the band members contact me. Spent a year in Vietnam (1969-1970) and eventually ended up in North Dakota. Surely, no one would ever think I would end up a CPA/Attorney with an emphasis in tax! Hell, we were kicked out of a battle of the bands once because my hair was too long! Life is very strange isn't it? My favorite group is still the Stones. I hope all the band members have had a good life and are enjoying what they are doing now."
THE UNION JACKS - (Contributed by Ray Fuller) RF writes: "The Union Jacks Band was together from 1967-1971 with two sets of members. First group was Butch Denny and Spencer Drake on guitars, Pat Arnold playing bass, Mark Donahue on Organ with Fred Donaldson and later Geoff Mayes keeping the beat. Second version was Val Roessling and Ray Fuller on guitars, Vance Reid played bass, Joey Peacock on drums and Mark from the original group playing keyboards. Original group played the Holiday Inn at Lake McQueeney, Trinity, Mystic Moor and other places. Second version played lots of South Texas gigs and in S.A. played at the Pusi-Kat, opened for Sweet Smoke several times and once opened for ZZtop at Trinity in 1969. This was before ZZ was "'nationwide," but still "Shakin' Your Tree" in Texas. Both band versions did several Saturday morning stints on Swingtime. Original Union Jacks guitarist Spencer Drake is now lead man for bluegrass band The Ledbetters and plays all around Texas and sometimes travels to Tennessee. Val Roessling now lives at Canyon Lake and plays around the Gruene area in the Amazing Quitters. One of the band's best stories is when our New Year's Eve 1969 gig fell through and we decided to play the battle of the bands at Teen Canteen. Although we did play the Canteen on a regular basis we thought doing the "battle thing" was a little beneath us. So, being the smart asses we were, we decided to change our name to "Herbie Kumquat and the Maypole Dancers" for one night. We won the battle and Sam Kinsey started getting us gigs with the fake name. For awhile people were actually willing to pay more money for Herbie Kumquat and The Maypole Dancers than the Union Jacks."
VIRGIL FOXX GROUP -
WEST WIND - (Contributed by Doug Ryniker) DR writes: "I worked with John Ramirez and George Gallegos in West Wind."
WISHBONE ASH - Mike Lowell writes: I was in a band called HOT CHEXX and we were doing a large outdoor party called the Hoganfest just north of SA. I was standing around waiting for the other band to finish up when our sound man, John Hogan, and this other guy walks over to me. This guy looked normal enough and seemed like a nice enough guy. John says "I want you to meet Ted Turner, he used to be in Wishbone Ash". Indeed! I knew who he was! I said it was nice to meet you and that every band in town has played at least one song from the band at one time or other. I told him that I knew he was the one that wrote all the songs and that I thought he was a great songwriter. This put him at ease. John started laughing and said that I was the first guy all day who did not talk to Ted as though he were dead. I guess it must be hard to be famous and then not be. Ted said that he was working at Alamo Music in SA but was working on getting something going soon. He had plans to move out to California or maybe even go back to England. He said that he and his former guitarist Andy Powell did not talk much anymore and that Andy was still back in England trying to get something going. John and Ted bid farewell and unfortunately, I did not have a chance to talk to him again before he left the party.
TERRY YARBOROUGH AND THE COUNTRY SQUIRES - (Contributed by Larry Patton) LP writes: "Terry gave me my first bass guitar gig after I got out of the army in 1969. I played a while with Terry just before I went to work with Johnny Bush around 1970. The band was myself (Bass), Mickey Rowe (Drums), Bert Mund (Lead Guitar), Glenn Hardin and later Don Beirstedt (Steel Guitar), Randy Reinhard (Piano). We traveled in an old 1951 Cadillac limo we called "asthma" Terry had gotten it from George Chambers when George got his bus. Terry also played bass for Darrell McCall for a long time after The Country Gentlemen broke up. Terry was killed a few years ago in a train wreck in south Texas. He had been an engineer with the railroad for many years."
ZILCHES - (Contributed by Rob Meurer) Jay Hoyer - voc / Rob Meurer - drums / Bob Galindo - guitar / Rick "Crow" Mendez - guitar / Mike Long - bass / Ricky Hernandez - keys / Phil Arroyo - guitar,voc. Rob writes: "Bob Galindo was the other guitarist in the group. When Bob joined, Phil stopped playing guitar and became a second front man with Jay. Bob and Crow were an awesome lead guitar duo. Soon Phil left the group and this era was considered the group's best, with Jay, Crow, Bob, Mike, and I (no offense to Phil!). Bob is now an architect in Austin and still plays. When Phil left the group, we changed the name to VIRGIL FOXX. God we were young! 15, 16. Ricky Hernandez played with us for awhile at the start of The Zilches, which featured the four Virgils plus Phil Arroyo. Ricky is Phil's cousin. Ricky is still a good buddy of mine, and, in fact, he just moved to L.A.a few days ago." ( Contributed by Kurt Otto ) Kurt writes: "The Zilches kicked ass. Jay Hoyer, Phil Arroyo, Bobby Galindo -gtr, Rick "Crow" Mendez-gtr, Rob Meurer-drms. I forget who played bass... Mike Long? Later on, they became Virgil Foxx. I saw them at Antonian gym too many times to keep count. They used to play "Sky Pilot" by the Animals. They were really cool! Bobby Galindo is the brother of Danny Galindo, 13th Floor Elevators bass player, and after the Zilches, he had that Austin band, Storm. Long, long time ago...'69 or '70." ( Contributed by Bob Galindo ) Bob writes: "YES I was a Zilch, I was there for the golden age, where we played such famous gigs as the grand opening of Der Weinerschnitzel on Fredericksburg Rd., the battle of the bands in the parking lot of Ursuline Academy (we won), many appearances at the Teen Canteen, some "crummy converted cafeteria" on the south side (Teen Scene?), a gazillion dances at Antonian High and Central High, VFW halls in south Texas, etc. I could write pages of folklore about us, and I will. Myself (guitar), Rick "The Crow" Mendez (guitar), Phil Arroyo (guitar and vocals), Jay Hoyer (vocals), Rob Meurer (drums), Ricky "Kike" Hernandez (keyboard). We changed our name to the Virgil Foxx Group: One day I was perusing the New Yorker, looking at the entertainment listings. In the fine print some guy, a classical organist, was giving a performance in a church. His name was Virgil Fox. I was so ignorant I did not know that he was the guru of classical organ. I thought, "man that's a cool name!". So I lifted it and changed the spelling so I could sleep at night. The guys loved it and we transformed ourselves from pimply faced north side pussies into pimply faced north side artists! Our egos soared afterwards, nothing could stop us. We must have been the most arrogant band in town. We had one hell of an entourage - David King, Al Catacolas (sp), David "bear" Vallejo, Alfred "baby Alfred" ? (darn I forgot his last name),countless others." (Contributed by Laurent Perron) Laurent writes: "Do you remember the TV show on Saturday morning where local bands could play a song, I think they taped them at either KSAT or KMOL called ???????? It'll come to me. We played when we were in The Lemon Rhindstone. I know the Zilches did it as did many other local bands. The show was coordinated or produced by Mel Adcock who's daughter was Sherry Adcock. I've always thought it would be such a hoot to get a copy of those old recordings. Can you imagine seeing Jay Hoyer, Rob Meurer, Bob Galindo, Phil Arroyo in all their pimple faced glory doing Manic Depression? I don't know what ever happened to Sherry Adcock. She was around 25 at the time." (Contributed by Ann In Dallas) RockinAnnie writes: "Great show! (Don Couser's SWINGTIME was the name of the Saturday morning TV show). Couser seemed like a great guy with a kid's heart." Mike Lowell writes: I recently asked Phil Arroyo if he could fill me in on some of the early details of this band. The following link takes you to a in-depth page written and contributed by Phil Arroyo. Phil was one of the original members of this legendary local band and was nice enough to send the following page. Click HERE to read. (Contributed by Rob Meurer) RM writes: "When I was 14 and a freshman at Antonian ('64-'65), there was a pep rally in the auditorium one day. A few guys played some tunes, and there was a set of drums set up. Now, I only had a snare drum at the time, but I'd been practicing playing kit at home by putting on Beatles records and kneeling on my bed with my sticks and hitting where I imagined the drums would be. I really wanted to play this guy's kit, so when the event was over I asked him and he said OK. I sat down and played who knows what, and it felt great to me, natural as anything. As soon as I'd finished playing, this really brash kid -- who I didn't know at all because I was sort of a brainiac kid and he, well, wasn't -- came up to me, spouting all sorts of arrogant B.S. and telling me I was great and that he needed a drummer for his new band. Half amazed and half amused, I said "Sure! I'm in." And to seal the deal, he handed me a ballpoint pen and put out his palm -- and I signed my name on Jay Hoyer's hand. I was now in The Zilches. And I played with these same guys for over five years."